PLAINS & Vol. 49—Is. 4 APRI, 2015 PEAKS VOL. 43 - ISS. 7 OCTOBER 2009

Casper Wyoming - Monthly Publication MURIE http://www.murieaudubon.org

WILDERNESS ACT TURNS 50

mericans recently celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Act of 1964. Allison Ginn, BLM Outdoor Rec- A reation Planner and Sylvia Bruner, Registrar at the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, developed a short program titled "Wilderness: A Philosophy". The presentation includes a closer look at Wyoming's role in the development of the . This presentation provides a great opportunity to refresh your memory on some of the pivotal issues and compromises that resulted in the National Wilderness Preservation System we enjoy today. Allison Ginn is an Outdoor Recreation Planner in the Buffalo & Newcastle Field Offices. She is a member of BLM's cadre of trainers for Wilderness Study Area management. Prior to permanent em- ployment with BLM, she conducted recreation research for the USFS Southern Research Station and was a river ranger on the Rogue River in Southern Oregon. Ms. Bruner is the Assistant Director and Registrar at the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum in Buf-

CALENDAR TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE # April 10—General Meeting Brief History of the Wilderness Act, Wyoming 2 Connection April 11—Field Trip, pg. 5 April 20—May Newsletter deadline From the President, Bird Notes 3 for articles Around Western Wyoming 4 June 13-14—Bioblitz, pg. 5 Field Trip, Friends and Fellow Birders 5 Friend of Murie Form 6

MAS Contact Info, Audubon Rockies Contact 7

SAVE TREES—Get your newsletter at murieaudubon.org! Contact Rose- Mary at [email protected] or 262-4861.

PAGE 2 PLAINS & PEAKS falo. She serves as the Northeast Region Rep- meled by man, where man himself is a visitor resentative of the Wyoming State Historical So- who does not remain.” ciety Executive Committee, and is the State When Congress passed and President Captain for the American Association for State Lyndon Johnson signed the Wilderness Act on and Local History Awards Team. As you may September 3, 1964, it created the National Wil- have guessed, she enjoys history - especially derness Preservation System. The initial statuto- Wyoming history - and she and her husband fre- ry wilderness areas, designated in the Act, com- quently go camping in the Cloud Peak Wilder- prised 9.1 million acres of national forest wilder- ness area with their mules, horse, and dogs. ness areas in the United States of Ameri- The meeting will be on Friday, April 10, ca previously protected by administrative orders. 2015, at 7 pm at the Oil & Gas Conservation Bridger Wilderness was included in the initial Commission Building at 2211 King Blvd. As al- protected areas. The current amount of areas ways, the program is free and open to the pub- designated by the NWPS as wilderness totals lic! 757 areas encompassing 109.5 million acres of PROGRAM CHAIR—Bruce Walgren federally owned land in 44 states and Puerto Ri- co (5% of the land in the United States). Other supporters of the Wilderness Act besides , included Bob Mar- shall, Harvey Broome, , Sigurd F. Olson, , and Mardy and Olaus Murie. Howard Zahniser and Olaus Murie both died before the Act became law, but their perse- verance as well as many unnamed individuals convinced lawmakers to pass the legislation that now protects many of our lands today.

WYOMING CONNECTION BRIEF HISTORY OF THE

WILDERNESS ACT laus and Mardy Murie were always fond of O wild places; they honeymooned by travel- y 1955, conservation advocates were be- ling over 500 miles around the upper Koyukuk B coming disillusioned with the piecemeal at- (Alaska) region by boat and dogsled conducting tempts at preservation of America’s wild lands. caribou research. Thus began a lifelong part- The Wilderness Act of 1964 was written by How- nership in life and purpose. Olaus was educat- ard Zahniser of The Wilderness Society. It creat- ed as a wildlife biologist and was working for the ed the legal definition of wilderness in the United U.S. Bureau of Biological Survey (U.S. Fish and States, and protected 9.1 million acres of federal Wildlife Service) and was later assigned to com- land. The result of a long effort to protect federal prehensively investigate the Jackson Hole elk wilderness and to create a formal mechanism herd resulting in the classic publication “The Elk for designating wilderness, the Wilderness Act of North America.” was signed into law by President Lyndon B. The Muries continued to raise their family Johnson on September 3, 1964, after over sixty and became civically involved in Jackson Hole. drafts and eight years of work. They also became associated with the newly The Wilderness Act is well known for its created Wilderness Society, the Wildlife Society, succinct and poetic definition of wilderness: “A and the Izaak Walton League of America. wilderness, in contrast with those areas where Through his job and conservation organization man and his own works dominate the land- contacts, Olaus helped influence the enlarge- scape, is hereby recognized as an area where ment and the creation of new units to existing the earth and its community of life are untram- National Parks. After leaving his job with the PAGE 3 PLAINS & PEAKS

Survey, swans had departed before I got there. The Olaus be- Horned Larks are singing and beginning to look came presi- for territory and mates. I did note a few lingering dent of The Common Goldeneye which I expect to move to Wilderness higher elevations soon. Sandhill Cranes are be- Society. He, ing seen in the fields along the 33 mile along with road. Killdeer are back in appropriate habi- other field tat. In short it is spring so it is time to get out biologists, and look for the return of both the birds and campaigned flowers. for what would become the Arctic National Wild- PRESIDENT—Chris Michelson life Refuge. The idea of preserving an entire ecological system became the intellectual and scientific foundation for a new generation of nat- BIRD NOTES ural parks. By the time of his death in 1963, Olaus had earned a prominent position in the historical n the last month, ranks of eminent American preservationists. I here in the Cas- Mardy Murie began writing and took over much per area we’ve had of her husband’s conservation work. Her tire- snowstorms alter- less efforts as a conservation advocate pre- nating with unsea- served some of the most important wilderness sonably warm areas left on the planet, especially in her be- weather. But com- loved Alaska. pared to many parts The Murie Center was created in 1997 as of the country, we’ve had it relatively easy. At a non-profit dedicated to carrying on the work of the time of this writing, most of the waterways the Murie family. With Mardy’s passing on Octo- are basically open and ice-free. Lots of water- ber 9, 2003, the center is now stepping into her fowl have been reported – Ring-necked Ducks, role as a voice for wild places. Redheads, Northern Pintails, Canvasbacks, Submitted by Bruce Walgren Common Mergansers, and Common Golden-

eyes. McDonald’s Pond, on Hat Six Rd., and Goldeneye Reservoir, west of Casper, have FROM THE been good waterfowl spots, also the Grey Reef/ Alcova area. PRESIDENT Right now passerine reports have not been very plentiful or unusual, but by the time you read this bird activity should be picking up. fter the rather long Some Cassin’s Finches have been seen, and A winter season which also Evening and Pine Grosbeaks. Red-winged we enjoy in Wyoming, it appears that spring has Blackbirds are starting to show up; (Dave Bish- arrived. I noted the new leaves on my lilac this op noted that his Red-wing returned a week ear- morning along with the increase in bird song in ly in Pacific Creek). Other interesting observa- the mornings. Red-winged blackbirds and west- tions include Zach Hutchinson’s Eastern Blue- ern meadowlarks are now singing regular- bird in March at Alcova; and Starla Mammon ly. House finches are getting back their color had an Osprey land in a tree in her backyard. after a drab winter. Waterfowl numbers are up Tammy and Evert Brown hiked around Golden- as is the diversity. A trip to Goldeneye Reser- eye and found a flock of 27 swans, many of voir produced many Northern Pintail, Redheads, which (if not all) were Trumpeters. Bruce and I Canvasbacks and some Lesser Scaup. The went out there the next day and counted 19 PAGE 4 PLAINS & PEAKS swans, some of which were definitely Trumpet- hatch, Doug (visitor) – Montezuma Quail; Sur- ers (even heard them calling). JP Cavigelli had prise, AZ: Cecil Foote – Gambel’s Quail, Pat been working up in Alaska – he found a dipper Classen – Northern Mockingbird; Bellevue, NE: in Denali NP and a Hoary Redpoll in Fairbanks. Clem Klaphake – Great Black-backed Gull; Ger- Also of note, a Sage Thrasher has been report- ing, NE: Alice Kenitz – Cassin’s Finch; Mitch- ed in the Hudson area. Anna Moscicki and Mi- ell, NE: Bob DeLara – Mountain Chickadee; chael Kenney took a couple trips around west- Scottsbluff, NE: Lonnie Frimann – American ern Wyoming – highlights include Trumpeter Goldfinch; Wildcat Hills, NE: Kathy DeLara – Swans, elk, and bighorn sheep. (Read Anna’s Evening Grosbeak; Florida: Barb Gorges – Ro- report for all of their observations on this page.) seate Spoonbill; Wilderness NP, South Africa; Also, we should be getting some reports of Suzanne Hargis – Knysna Warbler; Myrtle Sandhill Cranes soon. Beach, SC: Richard Rosche – Baltimore Oriole, Spring migration season is beginning in Dorothy Rosche – Painted Bunting; White- earnest; watch for the new arrivals!!! (Also, look horse, YT: Bruce Bennett – Cassin’s Finch, down as well as up – spring wildflowers are Seth Bennett – Ruffed Grouse. starting to poke their heads up.) Enjoy!!! Donna Walgren

Yard Bird Project Report: For the month of February, we received 44 reports of 35 species AROUND WESTERN WYOMING from 23 locations in 5 states plus Yukon Territo- ry and South Africa. inter has been somewhat slow for birds W here in the Dubois area. In addition to Casper, WY: Bart Rea – Cassin’s Finch, Barb our regulars, we have had American Goldfinch- Yonts – Downy Woodpecker, Bob Yonts – Red- es and Slate-colored Juncos at our feeder dur- breasted Nuthatch, Jim Brown – Evening Gros- ing February. beak, Frank Odasz – White-breasted Nuthatch, Michael and I went to Salt Lake for the Bruce Walgren – Common Raven, Casper Col- weekend of 2/27 - 3/1. There, sheltered forsyth- lege Greenhouse – American Crow, Karen An- ia and flowering trees have just begun to bravely fang – Evening Grosbeak, Donna Walgren – bloom, and a few daffodils were open in south- House Finch, Zach Hutchinson – Merlin, Ann ern exposures. Sunday morning we saw Gam- Hines – Pine Grosbeak; Cheyenne, WY: Barb bel’s Quail, a flicker, both Eurasian Collared and Gorges – Red-breasted Nuthatch; Dubois, WY: Mourning Doves, pigeons, starlings, robins and Anna Moscicki – American Goldfinch, Michael magpies in the city. As we drove home we saw Kenney – Dark-eyed Junco; Evansville, WY: Rough-legged Hawks, ravens, many eagles Ann Hines – Common Loon, Chris Michelson – (both Golden and Bald), several Mountain Blue- California Gull; Gillette, WY: Verna Hays – birds, and flocks of Horned Larks along the high- Black-capped Chickadee; Glenrock, WY: Mag- ways. nus Trembath – Bald Eagle, Cam Trembath – We had also taken a trip south to Black-capped Chickadee, Andrea Trembath – Seedskedee National Wildlife Refuge. Along Canada Goose; Mills, WY: Bruce Walgren – the Green River through Seedskedee we saw Blue Jay; Pacific Creek, WY: Helen Bishop – Trumpeter Swans, Goldeneyes, Common Mer- Red-breasted Nuthatch, Dave Bishop – Red- gansers, Mallards, and Canada Geese. Green winged Blackbird; Riverton, WY: Bob Hargis – River was free of ice. We watched a Northern Northern Goshawk; Seedskedee NWR, WY: Harrier harassing a Prairie Falcon that had been Michael Kenney – Prairie Falcon, Anna Moscicki peacefully perched on a tall pole. Unidentified – Tree Swallow; Ucross, WY: Ruth Salvatore – sparrows flew up from sagebrush and back Hairy Woodpecker; Glendale, AZ: Judy down again seconds later, (hard to ID at 25 Timperley Mathias – Northern Mockingbird; mph). Four moose, two on each side of Green Sonoita, AZ: Gloria Lawrence – Green-tailed River, stared across the water at each other. Towhee, Jim Lawrence – White-breasted Nut- When we drove through Seedskedee at New PAGE 5 PLAINS & PEAKS

Year’s, there were over a dozen Sage Grouse in FRIENDS AND FELLOW BIRDERS the sage flats, but none this weekend. No Great Blue Herons in the heronry yet, either. alling all Birders to the 6th Annual Bioblitz. There is a tall nesting platform on a bluff C (Camping, birding, friends, family and fun!!) overlooking the river at the northwest edge of This summer, Audubon Rockies, The Na- the refuge. It’s the first time we have seen it oc- ture Conservancy and the UW Biodiversity Insti- cupied other than as a perch; a Golden Eagle tute will be once again organizing a Bioblitz on was sitting on the nest when we drove by both June 13-14 at the Heart Mountain Ranch near Friday and Sunday afternoons. beautiful Cody, Wyoming. South Pass had snow, but pronghorn Our "Bio Blitz" will be a 24-hour event in were all over the western approaches and near which teams of scientists, teachers, volunteers, the Fontinelle area. We saw a few small bunch- environmental educators, and community mem- es of elk in the Red Canyon area, but snow is bers join forces to find, identify, and learn about deeper there and they have scattered from the as many local birds, plants, insect and animal large herds we saw earlier in the winter. species as possible. This will be a chance to Prairie dogs were all over the snow be- connect with birders and Audubon Chapter tween Lander and Fort Washakie; a kingfisher Members from all over the state. Bring your fam- on a power line hunted a small creek. Mule ily and participate in a weekend of great birding deer were here and there along the entire route. and great birders. This program will enable the There were several bighorn ewes and lambs general public to participate in hands on re- along the highway at Red Rocks as we ap- search in a variety of ecosystems while working proached Dubois. And on ranches everywhere closely with scientists and researchers who are – cows with calves. Must be getting on to at the top of their respective fields. There will be spring. bird banding, point counts, and many other op- Anna Moscicki, Dubois portunities for birders to get familiar with or to help others learn more about the birds of the NOTE: Many of you know Anna Moscicki and Northwest! Michael Kenney from Dubois. They are avid Teachers receive 2 PTSB Credit! We feel “explorers” and observers of Wyoming’s outdoor this can be used as a pathway to improving sci- world, sharing much information about birds, ence education through teachers' experiences in wildlife and the natural world. I received this re- scientific inquiry. The data collected will then be port from Anna on March 2nd. translated by our Community Naturalists during Donna Walgren a forum on the last day which will help the teachers bring the collected information into the classroom and dictate it in a way that is best ab- FIELD TRIP sorbed by their students. We believe this project represents the leading edge of scientific inquiry Saturday, April 11, we will visit the Sage- and investigation, and we are excited to include Grouse Lek at Hat 6. Meet at 5:30 AM at the the K-12 teacher as an integral part of the sci- east side Ridley’s (former Safeway). If people ence team. are interested, we will see what's on McDonald Come and enjoy a weekend of great bird- Reservoir before we come back to own. Call ing, great birders and fun! Stacey Scott at 262-0055 for more information. For more information go to http:// www.wyomingbiodiversity.org/public-programs/ bioblitz-2015/ or contact Dusty Downey at [email protected] or 307-756-3941. Dusty Downey

PAGE 6 PLAINS & PEAKS

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Make checks payable to Murie Audubon Society and mail to: Murie Audubon Society, PO Box 2112, Casper, WY 82602. ATTN: Treasurer. (Use your printer to print just this page, fill out, and send to the above address.) PAGE 7 PLAINS & PEAKS

MAS CHAPTER OFFICERS AUDUBON ROCKIES - REGIONAL OFFICE OF NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY

PRESIDENT—Chris Michelson (234-8726), Michel- Regional Office: 106 N. College Ave., Suite 1, Fort Collins, CO [email protected] 80524. Phone: 970-416-6931 (Contact number for staff) VICE-PRESIDENT—VACANT Regional Community Naturalists, 410 McKean Rd., Moorcroft WY RECORDING SECRETARY—VACANT 82721, Phone: 307-756-3149. Dusty Downey—Cell: 504-453-4124, TREASURER—Stacey Scott (262-0055), [email protected], Jacelyn Downey—Cell: 504-453-4139, [email protected] [email protected]; PROGRAM CHAIR—Bruce Walgren (234-7455), Casper Community Naturalist—OPEN [email protected] STAFF CIRCULATION/MEMBERSHIP RECORDS—Jan Whitney

(237-7709), [email protected] Allison Holloran - Executive Director of Audubon Rockies Region, MEMBERSHIP CHAIR—Open Position [email protected] EDUCATION CHAIR—Ann Hines (266-3160), John Kloster-Prew, Development Director [email protected] Daly Edmunds, Regional Policy Coordinator NEWSLETTER EDITOR & WEBSITE—Rose-Mary King Abby Burk, WRAN Coordinator Jamie Weiss, Habitat Heroes Coordi- (262-4861), [email protected] nator HOSPITALITY CHAIR—Kathy Knapp (259-2165), Sandy McIntyre, Office Assistant [email protected] Lynn Tennefoss, Vice President, State Programs and Chapter Ser- Nancy Stitchery (265-0144), [email protected] vices, [email protected] PUBLICITY CHAIR—J. P. Cavigelli (258-1093), Audubon Rockies website - http://www.rockies.audubon.org [email protected] Facebook under Audubon Rockies FIELD TRIP CHAIR—VACANT BANQUET CHAIR—Karen Anfang (472-0278), [email protected] EMERITUS—Bart Rea (234-6282), [email protected]

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Term expires 2015 Ann Hines, Bruce Walgren, Donna Walgren (234-7455) [email protected]

Term expires 2016 NOTICE TO FRIEND OF MURIE Bob Yonts – (473-3045), [email protected]; J.P. Cavigelli; NEWSLETTER RECIPIENTS: Zach Hutchinson - [email protected]; Kelly Kukes— Those who have not paid in one year or more [email protected]; Colin Tierney— [email protected]; Rose-Mary King should see “Expired” and a date of Expiration on your mailing label, probably on the same line

as your name. You will only receive one more (October) newsletter after this one. If you feel

this is in error, please contact Bruce Walgren (234-7455) and we can work out the details.

MAS VISION STATEMENT MAS MISSION STATEMENT

The Vision of Murie Audubon Society The Mission of Murie Audubon Society is to is to instill a passion for nature in pre- promote the conservation of birds and other sent and future generations through wildlife through education and enhancements awareness, enjoyment, understanding, of natural habitats, understanding, apprecia- appreciation, conservation and advoca- tion, conservation and advocacy. cy. Murie Audubon Society NON-PROFIT ORG. P. O. Box 2112 US POSTAGE PAID Casper WY 80602 PERMIT 165 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED CASPER WY 82602

CONSERVATION THROUGH EDUCATION

We’re on the web at www.murieaudubon.org