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FLINT HILLS NATIONAL NILDLIFE REFUGE Hartford, Kansas

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1979

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FLINT HILLS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Hartford, Kansas

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1979

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. GENERAL PAGE

A. Introduction ' * . . . 1 B. Climatic and Habitat Conditions 1 C. Land Acquisition 2 D. System Status 2

II. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

A. Construction ; 4 B. Maintenance ...... 7 C. Wildfire 9

III. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

A. Croplands 10 B. Grasslands 11 C. Wetlands...... H D. Forestlands E. Other Habitat I . . . 13 F. Wilderness and Special Areas. 13 G. Easement for Waterfowl Management . 13

TV. WILDLIFE

A. Endangered and Threatened Species 14 B. Migratory Birds 14 C. Mammals and Non-Migratory Birds 18

V. INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION

A. Information and Recreation, . 19 B. Recreation T. , , , 21 C. Enforcement 21

V!. OTHER ITEMS

A. Field Investigations 22 B. Cooperative Programs 22 C. Items of Interest 23 D. Safety 23 Five-Year History of Personnell 24 Attachment - Envelope

% PERSONNEL

1. Carlton R. Freeburg Asst. Refuge Mgr. GS-9 (PFT) 2. Gerald K. Laws Tractor Operator WG-6 (PT) 3. Michael J. Long Refuge Mgr. GS~11 (PFT) 4. Ron E. Thuma Maintenance Worker WG-7 (PFT) 5. Earold E. Shepherd Eng. Equip. Oper. WG-8 (PT/CS) 6. Freida F. Arndt Adm. Clerk(Typing) GS-5 (PFT/CS)

REVIEW AND APPROVALS

Complex Office

I. GENERAL 1.

A. Introduction

Flint Kills National Wildlife Refuge, established ih September 1966, is located in the broad flat Neosho River Valley with margins of the gently rolling Flint Hills of Eastern Kansas - a bluestem grass region of natural scenic beauty. The refuge is situated on 18,500 acres of John Redmond Reservoir lands through cooperative agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Kansas Fish and Game Commission manages an additional 1,500 acres of Corps of Engineers owned land at John Redmond Reservoir. The reservoir is fed by the Neosho River and its associated drainages above Burlington, Kansas, and is a flood control project. Up to 90% of Flint Hills NWR has been under water at some time, and portions flood routinely each year.

Flint Hills NWR's primary purpose is to provide a feeding and rest­ ing area for migratory waterfowl in the Central Flyway. A secondary purpose of consumptive and non-consumptive wildlife recreation was given when management began. The refuge habitat is primarily agricultural land and grassland interspersed with stands of native hardwood timber, shallow marshes, and flooded sloughs. Flint Hills NWR is one of three National Wildlife Refuges in Kansas and is located approximately 60 miles southwest of Topeka.

B. Climatic and Habitat Conditions

Weather and reservoir level information are obtained from the Corps of Engineers Project Office near the reservoir dam.

One of the most severe winters recorded in Kansas occurred in 1979. Temperatures fell below zero 13 times during January and February. Average daily temperatures for January and February are 28.0° and 33.40F respectively. In 1979, Januaryfs average dally temperature was 13.50F, while February's average daily temperature was 24.160F. Ice cover on the reservoir formed on January 1st and lasted until March 12, 1979. Eight inches of snow was the largest single snowfall recorded in 1979. Some snow could not be moved for 30 days by our John Deere 670 roadgrader.

Normal reservoir elevation is 1039 Mean Sea Level (MSL). "Side roads" on the refuge are flooded at an elevation of 1040 MSL, 25% of refuge lands are under water at 1042 MSL, and at 1045 MSL, the main road that runs through the refuge is flooded. During 1979, a maximum pool elevation of 1050.57 was reached July 10th. The main road along with many "side roads" were closed for approximately 14 days in July.

% Table I suinmarizes the weather conditions and reservoir elevations for 1979.

TABLE I-WEATHER CONDITIONS AND, JOHN REDMOND RESERVOIR POOL ELEVATIONS FOR CY 1979

Inches Normal Temperature Lake Level Month Precip. Precip. Max. Min. Max. Min.

January 1.37 1.24 40 -12 1035.07 1034.39 February .26 1.33 56 -22 1037.95 1035.09 March 1,82 2.25 76 20 1041.00 1038.04 April 2.28 3.38 81 25 1039.99 1038.92 May 3.52 4.91 83 37 1039.46 1038.77 June 9.55 4.68 91 51 1046.95 1038.00 July 6.78 3.48 95 51 1050.57 1039.93 August 3.36 2.96 94 52 1040.21 1039.04 September .65 4.13 92 40 1039.36 1038.92 October 3.00 2.71 90 32 1038.99 1038.59 November 3.11 1.64 68 16 1042.55 1039.02 December .08 1.51 27 - 2 ,1040.95 1038.96 TOTALS 35.78 34.22 -

Land Acquisition

1. Fee Title

All lands managed by the refuge are owned under fee title by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE).

Meetings between the COE and an adjacent landowner in the Eagle Cfceek area were held during the year. Less than 10 acres are involved in Tract 7A6, Section 36, Township 20S, Range 13E. Land owned by Mr. Lloyd Paxton extends across Eagle Creek. Acquisition of the land from Mr. Paxton is desirable since he could possibly fence or limit access up or down Eagle Creek.

2. Easements % An easement across land owned by William Foster was needed to finish the hook-up of the refuge sewer system to the City of Hartford's system. Mr. Foster received $550 for granting the ,15 acre perpetual use easement to the FWS.

3. Other

Nothing to report.

System Status

1. Objectives. Flint Hills NWR's refuge master plan was privately 3.

contracted, revision of refuge objectives is a part of this process. Existing refuge objectives were written in 1971. Revision of narrative portions only of the objectives was done in 1972.

Objective levels listed for geese and ducks were .5 and 4.2 million use-days respectively. Actual use-days for geese have exceeded the objectives every year since 1971. Duck use-days have exceeded the objective level of 4.2 million only one time since 1971. In 1977, 5.1 million duck use-days were recorded.

Refuge, Area, and Regional office personnel decided that the refuge objectives will eventually be raised to meet the current level of waterfowl use. Peak populations of 60,000 ducks and 30,000 geese were set as the new objective levels.

2. Funding

Table II Illustrates the funding level for Flint Hills for the fiscal years 1977 thru 1980.

TABLE II - FUNDING LEVEL FOR FLINT HILLS FOR FISCAL YEARS 1977 THRU 1980

YEAR 1110 1210 1220 1240 1340 8210 BLHP TOTAL

FY-77 $300 $58,000 $ $ 8,000 $15,000 $36,500 $ $104,300 FY-78 400 90,000 1,000 15,000 1,000 36,000 135,200 278,600 FY-79 300 108,000 15,000 25,000 427,000 601,300 FY-80 500 101,000 13,000 36.000 150,500

Flint Hills NWR has a cooperative agreement with the Corps of Engineers which allows the sale of farm crops. Crops in excess of wildlife needs have been sold since 1974, $88,583.78 was collected in FY 1979. Only $900 was collected in FY 1974.

Wheat is usually taken as the refuge share of'cooperator planted croplands. After migrating waterfowl have utilized the fields, the wheat is harvested in late June or early July. Refuge shares of milo, soybeans, or corn are left standing in strips all winter. After the spring migration the strips are harvested and the grain is sold.

Table III shows the total budget and salary costs for the fiscal years 1975 thru 1979. Budget items such as revolving re­ habilitation and cyclical maintenance are not broken down within each sub-activity. Funds derived from sale of excess crops are shown under ,,8210,t. The 8210 sub-activity is for use only at Flint Hills NWR and it is "no year" money. Funds collected during one fiscal year are usually appropriated and annual work planned the following fiscal year.

TABLE III - BUDGET AHD SALARY COSTS FOR FLINT HILLS HWE FY-75 THRU FY-79

% of Total Funds remaining Total Amount of 8210 Total Budget used for goods FY Budget funds collected Salary for salaries services

75 $ 56,700 $31,622.20 $33,149 64 $20,534 76 53,200 57,000.42 37,952 65 20,248 77 104,299 35,640.42 45,887 67 21,913 78 145,300 10,445.21 80,038 55 65,261 79 143,300 88,583.73 95,222 64 53,078

Funds collected for the "8210 fund source" will decrease as the number of cooperatively farmed acres are reduced from 6,000 to approximately 3,000 acres.

II. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

A. Construction

During 1979, a 20* x 24* addition to the existing office headquarters building was started. The addition, and the adjoining 24* x 28* refuge shop room were to be utilised as additional office area, visitor contact station, and public restrooms. Also, the existing assistant manager*8 office was to be converted into a utility room as part of the package.

Refuge headquarters building after starlf of VCS remodeling. CRF 11/80 5

The remodeling job was proposed, intended and started as a force account project. Work was halted after the foundation was poured because of unexpected conflicts with the Davis-Bacon Act. Now the addition will be contracted out via Contracting and General Services procedures. Originally, the addition was estimated to cost $26,000. Time will tell what the final cost will be.

YACC built a 10' x 12' YCC office during the winter and spring of 1979, It is located within the refuge's existing 20' x 80' steel building. YCC funds were used for materials and YACC labor for construction. When the YCC staff arrived in the summer of 1979, they had a paneled, carpeted, and air conditioned office.

Major BLHP construction projects started in 1979 included the main­ tenance shop/vehicle storage building. Work on the 40' x 150' building started in October. When completed, the project will provide a hydraulic hoist stall, wash stall, work shop, crew room, paint storage area, and 5 parking stalls. The Fish and Wildlife Service contracted with the Small Business Administration to build the structure. In turn, the Small Business Administration contracted with a Spanish minority construction firm located in Topeka. Originally, the estimated construction cost was $180,000. Louisa Construction. Company submitted a bid of $420,000. Negotiations between the FWS and the construction company produced a final contract cost of $284,000.

Refuge maintenance shop/vehicle storage-building at the end of December. CRF 12/80 6

A $10,000 contract with Mr. Joe Elliott for the purchase of 20,000 cubic yards of gravel was obtained in FY~1979. Cormnercial road-stone sells for $4.70 per cubic yard as compared to $.50 a yard for Mr. Elliott's gravel. The gravel site is immediately adjacent to the refuge boundary. Called "hill gravel," it will be Used to upgrade refuge roads during 1980.

Approximately 3.5 miles of refuge roads were upgraded and the refuge headquarters parking lot was doubled in size using this gravel in 1979.

Large amounts of "hill gravel" are available at Mr. Elliott's gravel pit. CRF 1/80

Another BLHP project was the replacement of an unsafe concrete bridge. Equipment and manpower to remove the structure and replace it with two 33 foot long, 6 foot diameter metal culverts was furnished by the National Guard. Labor necessary for the hauling of gravel and rip rap was supplied by refuge staff. BLHP supplied the money for the supplies used.

4 i 7

Finished Product at Buxton's Corners, ^ mile north west of refuge headquarters. CRF 1/80

The refuge office sewage system was completed in September when the effluent pipe from the sewage lift station was connected to the Hartford sewage system. The refuge sewage system was started in 1978 and consists of two septic tanks and a lift station. Only clear sewage effluent is pumped to the city's sewer system.

An opportunity to convert the refuge office from propane to natural gas came up during the year. Natural gas is now used to heat the refuge office. When finished, the shop building will also utilize natural gas. Savings of 25% over propane heating costs will be possible. Force Account labor was used in laying approximately 600 feet of natural gas line.

B. Maintenance

Two, FY-78 BLHP vehicles arrived in 1979. A 1979 IH diesel stake-bed truck and a 1979 Chevrolet 3/4 ton 4-wheel drive pickup were received 8 during March. A 1979 Dodge Maxi-Van and a 1979 Chevrolet LUV, funded by FY-78 0 & M funds, were also received. 0 & M funds were used to purchase a lO-foot wide rotary mower. Mowing of roadsides and native grass fields will be done with the mower.

A Five Star, MV Series II, 91, PTO powered post auger was also purchased.

A 1.5 cubic yard John Deere loader was ordered with FY-79 BLHP road project funds. With the vehicles and other equipment re­ ceived in 1978 and 1979, and upon the delivery of the end loader, Flint Hills will finally be equipped.

Routine road maintenance, ditchwork, and terrace construction was done by the refuge roadgrader.

Cyclical maintenance repairs, including hydraulic system repairs totaling $782, were done on the MM Jetstar tractor. A front axle was installed in MM 670 tractor at a cost of $330 and rear tires were replaced for $700. Some $978 was spent on tractor attachment repairs including the bucket attachment, mowers, and the native grass drill.

Approximately 60 man-hours and $417 worth of materials were used to fabricate 30 buoys. Buoys are used to mark the closed area of reservoir waters during the waterfowl hunting season. Blocks of polystyrene, 2* x 2' x 18*, were covered with plywood and "closed area" and "end of hunting area" signs were attached.

Refuge buoys must be left on the reservoir until January, after ice cover forms. Commercially prepared buoys cannot withstand being frozen in r.ice for 3 to 4 months. The buoys are removed after the ice cover melts in the spring.

The refuge storage building, a 20' x 80' steel building, was wired in March-April 1979 by refuge maintenance worker Thuma and YACC helpers. Eight light fixtures and ten receptacles were installed. In addition to six receptacles, two fluorescent fixtures and an air conditioner were installed in the YCC office which was built by YACC. Regional Office/Engineering approved plans for the wiring project and a local electrician inspected and approved the work.

Three, 1,000 gallon fiberglass tanks were buried and electric gas pumps were installed between the steel storage building and the future maintenance shop/vehicle stoaage building. Installation and hook-ups was done by station personnel. Diesel fuel, unleaded, and regular gas are stored in the tanks. Refuge fuel storage system is complete except for underground electrical hook-ups to the pumps. CRF 11/79

Pipe gates at approximately 20 locations on the north half of the refuge were modified to prevent break-ins from vehicle ramraings. A sliding pipe was made to slide into larger pipe sections that were welded to the ends of each gate. In previous years, a combination lock connected the ends of the gates and numerous break-in occurred. These gates were also painted and reflective tape installed on them during FY-79. Pipe gates on the south side of the refuge will be modified and painted in FY-80.

C. Wildfire

None to report.

/ 10

111• HABITAT MANAGEMENT

Croplands

When the refuge was established approximately 12,00l) of the 18,500 acres were farmed. Since 1966, the number of acres farmed and the number of cooperators have decreased. The number of cooperators has decreased from over 40 in 1966 to 24 in 1979. Farming objectives in the proposed refuge master plan list a target of 3,000 acres.

All farming done at Flint Hills is done by cooperators. No force account farming has ever been done at the refuge. The refuge share ranges from 1/6 to 1/3 of the acres involved. Land capability and probability of flooding determine the refuge share. Often, a cooperator must replant once or twice because of flooding or wet field conditions.

In many cases, the refuge share is taken as fall planted wheat. Winter wheat is utilized by fall and spring migrants and the crop is then harvested and sold. For the 1979-80 crop year, the following crops and acreages were planted.

TABLE IV - BREAKDOWN OF CROPS AND ACREAGES FOR REFUGE CROPLANDS FOR 1979-80

Refuge Cooperator Total Acres CROP Acres Acres Involved

Soybeans 47.0 1,999.0 2,046.0 Wheat (30 Harvest) 736.1 274.0 1,010.1 Milo 172.5 1,656.9 1,829.4 Com 127.7 320.3 449.0 Oats 5.0 34.0 39.0 Sunflowers(Domestic) 92.0 o.o ; 92.0 White Clover 339.5 0.0 339.5 ASCS Set-Aside 61.0 0.0 61.0

TOTALS 1,580,8 4,285.2 5,866.0

In 1979, the refuge participated in the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) feed grain and wheat program, 1978 was the first year of refuge participation in the program. In 1979, the total set-aside was 560.2 acres. Set-aside acres were provided by the refuge by using lands that were no longer cooperatively farmed,

Flint Hills began preparing for organic farming with the planting of 550 acres of yellow blossom sweet clover east and north of Hartford. A total of 340 acres was planted as the refuge share by refuge farming 11.

cooperators. An additional 210 acres were planted by refuge personnel using our Truax native grass drill. Clover planted by refuge personnel was planted late and did not receive enough rain after planting. Clover survival was not good.

B. Grasslands

No native grasses were seeded in 1979. Grasslands planted with native grasses in 1978 were rotary mowed in 1979. Mowing was done to control Johnson grass, a noxious weed under Kansas law, and to fulfill ASCS requirements for set-aside acres. After the grasses are established, controlled burning will be used to control the invasion of woody plants and to maintain the areas in grasses.

YACC personnel "sodded" approximately 200 yards of waterway ditches and the spillway area of Mony Penny Pond. The "sod plugs" were obtained from a prairie cordgrass field. Refuge personnel used a borrowed plow to cut strips to sod. The sodding worked well and vegetative cover was quickly established. Little erosion occurred as a result of this technique.

More planting of native grasses are planned for 1980, $3,000 BLHP carry-over funds from the FY-78 grasslands planting project were used to purchase native grasses and clover seed. In 1980, 3,000 pounds of clover and 689 pounds of native grass seed will be planted.

Controlled burning of 412 acres of grasslands was accomplished in 1979. In 1977, a 1969 IH tank truck was purchased for $3,000 via the GSA Excess Property Program. Modifications to the truck Include: an electric fire hose reel, catwalks on the front and rear of the vehicle, spot lights, red lights, and a siren. In addition to the 200 feed of 1% inch hose on the reel, short hoses are located on the front and rear of the truck. A spray bar allows the wetting of an 8-foot swath behind the truck.

C. Wetlands

A water contract between the Kansas State Water Resources Board and Kansas Gas and Electric (KG&E) provides that John Redmond Reservoir be held at around 1040 MSL so water will be available for KG&E. KG&E is building a nuclear power plant approximately 6 miles from the refuge. They will be pumping reservoir water to fill their cooling lake starting in 1980. John Redmond^ water flucuation plan that benefits the fisheries resource and enhances the quality of waterfowl habitat will be reinstated following the completion of the water supply contract.

As a result of above normal rainfall in June and July, refuge marsh units contained water during the early Fall migration period. When the refuge marshes contain water they will attract ducks and geese. 12.

Hunter use and success will occur when waterfowl are present.

During the latter half of the waterfowl hunting season lack of rainfall produced dry marshes. With dry marshes and fewer ducks presant, hunter- use shifted to the upper reaches of the reservoir. Waterfowl use of reservoir water areas increases when marsh areas dry up.

Goose Bend, Strawn Flats, Indian Hills, and Eagle Creek Marsh units are shallow as a result of the flood siltation process. Sandbags were used at the Strawn Flats, Goose Bend //A, Intermediate Pond, Indian Hills, and the Eagle Creek Marsh units. The use of sandbags on top of the marsh water control structures helped to temporarily restore marsh levels.

Use of sand bags at the Strawn Flats Marsh Unit raised the marsh levels approsimately 8 inches. CRF 12/79

Forestlands

Approximately 500 willow saplings were planted along the Neosho River northwest of Hartford. River bank stabilization was the purpose of the plantings. In previous years, various plantings included pecan, walnut, and multi-flora rose. In 1979, 43 wood collection permits were issued. * - 13.

k. Only Flood debris may be collected with the permits.

Large amounts of flood debris are left on the refuge when reservoir flood water receded. The Kennedy Creek area of the refuge is shown here. CRF 11/79

Other Habitat

Nothing to report. •;

Wilderness and Special Areas

Nothing to report.

Easement for Waterfowl Management

Nothing to report 14

IV. WILDLIFE

A. Endangered and Threatened Species

Bald eagles are present from late November until March. Golden eagles are occasional visitors and no observations were reported in 1979. A peak population of 24 Bald eagles occurred in early January, 30 is the average Bald eagle population for the entire reservoir area,

B. Migratory Birds

1. Waterfowl

Waterfowl were banded here for the first time in 1979. A request from the Central Flyway through Kansas Fish and Game enabled the refuge to begin banding operations. Biological information concerning the mallard population of the "Low Plains Management Unit" was needed and a 5 year banding program ^^3 i was initiated at Flint Hills and at six other sites in Kansas. A quota of 1,000 mallards, 500 of each sex, was set for the refuge.

Flint Hills YACC used a modified "Salt Plains" trap that was borrowed from Kansas Fish and Game as an example, and built six traps in December, 1978. The duck hunting season ended on December 31, 1978. Banding operations lasted from January 17th until February 2, 1979. During the 13 nights the traps were in operation, 2,913 ducks were trapped. A severe blizzard and high river levels prevented trapping operations on 10 days.

Eventually 560 male and 560 female mallards, 3 pintails, and 2 v i ^vidgeon were banded. Banding the quota of male mallards was completed after five trap nights. Since hens only comprised 20% of the population, trapping had to be continued 8 more nights to obtain an equal number of hens. Male mallards in excess to quota were counted and released.

The YACC provided the majority of the manpower needed to conduct the operations. De-icing of the traps, baiting, and transport­ ation of the ducks to the banding trailer was appreciated. An average YACC crew of 6 people worked 4 hours per day at the banding site. Total YACC labor costs were estimated to be $4,000. Refuge costs included $600 for supplies and $2,200 for salaries. Refuge costs estimates were obtained from Monthly Management Report dated October 26, 1979. YACC costs came from Richard Chavez, YACC Crev Leader on February 2, 1979.

Many benefits are obtained as a result of the mallard banding 15

project. It is difficult or impossible to determine the value of many of the benefits. Biological data will enable state, federal, flyway biologists to better manage this areas mallard population. Cooperation with Kansas Fish and Game is certainly worthwhile.

I & R benefits included television coverage by a station having viewers in approximately one-third of Kansas, Over 500 elementary and high school students had an opportunity to see bird banding. For many television viewers and refuge visitors, this may be the only time they will see a bird banding operation.

Peak populations of 40,000 mallards and 7,000 Canada geese occurred during February. These populations are near average levels while snow geese numbers were at a normal level of 10,000 during early December,

Table V shows peak waterfowl numbers from 1971 thru 1979.

Table VI shows waterfowl use-days for the same period.

>* t

TABLE V Peak Waterfowl Numbers - By Calendar Year

Species 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979

Mallard 57,500 54,000 30,000 20,000 28,000 50,000 35,000 45,000 40,000 Gadwall 10,000 90 7,800 2,000 2 2,000 1,000 250 300 Pintail 15,000 7,000 6,600 4,000 3,000 2,500 7,000 3,000 2,000 G.W. Teal 10,050 2,000 300 1,000 600 1,500 2,000 3,000 3,000 B.W. Teal 3,000 325 1,540 2,000 500 1,500 2,000 3,000 1,000 Shoveler 3,590 480 1,100 555 2,500 200 5,000 800 500 Widgeon 15,000 130 3,200 4,500 300 250 • 5,000 2,000 1,500 Wood Duck 300 30 18 7 50 200 800 1,000 800' Redhead 400 50 3,265 200 500 250 2,000 200 200 R.N. Duck 10,000 9,300 50 200 1,500 '600 300 Canvas Back 400 10 800 1 200 50 2,000 200 200 L. Scaup 10,000 580 18,900 5,000 50 2,000 500 500 C. Goldeneye 2 100 100 260 1 2,000 500 100 300 Ruddy Duck 50 300 40 10 50 400 50 200 H.' Merganser 20 40 60 50 500 500 50 C. Merganser 7,000 4,500 14,000 2,600 2,000 5,000 2,000 2,000 10,000 Canada Goose 2,800 4,200 4,000 6,000 5,000 7,000 7,500 7,500 6,000 White Fronted 1,200 1,035 300 1,500 1,000 1,000 1,500 6,000 1,600 Snow Goose 4,000 5,000 12,000 8,000 12,000 15,000 19,500 12,000 10,000

c->

*

i - k

TABLE VI Waterfowl Use Days - By Calendar Year

Species 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979

Mallard 2,416,155 3,292,310 2,655,243 766,549 610,302 2,500,000 3,424,750 2,539,000 2,493,170 Gadwall 127,456 2,730 238,168 37,772 21 75,000 68,140 2,700 8,612 Pintail 396,550 85,190 151,368 120,400 122,150 110,000 370,780 52,400 78,015 G.W. Teal 10,050 23,835 6,174 19,782 9,674 22,000 268,520 171,150 65,000 B.W. Teal 87,150 9,450 40,964 62,125 13,720 45,000 262,130 109,050 26,270 Shoveler 78,505 11,340 11,508 15,190 42,560 10,500 116,950 4,725 7,105 Widgeon 159,530 2,250 117,915 117,565 4,200 6,300 197,910 24,100 41,220 Wood Duck 8,337 441 308 154 490 25,000 67,600 35,400 51,880 Redhead 7,350 721 35,490 1,407 8,400 12,000 81,900 1,510 2,775 R.N. Duck 86,310 180,040 385 2,800 73,650 5,550 6,790 Canvas Back 6,650 70 18,620 7 1,400 3,000 42,400 1,950 1,985 L. Scaup 74,270 12,390 520,415 75,159 108,440 4,200 5,335 C. Goldeneye 14 2,240 1,939 3,136 7 3,500 16,680 900 2,290 Ruddy Duck 392 2,310 693 140 200 8,430 450 905 H. Merganser 420 805 1,162 1,015 3,500 6,380 300 0. Merganser 212,695 107.072 186,627 51,905 55,300 125,000 117,800 9,600 41,400 Canada Goose 242,095 307,986 341,222 382,549 339,500 360,000 742,320 594,150 684,700 White Fronted 19,698 14,595 12,131 54,439 44,625 46,000 128,770 136,550 157,900 Snow Goose 298,466 272,825 417,634 365,540 569,856 620,000 1,160,260 931,300 680,800 18.

The winter of 1978-79 was colder than normal and the entire reservoir was frozen over by January 1, 1979. Riffle areas on the Neosho River above Hartford remained open and provided a good waterfowl banding site. A flock of 6-7,000 Canada geese kept a portion of the Neosho River near the upper end of the reservoir open throughout the winter as well.

Waterfowl production for 1979 was estimated to be 30 mallards, 30 blue-winged teal, and 350 wood ducks.

A whistling swan was observed east of the Goose Bend Marsh Units. The single swan was seen during the aerial census being conducted for the November Snow and White fronted Goose Survey on November 15th. Swans are a rare visitor to the refuge. Swans were last seen on the refuge on February 23, 1972, when two swans were seen. On January 7, 1972, a peak recorded population occurred when 7 swans were seen.

2. Marsh and Water Birds

On September 16, 1979, the peak population occurred when 2,000 white pelicans were observed. The double-crested cormorant fall migration peaked at 1,600 during late October.

3. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species

Nothing to report.

4. Raptors

Nothing to report. k

5. Other Migratory Birds

Nothing to report.

Mammals and Non-Migratory Birds and Others

1. Game Mammals

White-tailed deer, rabbits, fox squirrels and coyotes are present and hunted on the refuge. An aerial census of the deer herd has not been made during winter months. Increased census effort is needed to monitor herd growth. Lack of personnel, time, and money prevented such census work in the past. Firearms are permitted for deer hunting. Rifled firearms are not permitted on the refuge for safety reasons. Waterfowl or upland game hunters would be in close proximity to rifle carrying hunters, Eowhunting, as prescribed by Kansas law, is the only deer hunting method allowed. 19

Refuge bow hunters do not need a refuge permit and no check-in or check-out is required. Normally, bow hunters take less than six deer each year on the refuge.

Coyotes may be hunted with bow and arrow or shotgun. Little hunt­ ing pressure exists for squirrels and most rabbits are taken incidental to quail hunting. Trapping is not permitted for any furbearer on the refuge. Lands adjacent to the refuge managed by the Corps of Engineers and Kansas Fish and Game do permit trapping. Trapping, is not permitted on refuge lands because no known excess furbearer population exists. Also, no economic damage caused by furbearers has been reported on or off the refuge. Finally, time and administration costs prohibit a refuge trapping operation.

2. Other Mammals

Nothing to report.

3. Resident Birds

Bobwhite quail and greater prairie chicken are found on the refuge. Hunting is generally good for quail and poor for prairie chicken. Extended snow cover and extreme cold combined to produce a severe winter in 1978-79. As a result, an estimated loss of over 75% of the bobwhite quail occurred. Kansas Fish and Game reduced the statewide daily bag limit from 8 in 1978 to 6 in 1979. Very few hunters were seen and they reported very few birds taken. Flint Hills Refuge is on the eastern edge of good prairie chicken habitat Most of the prairie chicken nesting in this area occurs on land adjacent to the refuge. Most of the prairie chicken use of the refuge occurs during January or February when snow cover is present Flocks of up to 150 were observed two miles north, and .5 mile east of Hartford in January, 1979. Only one known successful hunter bagged a single chicken in the last two years. Nesting of the prairie chicken on the refuge is expected to Increase as the number of acres of grasslands are increased.

4. Other Animal Life

Nothing to report.

V. INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION

Information and Recreation

1. On Refuge

One interpretative trail is completed and another trail is under construction. The completed trail is the Dove Roost Nature Trail. 20.

A one-mile long trail, an observation tower, and a pond stocked with bass, sunfish and channel catfish are present at the Dove Roost area. Dove Roost trail was started in 1976, and finished in 1977. An average visitation of 100 people per month was recorded at the Dove Roost area of the refuge.

A second interpretative trail is located adjacent to the refuge office near Hartford. Refuge land that was designated as the Hartford Outdoor Education Laboratory in 1974 is the location of the trail. Hartford High School's biology class worked on the trail during the school year while the 1979 YCC spent considerable time on the project during the six week camp. Refuge fabricated interpretative signs were installed and two foot bridges were constructed. Flint Hills YACC crews also helped to build the bridges and to maintain the trail,

Flint Hills NWR Master Plan is scheduled for completion in early 1980. The plan will help determine the need and possible location for any future trails. Refuge master plan recommendations will include an auto tour route east of Hartford. Presently, this area is closed during the waterfowl hunting season. The tour route will enable more people to observe ducks and geese during migration periods.

ApproKimately 200 school children from the Neosho Rapids elementary school and the Hartford High School observed the duck banding operation in January and February.

Off Refuge

Refuge personnel gave slide presentations to seven elementary and high school classes in 1979. Two classes at the Madison elementary school and 5 classes at the Emporia High School were involved. Burlington's Rotary Club was given a brief slide presentation by refuge personnel.

Four news releases were prepared in 1979. News'releases were prepared for each of the three public meetings for the Master Planning process. The fourth news release was prepared to announce closure of portions of the refuge during the waterfowl hunting season.

Average attendance at each of the Master Planning public meetings was 50 people. Meetings were held in April, July, and November, 1979.

A standing display entitled, "Hunter Dollars in Action," was set up in the Hartford State Bank and also at the third Master Planning meeting. Approximately 500 people viewed the traveling display 21

from I & R in the Denver Regional Office.

B. Recreation

1- Wildlife Oriented

Warmwater fishing for channel catfish, white bass and crappie is the most popular consumptive wildlife oriented activity. Waterfowl hunting, primarily duck hunting, ranks second behind fishing.

Refuge visits, totaling 42,019, were recorded for wildlife observation via land vehicle. An increase in this activity is expected when the auto tour route is opened east of Hartford.

Revision of the refuge public use plan is scheduled for 1980, Raw data is collected from twenty traffic counters. Interpretation and use of the counter data needs to be examined and changed where necessary.

2. Non-Wildlife Oriented

John Redmond Reservoir was first filled in the early 60's. The water area created was attractive to boaters, water skiers, and swimmers. Siltation has since reduced the depth and water quality of the impoundment. Melvem Reservoir was developed by the Corps of Engineers 20 miles north of John Redmond. Poor water quality developed here while better quality was present at nearby reservoirs. John Redmond has lost most of non-wildlife use it once had. John Redmond Reservoir is now a shallow and muddy impoundment. Average depth is only four feet and wave action makes the water very turbid. Over 75% of all picnicking and camping is connected to either fishing or waterfowl hunting. Camping and picnicking have not been a problem in the past and no change is expected.

C. Enforcement

Refuge personnel made a total of 8 cases in 1979. Only 4 cases were made in 1978. Two cases involved hunting or vehicle trespass in the closed portion of the refuge. Two cases were for shooting at double- crested cormorants. Two cases involved waterfowl hunting with unplugged shotguns. One late shooting case and a case involving taking a pintail during teal season were also processed. U.S. Magistrate Court was used for prosecution and all defendants paid their fines by mail.

Kansas Fish and Game officers made an additional 50 cases on the refuge. State officer's use county courts to handle their cases. 22

Assistant Manager Freeburg attended a 40 hour law enforcement refresher course at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Glynco, GA in May.

VI. OTHER ITEMS

A. Field Investigations

Refuge master planning made considerable progress in 1979. The planning process is discussed under various sections of this report. The Oblinger-Smith Corporation of Wichita was contracted to produce the plan. The Initial contract cost was $54,700. Flint Hill's Master Plan is a BLHP funded project.

A survey of refuge archeological sites was done by Dr. Tom Witty, Kansas State Historical Society. YACC enrollee Lisa Fillmore, a college graduate with a history major, did a great deal of investigation, interviewing and research on refuge archeological sites.

Tom Klein, an undergraduate fish and wildlife student at Emporia State University, is conducting a beaver census study on the refuge. Emporia State students conducted a similar census in 1971.

B. Cooperative Programs

Flint Hills YCC program was a 6 week, non-residential program for 24 enrollees in 1979. In 1977 and 1978, the program had 24 enrollees for 8 weeks. Word was received in December, 1979 that Flint Hills would not have a camp in 1980. Flint Hills' first camp was held in 1976 when a 20 member, non-residential eight week camp was held.

Major work projects in 1979 included work done on the interpretative trail near refuge headquarters, roadside tree trimming alond Old Dump Road east of Hartford, and painting all refuge redwood signs.

Dr. Robert Parent!, professor of biology at Emporia State University, (ESU), served as the camp director for the third summer in four years. C.B. Harris, Hartford High School biology instructor, was the Environmental Awareness instructor. Ms. Rita Chllders, a biology graduate student at ESU, was a group leader. Two YACC enrollees, Ms. Susan Young and Ms. Lisa Fillmore, served as YCC group leaders.

Flint Hills YACC program also ended in 1979. Word was received on May 30th that all six remaining staff members would be terminated on June 30, 1979. On July 1, three enrollees remained and worked under refuge supervision. Eventually, one enrollee quit and the . two remaining workers were terminated when their year of employment was completed during September. Permission was obtained so that one YACC enrollee could be hired in November. No acceptable applicants were found and authority to hire was taken away on December 12, 1979. 23.

Major work projects completed by the YACC included construction of the YCC office, roadside tree trimming, waterfowl banding assistance, and assistance given to refuge personnel on various maintenance projects. Large amounts of time were spent on clearing the refuge boundary north of the Neosho River. Trimming of trees back away from blind road intersections and road dikes was also done.

YACC work crews helped Hartford city workers to clear trees from Hartford city streets. Some city residents claim that a tornado caused the damage. Other "civic minded" projects done by the YACC included the work done on the Hartford city office building. In exchange for free use of office space, the YACC renovated the building. Painting and the addition of a modern restroom was completed. c• Items of Interest

Harold Shepherd was converted from a Tractor Operator classification to an Engineering Equipment Operator during the year. Extensive road grader operation prompted the change. Harold also received his 10 year length of Service Award in 1979.

Equipment Operator Shepherd and Maintenance Worker Thuma attended a 2-day equipment maintenance and operations course at Monte Vista MWR in September.

Assistant Manager Carl Freeburg received a 10 year Length of Service Award in 1979. Freeburg attended the three week mid-level refuge management course at Beckley, West Virginia in April.

Freida Jkmdt was converted from a Clerk Typist to Administrative Clerk (Typing) classification in 1979. Freida received, a 20 year Length of Service Award in 1979. Her twenty years of Federal Service were completed in late December, 1978. Freida attended a 2-day proof reading course in December.

Assistant Manager Freeburg wrote the rought draft while Manager Long and Maintenance Worker Thuma edited this report. Administrative Clerk Freida Arndt gathered data and information and typed and assembled the entire report.

D. Safety

New seatbelts were installed in all older vehicles and tractors. A protective screen guard was mounted on the new tractor. High visibility striping was painted on all vehicle rear bumpers and yellow flashing roof lites were mounted on roadgrader and large trucks.

Monthly safety meetings were held. No lost-time accidents occurred in 1979. The last lost-time accident occurred in 1976.

mm •ii TABLE VI Five Year Personnel History 1975-1979

Permanent Part-Time/Temporary Part-Time Wage Grade Year GS/Wage Grade GS

CY-75 (1) Refuge Mgr. GS-9 (l)Bio Tech(Transferred 10/74) (2) Tractor Operators WG-6 GS-5 Approximately 6 raos per/yr (l)Bio Tech GS-5 (EOD 5/75) each (36 hr/wk) (l)Clk. Typist GS-4 (16 hr/wk) qr-7| (1) Refuge Mgr. GS-9 (l)Bio Tech GS-5(36 hr/wk) (2) Tractor Operators WG-6 (1) Clk Typist GS-3 (30 hr/wk) Approximately 6 months per/yr (EOD 7/4/76) each (1) Clk Typist GS-4 (16 hr/wk) (Resigned 5/15/76) CY-77 (1) Refuge Mgr. GS-11 (1) Bio Tech GS-5 (1).Tractor Operator WG-6 (1) Asst Ref Mgr GS-9 (Career Seasonal 4/5/77) (Transferred 8/1/77) (1) Maintenance Worker WG-7 (EOD 9/27/77) CY-78 (1) Refuge Mgr GS-11 (1) CETA Worker - 40 hrs/wk (1) Tractor Operator WG-6 (1) Asst. Refuge Mgr. GS-9 4/7/78 to 8/1/78 (40 hrs/wk, 50 wks/yr) (1) Clk. Typist GS-4 (career seasonal ' (career seasonal,50wks/yr) (1) Tractor Operator WG-6 (1) Maintenance Worker WG-7 (40 hr/wk,32wk/yrcareer seasonal) CY-79 (1) Refuge Mgr. GS-11 (1) Tractor Operator WG-6 (1) Asst. Refuge Mgr. GS-9 (40 hr/wk,32kw/yr,career seasonal) (1) Adm. Clk. (Typing) GS-5 (1) Engineering Equip. Operator WG-8 (career seasonal, 50 wks/yr) (career seasonal, 40 hr/wk) (changed from Clk Typist GS-A) (50 wk/yr. Changed from tractor) (3-11-79) (operator WG-6 pm 7-29-79) (1) Mntenance Worker, WG-7

K> ATTACHMENT

John Redmond Reservoir Map

Bird List - Flint Hills NWR

1979 Kansas Hunting Regulations

Flint Hills Refuge Leaflet ILLEGAL PURSUIT AND SPOTTING FROM VEHICLES BIG GAME No game animal may be shot at, killed, or pursued IT IS UNLAWFUL TO HUNT ON ANOTHER from a motorboat, aircraft, motor car, or other vehicle. 1979 ANTELOPE No wild game bird (except wild turkey) may be shot at PERSON'S PROPERTY WITHOUT HIS PERMISSION. Dates open — September 29 through October 3 or killed unless that bird is in flight. It is unlawful to shoot (archery); October 6 through Octobers (firearms). at or kill any game bird with any firearm other than a Area Open — Portions of Wallace, Sherman, Logan, shotgun. and Thomas counties. It is also illegal to locate or give information concern­ WICHITA SUNRISE-SUNSET TABLE Permit — Special permit required. ing the location of wild animals or birds by radio or other Day September October November December January Permit application period — June 10 through June 25. mechanical means from an aircraft during the open season SB SS SB SS SB SS SB SS SB SS for firearms deer hunting. DEER Daylight Saving Time Central Standard Time Dates open — October 1 through November 28 and HUNTER SAFETY CERTIFICATION December 12 through December 31 (archery); Anyone born on or after July 1,1957, must successfully 1 6;58 7 59 7:24 7:13 6:54 5:31 7:25 5 11 7 45 522 6:59 7 58 7:25 7:11 6:55 5:30 7:25 5 11 7 45 5:23 KANSAS complete the Kansas Hunter Safety course in order to 2 December 1 through December 9 (firearms). 3 7:00 7 56 7:26 7:10 6:56 5:29 7:26 5 11 7 45 5:23 Area open — Statewide, except Wyandotte County for purchase a hunting license or hunt on lands other than his 4 7:02 7 54 7:27 7:08 6:57 5:28 7:27 5 11 7 45 5 24 firearms. own. Hunters less than 16 years of age are not required to 5 7:02 7 53 7:27 7:07 6:58 5:27 7:29 5 10 7 45 5:25 HUNTING SEASONS 7:30 5 10 7 45 526 Permit — Special permit required. purchase a hunting license but must carry a Kansas Hunter 6 7:03 7 51 7:29 7:05 6:59 5:26 7 7:04 7 50 7:30 7:03 7.00 5:25 7:31 5 10 7 45 5:27 Permit application period — June 1 through August 15 Safety Certificate to show that they have completed the 8 7:05 7 48 7:31 7:02 7:01 5:24 7:32 5 10 7 45 5:28 (archery); July 1 through July 15 (firearms). course. 9 7:05 7 47 7:31 7:01 7:02 5:23 7:32 5 10 7 45 5:29 AND REGULATIONS Non-residents born on or after July 1, 1957, must 10 7:07 7 45 7:33 6:59 7:03 5:22 7:33 5 11 7 45 5:30 prove that they have successfully completed a hunter safe­ 11 7:07 7 43 7:33 6:58 7:04 5:22 7:33 5 11 7 45 5:31 OTHER KANSAS REGULATIONS ty course approved by Kansas, either in Kansas or in their 12 7:08 7 42 7:35 6:56 7:05 5:21 7:35 5 11 7 45 5:32 state of residence, before purchasing a hunting license. 13 7:08 7 41 7:36 6:55 7:06 5:20 7:36 5 11 7 44 5:33 LICENSES 14 7:10 7 39 7:36 6:53 7:07 5:19 7:36 5 11 7 44 5:34 15 7:11 7 37 7:37 6:52 7:08 5:19 7:37 5 12 7 44 5:35 Resident huntinglicenses ($5.00 through Dec. 31,1979; REGIONAL OFFICES 16 7:12 7 36 7:37 6:51 7:09 5:18 7.38 5 12 7 43 5:36 $7.00 on and after Jan. 1, 1980) are required of all Kansas Southcentral Reg. Fish & Game Office 17 7:12 7 34 7:39 6:49 7:10 5:17 7:38 5 12 7 43 5:37 residents of ages 16 to 65. Non-resident hunting licenses Box 764, 204 W. 6th, Newton, Ks. 67114 316-283-2482 18 7:13 7 33 7:40 6:48 7:12 5:16 7:39 5 13 7 43 5:38 7:41 6:47 7:13 5:16 7:39 5 13 7 42 5:39 ($25.00 through Dec. 31,1979; $35.00 on and after Jan. 1, 19 7:14 7 31 Northcentral Reg. Fish & Game Office 20 7:15 7 30 7:42 6:45 7:15 5:15 7:39 5 13 7 42 5:40 1980) are required of all hunters who reside outside of Box 489, 511 Cedar, Concordia, Ks. 66901 913-234-3857 7:15 5:15 7:40 5 14 7 41 5:41 Kansas regardless of age. Any person who has not been a Northwest Reg. Fish & Game Office 21 7:16 7 28 7:43 6:44 7:16 7 27 7:44 6:43 7:17 5:14 7:40 5 14 7 41 5:42 bona fide resident of the state for 60 days just prior to Box 366,190 N. Franklin, Colby, Ks. 67701 913-462-3367 22 23 7:17 7 25 7:45 6:41 7:17 5:14 7:41 5 15 7 40 5:43 date of license purchase is considered a non-resident for Hays District Office 24 7:18 7 23 7:46 6:40 7:19 5:13 7:41 5 15 7 40 5:44 licensing purposes. 2204 Vine, Hays, Ks. 67601 913-628-8614 25 7:19 7 22 7:47 6:39 7:19 5:13 7:42 5 16 7 39 5:45 Owners of land or tenants of land leased for agricul­ 26 7:20 7 20 7:48 6:38 7:21 5:12 7:42 5 17 7 38 5:47 Southwest Reg. Fish & Game Office tural purposes, and their immediate families living with 27 7:21 7 19 7:49 6:37 7:22 5:12 7:42 5 17 7 38 5:48 808 Highway 56, Dodge City, Ks. 67801 316-227-8609 28 7:22 7 17 7:50 6:35 7:22 5:12 7:43 5 18 7 37 5:49 them, may hunt upon such land without a hunting license. 29 7:22 7 16 7:51 6:34 7:23 5:11 7:44 5 19 7 36 5:50 Northeast Reg. Fish & Game Office However, they must have a federal migratory waterfowl 30 7:23 7 14 7:52 6:33 7:24 5:11 7:44 5 19 7 35 5:52 Box 19086, Forbes AFB, Topeka, Ks. 66619 913-862-9380 stamp when hunting ducks, geese, and/or mergansers. 31 6:52 5:32 7:44 5 20 7 35 5:52 Persons on active duty in the armed forces and sta­ Southeast Reg. Fish & Game Office 222 West Main Building — Suite C & D (For each 15 miles west of Wichita, add one minute; tioned in Kansas may hunt with a resident hunting license Chanute, Ks 66720 316-431-0380 if they carry evidence identifying them as a person on for each 15 miles eastof Wichita, subtract one minute.) active duty in the armed forces. Armed forces personnel (Cut^qn^dQtjsa, uat) hunting while on leave or furlough are not required to hrve a hunting license provided they joined the service \ -hile legal residents of Kansas, and carry their identifica­ SAVE ? tion and leave or furlough papers on them. Any Kansas resident with proof of one-sixteenth or more Indian blood may apply to the Fish & Game Commis­ Subscribe Now Effective January 1, 1980, subscription prices will increase Hunter Orange Saves Lives. sion for a free hunting license, which must be in possession to: 1 year—$5.00, 2 years-$9.00, and 3 years-$12.50. when hunting. MAGAZINE WEAR IT! Please send me KANSAS FISH & GAME for: CONTROLLED SHOOTING AREAS If you have a real interest in •1 yr. $3 • 2 yrs. $5 • 3 yrs. $7 Kansas has several privately-owned but state-licensed the Kansas outdoors, you should controlled shooting areas open from September 1 through be reading KANSAS FISH & March 31. A special $5.00 non-resident license can be pur­ Name GAME! - chased for use only on these areas. A regular hunting Fish and Game Commission Box Route license, ei .her resident or non-resident, is also valid on Rural Route 2, Box 54A controlled shooting areas. A list of commercial areas is Address Pratt, Kansas 67124 available from the Fish & Game's Pratt Headquarters. Enclose check or money order and send to; Citv 316-672-5911 KANSAS FISH & GAME Box 54A, Route 2 State Zip Pratt, Kansas 67124 Please allow 10-12 weeks for first delivery. counties of Atchison. Brown Doniphan, Douglas, Migratory game birds can be taken only within season dates, MOURNING DOVE Jefferson, and Leavenworth, where goose shooting UPLAND GAME hours, and limits specified. Migratory game birds may not be Dates open — September 1 through October 30. hours are one-half hour before sunrise to 1 p.m. taken using any of the following methods: From a sink box; by Area open — Statewide. PHEASANT use of live decoys; by the aid of baiting (the use of any grain or Limit — Daily bag limit, 10; possession limit, 20. Duck feed to attract migratory birds to an area; unharvested crops are Dates open — November 10 through January 27, 1980. stamp not required. Shooting hours one-half hour Area open — Statewide. not considered baiting); by use of records or tapes of migratory bird calls, of electrically amplified imitations of bird calls; by before sunrise to sunset. Limit — Daily bag limit, 4 cocks; possession limit, 8 cocks on driving, rallying, or chasing birds with any motorized conveyance second day, 12 cocks on third day, and 16 cocks on fourth or sailboat to put them in range of hunters. No person shall possess RAIL (Virginia and Sora only) day. Shooting hours one-half hour before sunrise to sun­ more than one daily bag limit in the field, or returning from the Dates open — September 15 through November 23. set. Pheasants in hunter's possession and in lockers must field to one's car, hunting camp, motel, etc. All migratory game Area open — Statewide. retain one leg withjoot intact. birds shot shall be retrieved, if possible, and crippled birds must Limit — Daily bag limit, 25 in aggregate; possession be killed immediately. limit, 25. Duck stamp not required. Shooting One fully feathered wing and/or head must remain attached hours one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. QUAIL to migratory game birds except doves while being transported Dates open — November 10 (November 1 7 in that portion of from place of taking until arrival at personal abode of possessor or commercial preservation facility. COMMON (Wilson's) SNIPE northwest Kansas west of U.S. 81 and north of Interstat e WOODCOCK No person shall take migratory game birds by means of a Dates open — September 15 through December 30. 70) through January 27, 1980. Dates open — October 6 through December 9. motorboat or other craft with motor attached, or sailboat, unless Area open — Statewide. Area open — Statewide. Area open — Statewide. the motor is completely shut off and/or sails furled, and its pro­ Limit — Daily bag limit, 8; possession limit, 16. No duck Limit — Daily bag limit, 6; possession limit, 12 on second day, Limit — Daily bag limit, 5; possession limit, 10. gress therefrom has ceased. A hunter may retrieve dead or crippled stamp required. Shooting hours one-half hour 18 on and after third day. Shooting hours one-half hour birds from a craft under power but crippled birds may not be before sunrise to sunset. before sunrise to sunset. shot from such craft under power. FURBEARERS PRAIRIE CHICKEN (Greater and Lesser) STEEL SHOT Waterfowl hunters using 12-gauge shotguns at any of the Dates open — (For information on trapping, see Kansas Fish & Game November 3 through December 31. following areas must use steel shot loads only: Cheyenne Bottoms Area open — Statewide. LATE MIGRANTS publication, "Kansas Furbearer Rules and Regulations Sum­ in Barton County (except lead shot permitted on goose firing mary.") Limit — Daily bag limit, 2; possession limit, 4 on second day, line south of Pool 5); Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area in Linn DUCKS. COOTS. MERGANSERS 6 on and after third day. Shooting hours one-half hour County; Elk City Reservoir and Wildlife Area in Montgomery Dates open —East of U.S. 283. October 13 through Octo­ before sunrise to sunset. County; Neosho Wildlife Area in Neosho County; Cheney Reser­ HUNTING voir and Wildlife Area in Reno County; and Quivira National ber 14 (Season closed October 15-26) and October Dates open — November 15 through December 31 for Wildlife Refuge in Reno, Rice and Stafford Counties. It is 27 through December 23. West of U.S. 283, October gray fox, opossum, raccoon, and red fox. December RABBIT/HARE illegal to have 12-gauge lead shotshells in possession when taking 6 through October 21 (Season closed October 22- 1 through January 31, 1980 for badger and bobcat. Dates open — All year. or attempting to take waterfowl on any of those areas. Copper- 26) and October 27 through January 1, 1980. Year-around season on striped skunk. Area open — Statewide. Area open — Statewide. plated shot is not a legal substitute for steel. Muzzle loaders are Area open — Statewide. Limit — None on species which can be legally taken. Limit — Daily bag limit on cottontails, 10; possession limit, exempt from steel shot regulations. Limit — The hunter has reached his daily bag limit when License — A hunting license is required to pursue, hunt, 20. No bag or possession limits on jack rabbits. Legal EARLY MIGRANTS the last duck shot puts his point total at or over 100. or take furbearers. A trapping license is required to shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise Possession limit is two legal daily bag limits. A trap or offer for sale orshipment furbearing animals to sunset. hunter should assume maximum point value forany or their pelts. TEAL duck he is unable to identify. Shooting hours are Dates open — September 15 through September 23. SQUIRREL one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. PROTECTED FURBEARERS Dates open Area open — Statewide. — June 1 through December 31. Black-footed ferret, otter, spotted skunk, and swift fox Limit — Daily bag limit. 4; possession limit, 8. Duck Area open — Statewide. POINT VALUES- 100: Canvasback may not be trapped or hunted at any time. Beaver, mink, stamp is required. Shooting hours SUNRISE to Limit — Daily bag limit, 5; possession limit, 10 after first day. 70: Hen mallard, wood duck, redhead, muskrat and weasel may not be hunted at any time. sunset. Shooting hours one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. hooded merganser 10: All teal, scaup, wigeon, pintail, gad- COYOTES wall, shoveler, and mergansers other Dates open — All year except firearms deer season, Dec­ MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS than the hooded. ember 1 through December 9. (Federal/State Regulations) 20: Drake mallard,ringneck.bufflehead, Area open — Statewide. ruddy duck, and all other species^ License required — A hunting license is needed to hunt, (The following is not a complete listing of all federal regula­ pursue, or take coyotes and a trapping license is tions; however, it covers the most common circumstances. For Daily bag limit on coots is 15; possession limit is 30. needed to trap them. more information, contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Limit — No bag or possession limits. As with game ani­ Box 1038, Independence, Missouri 64051 —(816) 374-6273.) mals, it is unlawful to hunt, take, pursue, orlocate coyotes with the aid of artificial light. The coyote Waterfowl hunters 16 years and older must have in possession GEESE is not legally a furbearing animal. a valid Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (duck Dates open — Canada and white-fronted geese, October stamp) signed in ink by the owner across the face before taking 13 through December 23. Snow, blue, and Ross' SPOTLIGHTING or attempting to take any migratory waterfowl (ducks, geese, geese, October 20 through January 13, 1980. mergansers). The following federal regulations apply to all migra- - Except for furbearing animals which have been treed with Area open — Statewide. tory game birds including ducks, geese, coots, mergansers, doves, the aid of dogs, it is illegal to use any artificial light for the rail, snipe, and woodcock. More restrictive rules may apply to Limit — Daily bag limit, 5 geese;possession limit, 5 geese. purpose of spotting, locating, taking, or attempting to take national wildlife refuges. The daily bag may not contain more than 1 Canada or hunt any live animal while having in possession any fire­ Migratory game birds may be taken only with long bow or a and 1 white-front. The possession limit may con­ arm, bow, or other implement whereby animals could be Delayed Quail Opener shotgun no larger than 10-gauge. Shotguns capable of holding tain no more than 2 Canadas or 2 white-fronts or killed. Furbearers treed by dogs and illuminated by artificial more than three shells must be plugged (with plug inserted so 1 of each. Shooting hours are one-half hour before light may be taken only with firearms using .22 short or long shotgun disassembly is required to remove it) so they can hold fTsTjDiviDivides Duck Zones sunrise to sunset except in the northeast Kansas rimfire cartridges. no more than one shell in the chamber and two in the magazine.

- S S F W Birds of the Flint Hills -Wood Thrush -Swainson's Thrush.... _Gray-cheeked Thrush . National Wildlife Refuge -Eastern Bluebird* .... -Townsend's Solitaire . . Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge, estab­ -Blue-gray Gnatcatcher* lished in 1966, is situated on 18,500 acres of the -Golden-crowned Kinglet John Redmond Reservoir on the Neosho River in -Ruby-crowned Kinglet . .Cedar Waxwing eastern Kansas. The refuge was set up and is oper­ -Loggerhead Shrike* ated through cooperative agreement with the U.S. -Starling* Army Corps of Engineers. Wildlife habitat is pri­ -Bell's Vireo * . . . . -Solitary Vireo . . . marily agricultural land interspersed with stands -Red-eyed Vireo . . of native hardwood timber, shallow marshes, and -Philadelphia Vireo -Warbling Vireo* . flooded sloughs. Grasslands occur only infre­ -Black-and white Warbler . . . . quently, along the edges of the refuge. -Prothonotary Warbler -Orange crowned Warbler . . . . -Nashville Warbler Managed mainly for waterfowl, the refuge has -Parula Warbler large concentrations of ducks and geese in fall and -Yellow Warbler -Magnolia Warbler winter. Waterfowl populations peak during the fall -Myrtle Warbler. . . migration, normally in mid-November. The upper -Black-throated Green Warbler -Blackpoll Warbler reaches of Redmond Reservoir and refuge marshes -Ovenbird attract numerous species of shore- and wading birds. -Northern Waterthrush -Louisiana Waterthrush May is excellent for birding, when both shorebird -Mourning Warbler -Yellowthroat* and warbler migrations reach their peak. Most birds -Wilson's Warbler common to eastern Kansas can be observed on the -American Redstart refuge. -House Sparrow* -Bobolink -Eastern Meadowlark* . . . This folder lists 189 species recorded within the -Yellow-headed Blackbird refuge area since 1963, especially by teachers and _Red-winged Blackbird*. . -Orchard Oriole* students from Emporia State College. Abundance -Baltimore Oriole* -Rusty Blackbird by season, and nesting status, are coded as follows: -Common Crackle*. . . . . -Brown-headed Cowbird*. a — abundant S — March-May -Summer Tanager c — common -Cardinal* S - June-August -Blue Grosbeak u — uncommon F — September-November Jndigo Bunting* -Dickcissel* o — occasional W - December-February -Purple Finch r — rare * — nests on refuge _Pine Siskin -American Goldfinch . . -Rufous-sided Towhee. . ^Savannah Sparrow .... -Grasshopper Sparrow* . -LeConte's Sparrow . . . -Vesper Sparrow -Lark Sparrow -Slate-colored Junco . . . -Oregon Junco UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR -Tree Sparrow FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE . Chipping Sparrow .... -Harris' Sparrow BUREAU OF SPORT FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE -White-crowned Sparrow -White-throated Sparrow _Fox Sparrow Refuge Leaflet 242 -Swamp Sparrow -Song Sparrow -Lapland Longspur .... May 1970 GPO 894-539 w S S F W

_Eared Grebe .Pectoral Sandpiper _Pied-billed Grebe .White-rumped Sandpiper. . . .Least Sandpiper .White Pelican .Double-crested Cormorant . , -Dunlin • • • -Long-billed Dowitcher .... .Great Blue Heron -Stilt Sandpiper .Green Heron* -Semipalmated Sandpiper. . . .Little Blue Heron -Western Sandpiper .Common Egret -Marbled Godwit .Snowy Egret -American Avocet .Black-crowned Night Heron , -Wilson's Phalarope .Yellow-crowned Night Heron -Glaucous Gull .American Bittern .Herring Gull .Mute Swan .Ring-billed Gull .Canada Goose .Franklin's Gull .White-fronted Goose .Black Tern .Snow Goose .Rock Dove .Blue Goose .Mourning Dove* .Mallard* .Black Duck .Yellow billed Cuckoo* . . . . .Gadwall .Great Horned Owl* .Pintail .Snowy Owl .Green-winged Teal .Barred Owl* .Blue-winged Teal* .Common Nighthawk* .Shoveler .Chimney Swift .American Widgeon .Ruby-throated Hummingbird .Wood Duck* .Belted Kingfisher .Redhead .Yellow-shafted Flicker* . . . .Ring-necked Duck .Red-shafted Flicker .Canvasback .Red-bellied Woodpecker* . . .Lesser Scaup _Red-headed Woodpecker* . . .Common Goldeneye .Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. . . .Ruddy Duck .Hairy Woodpecker .Hooded Merganser .Downy Woodpecker* .Common Merganser .Eastern Kingbird* .Turkey Vulture* .Western Kingbird* .Sharp-shinned Hawk -Scissor-tailed Flycatcher* . . .Cooper's Hawk .Great Crested Flycatcher*. . .Red-tailed Hawk* .Eastern Phoebe* .Rough-legged Hawk -Empidonax spp .Ferruginous Hawk .Eastern Wood Pewee* .Golden Eagle .Horned Lark* .Bald Eagle .Tree Swallow .Marsh Hawk* .Barn Swallow* .Osprey .Cliff Swallow .Sparrow Hawk * .Blue Jay* .Greater Prairie Chicken* . . . .Common Crow* .Bobwhite* .Ring-necked Pheasant .Black-capped Chickadee* . . .Tufted Titmouse* .Virginia Rail .JSora .White-breasted Nuthatch* . . .American Coot .Red-breasted Nuthatch . . . ^Semipalmated Plover -Brown Creeper .Killdeer* -House Wren* .American Golden Plover .. . . .Winter Wren .Black-bellied Plover -Carolina Wren* .Common Snipe -Long-billed Marsh Wren . . . .Upland Plover* -^Short-billed Marsh Wren . . . .Spotted Sandpiper -Mockingbird* .Solitary Sandpiper -Catbird* .Greater Yellowlegs —Brown Thrasher* .Lesser Yellowlegs -Robin* a | a

x - • -i. FISHING Safety Suggestions Keep clear of boat channels, ski and swimming areas. Be careful when casting If trolling, watch water ahead and traffic. Be considerate of others.

SKIING Always wear an approved personal flotation device. Stay in open water. Watch for swimmers. Have at least two people in the boat, one to run the boat, and one to watch the skier.

HUNTING Know the correct way to carry your gun. Treat every gun as if it were loaded. Always point the gun muzzle in a safe direction. Be sure of your target. Keep the safety on or the chamber unloaded until ready to fire. Never lay a loaded gun on bottom of boat. Never shoot a rifle at the water.

HAZARDS John Redmond Reservoir has numerous underwater hazards. Be especially watchful for submerged stumps, logs, fences, and other obstructions — particularly in BOATING shallow water and along the shoreline. Don't overload your boat. Boats must not approach closer to the dam than indi­ STANDARD cated by warning signs or safety buoy lines. If your boat upsets, stick to it and use it as a life per- WATERWAY server. MARKERS WARNS OF DANGER! Standing in a boat can lead to disaster. IT MAY APPEAR ON A Help a boat in distress. Give help and if you need BUOY OR ON SHORE help, ask for it. B BRUSH Each boat must have an approved flotation device for I CREEK 1 SKI each passenger. AREA 11(Right) (Left) PORT TARBOARD SWIMMING SIDE SIDE —y i THESE MARKERS GIVE CHANNEL MARKERS CONTROLLED AREAS AND INFORMATION SUCH AS Swim and wade only where you are familiar with (Looking Upstream) SPEED LIMITS AS INDICATED NAMES, DISTANCES, AND INSIDE CIRCLE ACTIVITIES PERMITTED, the water depths and the bottom. Don't swim alone. There's safety in numbers. Be sure water is deep enough before diving. Be careful of overestimating your swimming ability as water distances are deceiving. Watch children and non-swimmers closely. i THIS FLAG INDICATES THAT A DIVER IS BELOW THE DO NOT PASS Swimmers should avoid regular boat channels, SURFACE IN THE AREA MARKED BETWEEN SHORE launching ramps, and docks. STAY AWAY AND BUOY EaHy Day History Visitors Welcome John Redmond Reservoir lies in a broad flat valley with margins of the gently rolling Flint Hills — a bluestem grass region of natural scenic beauty. The 59- mile shoreline around the reservoir provides excellent camping areas and retreats for vacationists who like to KANSAS get away from the beaten path. Located in the middle of the vast Central Flyway, the reservoir is on an important flight path for migratory ducks and geese. Large flocks of Canvasback Ducks as well as Snow and Blue Geese move through the Neosho River Valley in the spring and fall, and the Flint Hills contain the largest single concentra­ tion of greater prairie chickens in the United States. Food, bait, tackle, boat rentals, etc., are available near the lake. Facilities available at the public use areas are listed on the map side of this pamphlet. Please keep the area beautiful for other visitors. Avoid damaging trees and plants. Extinguish all fires, and use trash cans to dispose of refuse. Coffey County, in which John Redmond Dam and Inquiries regarding the project and its use are Reservoir is located, shares the memorable past of a State welcomed by the Resident Engineer at the Resident over which the flags of France and Spain once flew; of Office near the dam. Copies of regulations governing great pioneer trails, earth-lodge Indian villages, and sod public use of this reservoir and other information may be houses; and of turbulent times in our nation's history. obtained at the Resident Office. Our mailing address is; Now in her second 100 years, present-day Kansas is a Resident Engineer, John Redmond Resident Office, U.S. leader in agriculture, livestock, and mineral resources, a Army Corps of Engineers, Route 2, P.O. Box 71, land of modern highways and abundant water, and a Burlington, KS 66839, Telephone: AC (316) 364-2311. growing contender in industry and science. Coffey County ranks high among Kansas counties in wheat, corn, and many crops which make a prosperous diver­ sified agriculture. , The John Redmond project was authorized as "Strawn Dam." The town of Strawn was relocated six miles eastward on higher ground when the dam was constructed. The old townsite is now under water. In 1958, Congress renamed it John Redmond Dam and Reservoir for the Burlington Daily Republican's publisher, John Redmond, a beloved figure in Kansas newspaperdom who had received his training under the great William Allen White of the Emporia Gazette. One of the first to champion the causes of flood control and water conservation along the Neosho River, Mr. Red­ mond's work along these lines continued from the early 1920's until his death in 1953 at the age of 79. His dream of controlling floods in the upper Neosho had started to become a reality with the authorization of the four dams in 1950. The fertile Neosho Valley was flooded 57 times in 34 years, with the worst flood coming in 1951, one year after Congress authorized the project. Floodwaters ran 30 feet deep at the damsite and one-third million acres were under water. John Redmond Dam was pressed into flood control operation several weeks before final completion, protect­ ing the Neosho River Valley for the first time from the damaging floods. CAMPING AND PICNICKING Recreation John Redmond Reservoir has seven recreation parks which provide camping and picnicking facilities. These facilities include individual camping units (table, cooker, lantern stand, and parking pad), potable water, and sanitation facilities. Also provided are group shelters, toilet facilities, swimming beaches, and boat launching ramps.

BOATING Boating on the lake is in accordance with the Kansas boating laws and Corps of Engineers' regulations. Oper­ ate your boat in a controlled, safe manner at all times.

FISHING AND HUNTING SIGHTSEEING John Redmond Reservoir provides excellent oppor­ John Redmond Reservoir is located in the broad tunities for fishing and hunting. Principal species of fish Neosho River Valley. The rolling hills afford the visitor in the lake include white crappie, walleye, white bass, an opportunity to see many acres of agriculture and channel catfish, flathead catfish, and various sunfish grassland. Fields of wheat, corn, and maize are abundant. species. Large areas of grasses including Big Bluestem, Little The Kansas Forestry, Fish and Game Commission Bluestem, Indian Grass, Switch Grass, Brome Grass, and has a license to 1,472 acres of the project lands for wildlife Sideoats Grama can be seen from the rolling hilltops. The management. The licensed area is known as the Otter lower areas consist of wooded cover of such species as Creek Game Management Area, and is managed pri­ elm, black walnut, hickory, ash, hackberry, cottonwood, marily for bobwhite quail, mourning dove, greater and cedar. prairie chicken, cottontail rabbit, squirrel, and deer. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has under cooperative agreement approximately 18,500 acres of project land and water areas for operation of the Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge is managed as part of the national migratory waterfowl program and is open to public hunting during hunting season with the exception of the area north of the Neosho River which is closed to public access from October 1 through December 31 each year. Detailed hunting information may be ob­ tained from the Refuge Manager located in Burlington, Kansas. Hunting and fishing activities are regulated by Federal and State laws. Courtesy and safety should be practiced when utilizing public lands to msure a pleasant recreational experience.

The middle zone or "conservation storage" provides WATERSHED 79,600 acre-feet of storage for water supply, water quality Project Data and space to contain sediment. The water supply portion Drainage area above the dam, square miles . .. 3,015 of the storage will yield 24.5 million gallons a day. The bottom zone or "inactive storage" provides 2,500 LAKE acre-feet of space to contain sediment. Elevations, feet above mean sea level Releases of water are made through the low flow ^ipes, over the spillway, or a combination of both. Top of flood control pool 1,068.0 Releases are generally less than bankfull, however, dur­ Top of conservation pool (normal pool). .1,039.0 ing large flood periods they may range up to the bankfull Top of inactive pool 1,020.0 flows of 12,000 cubic feet per second. The release rate de­ Surface area of lake, acres pends on such factors as the inflow rate, amount of water in storage, river flows downstream, and weather condi­ At top of flood control pool 31,700 tions. A warning device is sounded at the dam prior to At top of conservation pool 9,400 making a change in releases. At top of inactive pool 610 Storage capacities, acre-feet BENEFITS Flood control pool 562,500 John Redmond Dam and Reservoir benefits an area Conservation pool 79,600 of 312,000 acres of agricultural land and urban areas in Inactive pool 2,500 the Neosho River Basin above Pensacola Lake. The lake Lake total 644,600 has been credited with preventing an estimated $27,358,- Shoreline length, miles 000 in flood damages through June 30, 1975. At top of conservation pool 59

LOCATION DAM John Redmond Dam is located on the Neosho River Embankment about 3 miles north and 1 mile west of Burlington, Kan­ Length of dam, feet 20,740 sas, just off U.S. Highway 75. Maximum height of dam above streambed, feet 86 HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT Spillway Designed and built by the Tulsa District Corps of Engineers at a cost of $29,264,000, the project was started Type Concrete, gated in 1959 and placed in flood control operation in 1964. The Length of Spillway, gross, feet 680 John Redmond project was authorized by Congress Tainter gates (14), size, width and height, feet 40 under the Flood Control Act of 1950. by 35 Outlet Works OPERATION Low flow pipes (2), diameter in inches 24 John Redmond Reservoir is one of four Corps of Water supply pip? (1), diameter in inches ... 30 Engineers' lakes in Kansas designed primarily for control of floods and low flow regulation in the upper Neosho River Valley. The other projects are Counci Grove Lake on the Neosho River, completed in 1964; Marion Lake on the upper Cottonwood River, completed in 1968; and the authorized Cedar Point Lake on Cedar Creek, a tributary of the Cottonwood River. In addition to flood control, John Redmond Reservoir serves the purposes of water supply, recreation, and fish and wildlife. John Redmond Reservoir, in order to accomplish its function, has three kinds of storage that are separated by zones from the top to the bottom of the lake: flood con­ trol, conservation, and inactive storage. The top zone or "flood control storage" provides 562,500 acre-feet reserved to catch floodwaters and will remain empty except during times of flood control opera­ tion. An acre-foot is 325,850 gallons — enough water to cover one acre to a depth of one foot. M

--©0. AedmondiUam & Reservoir*

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY TULSA DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS "THE CORPS CARES!"

ROAD MILES TO JOHN REDMOND FROM MILES Kansas City 110 Wichita 120 Topeka 55 Tulsa 160 Joplin 160 Oklahoma City 250

To Hells Summit — 7 Miles 9mt

LEGEND

TOP OF FLOOD CONTROL POOL EL 1.068

TOP OF CONSERVATION POOL EL 1,039

PROJECT BOUNDARY

STATE GAME MANAGEMENT AREA (IN SEASON HUNTING ONLY)

PARK AREA

OLD CHANNEL // y>-»-t

DIKE

INTERSTATE HIGHWAY ©

U S HIGHWAY .0—

STATE HIGHWAY

PAVED ROAD

GRAVEL ROAD —5~ PARK AREA PAVED ROAD

RAILROAD

COUNTY LINE • 1 • 0.5 MILEAGES

1 3/4 V2 VA 0 Vj

SCALE OF MILES | STATION STATION CAMPSITES DUMP MARINE DUMP TRAILER ELECTRICAL OUTLETS PLAYGROUND GROUP SHELTER RESTROOMS CONCESSION SERVICES SWIMMING BEACH NATURE TRAIL BOAT LAUNCHING RAMP PICNIC AREA DESIGNATED DRINKING WATER SHOWERS CHANGEHOUSE FACILITIES o z r~ -4 O o > [ [ J-7 DAM SITE AREA • • • • • • • • • • • D-5 HARTFORD RAMP • • • • • I-# HICKORY CREEK • • • • 1-8 OTTER CREEK • • • • J-7 OVERLOOK • • J-7 REDMOND COVE • • • • J-8 RIVERSIDE EAST • • • • • J-8 RIVERSIDE WEST • • • • • • F-6 STRAWN RAMP • •

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OEflCE: 1977-772-332 CAMPING AND PICNICKING FISHING John Redmond Reservoir has seven recreation parks Safety Suggestions Keep clear of boat channels, ski and swimming areas. Recreation Be careful when casting which provide camping and picnicking facilities. These facilities include individual camping units (table, cooker, If trolling, watch water ahead and traffic. lantern stand, and parking pad), potable water, and Be considerate of others. sanitation facilities. Also provided are group shelters, toilet facilities, swimming beaches, and boat launching SKIING ramps. Always wear an approved personal flotation device. Stay in open water. Watch for swimmers. BOATING Have at least two people in the boat, one to run the Boating on the lake is in accordance with the Kansas boat, and one to watch the skier. boating laws and Corps of Engineers' regulations. Oper­ ate your boat in a controlled, safe manner at all times. HUNTING Know the correct way to carry your gun. Treat every gun as if it were loaded. Always point the gun muzzle in a safe direction. Be sure of your target. Keep the safety on or the chamber unloaded until ready to fire. Never lay a loaded gun on bottom of boat. Never shoot a rifle at the water.

FISHING AND HUNTING SIGHTSEEING HAZARDS John Redmond Reservoir provides excellent oppor­ John Redmond Reservoir is located in the broad John Redmond Reservoir has numeroas underwater tunities for fishing and hunting. Principal species of fish Neosho River Valley. The rolling hills afford the visitor hazards. Be especially watchful for submerged stumps, an opportunity to see many acres of agriculture and logs, fences, and other obstructions — particularly in in the lake include white crappie, walleye, white bass, BOATING channel catfish, flathead catfish, and various sunfish grassland. Fields of wheat, corn, and maize are abundant. shallow water and along the shoreline. Large areas of grasses including Big Bluestem, Little species. Don't overload your boat. The Kansas Forestry, Fish and Game Commission Bluestem, Indian Grass, Switch Grass, Brome Grass, and Boats must not approach closer to the dam than indi­ STANDARD Sideoats Grama can be seen from the rolling hilltops. The !7\l has a license to 1,472 acres of the project lands for wildlife cated by warning signs or safety buoy lines. WATERWAY management. The licensed area is known as the Otter lower areas consist of wooded cover of such species as If your boat upsets, stick to it and use it as a life per- • elm, black walnut, hickory, ash, hackberry, cottonwood, Creek Game Management Area, and is managed pri­ server. MARKERS (WARNS 01 DANGIR' and cedar. Standing in a boat can lead to disaster. n ma> appiar on a marily for bobwhite quail, mourning dove, greater BUOY OR ON SH0RI prairie chicken, cottontail rabbit, squirrel, and deer. Help a boat in distress. Give help and if you need The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has under help, ask for it. cooperative agreement approximately 18,500 acres of Each boat mast have an approved flotation device for project land and water areas for operation of the Flint each passenger. A(lent IItahli Hills National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge is managed as P0RI STARBOARD part of the national migratory waterfowl program and is SWIMMING Slot SIDt a THESE MARKERS GIVE open to public hunting during hunting season with the CMANNU MARK1RS C0NTR0UED AREAS AND INFORMATION SUCH AS (looAmg Upstream) SPEED LIMITS AS INDICATED NAMES DISTANCES AND Swim and wade only where you are familiar with INSIDE CIRCLE exception of the area north of the Neosho River which is ACTIVITIES PfRMlTTEO the water depths and the bottom. closed to public access from October 1 through December 3 * IV Don't swim alone. There's safety in numbers. 31 each year. Detailed hunting information may be ob­ Be sure water is deep enough before diving. tained from the Refuge Manager located in Burlington, Be careful of overestimating your swimming ability Kansas. U as water distances are deceiving. Hunting and fishing activities are regulated by i Watch children and non-swimmers closely. Federal and State laws. Courtesy and safety should be THIS FLAG INDICATES THAT Swimmers should avoid regular boat channels, A DIVER IS BE 10* THE practiced when utilizing public lands to insure a pleasant SURFACE IN I HE ARE A MARKED launching ramps, and docks. STAY A*AY recreational experience.

The middle zone or "conservation storage" provides WATERSHED 79,600 acre-feet of storage for water supply, water quality Drainage area above the dam, square miles ... 3,015 Early Day History Visitors Welcome Project Data and space to contain sediment. The water supply portion of the storage will yield 24.5 million gallons a day. John Redmond Reservoir lies in a broad flat valley The bottom zone or "inactive storage" provides 2,500 LAKE with margins of the gently rolling Flint Hills — a bluestem grass region of natural scenic beauty. The 59- acre-feet of space to contain sediment. Elevations, feet above mean sea level Releases of water are made through the low flow mile shoreline around the reservoir provides excellent Top of flood control pool 1,068.0 pipes, over the spillway, or a combination of both. camping areas and retreats for vacationists who like to Top of conservation pool (normal pool). .1,039.0 Releases are generally less than bankfull, however, dur­ HHr" get away from the beaten path. Located in the middle of Top of inactive pool 1,020.0 KANSAS ing large flood periods they may range up to the bankfull the vast Central Flyway, the reservoir is on an important flows of 12,000 cubic feet per second. The release rate de­ Surface area of lake, acres flight path for migratory ducks and geese. Large flocks of Canvasback Ducks as well as Snow and Blue Geese move pends on such factors as the inflow rate, amount of water At top of flood control pool 31,700 in storage, river flows downstream, and weather condi­ through the Neosho River Valley in the spring and fall, At top of conservation pool 9,400 and the Flint Hills contain the largest single concentra­ tions. A warning device is sounded at the dam prior to At top of inactive pool 610 making a change in releases. tion of greater prairie chickens in the United States. Storage capacities, acre-feet Food, bait, tackle, boat rentals, etc., are available near the lake. Facilities available at the public use areas are BENEFITS Flood control pool 562,500 listed on the map side of this pamphlet. Conservation pool 79,600 John Redmond Dam and Reservoir benefits an area Please keep the area beautiful for other visitors. Inactive pool 2,500 Avoid damaging trees and plants. Extinguish all fires, of 312,000 acres of agricultural land and urban areas in Lake total 644,600 the Neosho River Basin above Pensacola Lake. The lake and use trash cans to dispose of refuse. has been credited with preventing an estimated $27,358,- Shoreline length, miles Coffev County, in which John Redmond Dam and Inquiries regarding the project and its use are 000 in flood damages through June 30, 1975. At top of conservation pool 59 Reservoir is located, shares the memorable past of a State welcomed by the Resident Engineer at the Resident over which the flags of France and Spain once flew; of Office near the dam. Copies of regulations governing great pioneer trails, earth-lodge Indian villages, and sod public use of this reservoir arid other information may be LOCATION DAM houses; and of turbulent times in our nation's history. obtained at the Resident Office. Our mailing address is; John Redmond Dam is located on the Neosho River Embankment Now in her second 100 years, present-day Kansas is a Resident Engineer, John Redmond Resident Office, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Route 2, P.O. Box 71, about 3 miles north and 1 mile west of Burlington, Kan­ Length of dam. feet. 20,740 leader in agriculture, livestock, and mineral resources, a Burlington, KS 66839, Telephone; AC (316) 364-2311. sas, just off U.S. Highway 75. Maximum height of dam above streambed, feet land of modern highways and abundant water, and a 86 growing contender in industry and science. Coffey HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT County ranks high among Kansas counties in wheat, Spillway corn, and many crops which make a prosperous diver­ Designed and built by the Tulsa District Corps of Type Concrete, gated sified agriculture. Engineers at a cost of $29,264,000, the project was started Length of Spillway, gross, feet 680 The John Redmond project was authorized as in 1959 and placed in flood control operation in 1964. The Tainter gates (14), size, width and height, feet 40 "Strawn Dam." The town of Strawn was relocated six John Redmond project was authorized by Congress by 35 miles eastward on higher ground when the dam was under the Flood Control Act of 1950. constructed. The old townsite is now under water. Outlet Works In 1958, Congress renamed it John Redmond Dam OPERATION Low flow pipes (2), diameter in inches 24 and Reservoir for the Burlington Daily Republican's Water supply pip^ H), diameter in inches ... 30 publisher, John Redmond, a beloved figure in Kansas John Redmond Reservoir is one of four Corps of newspaperdom who had received his training under the Engineers' lakes in Kansas designed primarily for control great William Allen White of the Emnoria Gazette. One of floods and low flow regulation in the upper Neosho of the first to champion the causes ot flood control and River Valley. The other projects are Counci Grove Lake water conservation along the Neosho River, Mr. Red­ on the Neosho River, completed in 1964; Marion Lake on mond's work along these lines continued from the early the upper Cottonwood River, completed in 1968; and the 19205 until his death in 1953 at the age of 79. His dream authorized Cedar Point Lake on Cedar Creek, a tributary of controlling floods in the upper Neosho had started to of the Cottonwood River. In addition to flood control, become a reality with the authorization of the four dams John Redmond Reservoir serves the purposes of water in 1950. supply, recreation, and fish and wildlife. The fertile Neosho Valley was flooded 57 times in 34 John Redmond Reservoir, in order to accomplish its years, with the worst flood coming in 1951, one year after function, has three kinds of storage that are separated by Congress authorized the project. Floodwaters ran 3(1 feet zones from the top to the bottom of the lake: flood con­ deep at the damsite and one-third million acres were trol, conservation, and inactive storage. unoer water. The top zone or "flood control storage" provides John Redmond Dam was pressed into flood control 562,500 acre-feet reserved to catch floodwaters and will operation several weeks before final completion, protect­ remain empty except during times of flood control opera­ ing the Neosho River Valley for the first time from the tion. An acre-foot is 325,850 gallons — enough water to damaging floods cover one acre to a depth of one foot. FLINT HILLS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE PERMITTED RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES EFFECTIVE October lf 1979 To September 30,1980

Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge was established on September 1, 1966 on 18,500 acres of land with the flood pool of John Redmond Reservoir.

The refuge is managed primarily for migratory waterfowl. Intensive use by ducks and geese occurs during the spring and fall migration. Farmlands are managed on a-share basis with area farmers. The refuge crop share provides food for migrating waterfowl and resident wildlife. Numerous ponds and a system of shallow marshes provide additional waterfowl habitat.

Waterfowl management requires that portions of the refuge be closed to public access during periods of intensive waterfowl use. Public access is restricted during the period beginning one day before the opening of the regular waterfowl season, as determined by state and federal law and continuing through the close of the season.

All public access, use, or recreational activity not expressly permitted is prohibited.

SPORT FISHING

John Redmond Reservoir offers excellent fishing for channel catfish, crappie and white bass. Fishing within the refuge is governed by applicable fishing regulations established by the Kansas Fish & Game Commission.

After waterfowl hunting seasons end, all waters within the refuge are open to fishing.Vehicle access is restricted to existing roads.

During waterfowl migrations, some waters are closed to fishing and public access. Closed areas are designated by signs and water buoys. Access to waters opened to fishing during this period is provided by roads shown on the included map. The Neosho River proper is open to fishing during this time.

All ponds and water impoundments within the refuge may be fished with pole and line only while fisherman is in attendance. The 15-inch minimum length for black bass, as defined by Kansas law, applies to all refuge ponds and impoundments. ~ HUNTING

General Regulations (Summary)

Detailed regulations are published in the Code of Federal Regulations. Individuals are en­ couraged to check these regulations or consult with the Refuge Manager.

The refuge is open for public hunting of all species of migratory game birds, upland game birds, and all other animals for which the Kansas Fish & Game Commission has established open season in this area, with the exception that the refuge is closed to FIREARM Deer Hunting.

All state and federal hunting regulations apply. The following special regulations also apply to hunting on refuge lands.

1. The use of rifled firearms is not permitted.

2. Vehicle traffic is restricted to existing roads.

3. Dogs may be used to hunt and retrieve game birds and small game animals only. Dogs may not be used for hunting fur bearing animals and non-game animals, either by sight or trailing by scent.

4. Hunting blinds may be constructed by the public but limited to above ground construc­ tion of a temporary nature. Constructed blinds become the property of the Government. Daily occupancy of blinds will be determined on a first come first serve basis regardless of ownership.

Regulations following the close of the waterfowl hunting seasons:

The entire refuge, excluding special recreation areas designated on this map is open to public hunting in accordance with general regulations.

Regulations during time of partial refuge closure:

Deer hunting with bow and arrow is permitted on the Hartford, Eagle Creek and Strawn Units (see map). T

Hunting is permitted on the Hartford, Eagle Creek and Strawn Units (see map).

The interior boundaries of all Hunting Units are formed by the south bank of the Neosho River. The Neosho River is not open to hunting. As a safety measure the Neosho River is closed to hunting and the possession or transportation of firearms on the river is prohibited.

Special Note: The exterior boundaries of refuge lands open to hunting are posted with signs designating them as open to hunting. The area behind the s igns is refuge land. Land in front of the sign is private property. Landowner permission is required to hunt or enter upon these lands. Hunting access, via boat, to the Strawn Hunting Area is available from launching areas below the downstream refuge boundary. During flood conditions boundary signs may be under water; locations of closed hunting areas is the responsibility of the individual. FLINT HILLS Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE was established under the authority of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act on a part of the area acquired by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the John Redmond Dam and Reservoir. This flood control project is administered by the District Engineer, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

JOHN REDMOND RESERVOIR

LEGEND

REFUGE BOUNDARY fl EAGLE CREEK HUNTING UNIT HARTFORD HUNTING UNIT WATERS OPEN TO FISHING & BOATING

PUBLIC ROADS SPECIAL RECREATION AREAS - NO HUNTING 1 | | | | | | 1 STRAWN HUNTING AREA « FISHING ACCESS POINTS (1) ...... DESIGNATED FIREARM TRAVEL ROUTE (During waterfowl hunting season.) MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITIES

Boating and Water Skiing are permitted on all waters open to fishing and shall be in accord­ ance with the Kansas Boating Act. Boating access is available at the Strawn and Hartford Ramps or by entering the Neosho River channel from the reservoir at the down stream boundary of the refuge.

Picnicking and Camping, Sightseeing, Photography, Hiking, and Wild Food Gathering are permitted, except within areas closed to public access during the waterfowl migration season. Areas closed to public access during this period are appropriately marked.

Fires may be built. Individuals constructing fires are responsible and must thoroughly ex­ tinguish them before leaving.

Trash barrels are provided at major traffic points.

SAFETY NOTES

Awareness of the following conditions will contribute to your safety during your visit to the Flint Hills Refuge.

1. All refuge roads are subject to flooding.

2. Shotguns will be in use on refuge lands open to public hunting.

3. The flooded channels of the Neosho River and its tributaries are lined with dead and dying timber. Falling limbs are a hazard to boaters particularly during periods of high winds.

4. No facilities or lifeguards are provided for swimming. Sunken debris, present in all areas, from past floods make swimming unsafe. Swimming is not permitted.

For more information about activities permitted on the refuge, or for information on the refuge in general, visit the refuge office in Hartford, Kansas or write to the Refuge Manager, Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 128, Hartford, Kansas 66854. Telephone: Area Code (316) 392-5553 • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service programs in Iowa, Kansas and Missouri are administered from this office. The office is located in Suite 106, Rockcreek Office Building, 2701 Rockcreek Parkway, North Kansas City, Missouri 64116. Telephone 816-374-6166

Refuge management is directed primarily at meeting the seasonal needs of migrating waterfowl. Unique attractions of the area are the boardwalk nature trail in Mingo National Wildlife Refuge in Missouri and the historical Missouri River Boat display at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge in Iowa, DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge also has spectacular concentrations of geese each fall, as do Squaw Creek and Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuges in Missouri.

The Area Office has responsibility for two fish hatcheries from which channel catfish, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, and rainbow trout are produced and distributed. I

SUNRISE AND SUNSET AT TOPEKA, KANSAS

CENTRAL STANDARD TIME

DAY SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set A.M. P.M. A.M. P.M. A.M. P.M. A.M. P.M. A.M. P.M.

1 5 51 6 54 6 18 6 06 6 50 5 22 7 22 5 01 7 42 5 11 2 5 52 6 52 6 19 6 04 6'51 5 21 7 23 5 00 7 42 5 11 3 5 53 6 50 6 20 6 03 6 52 5 20 7 24 5 00 7 42 5 12 4 5 54 6 49 6 21 6 01 6 53 5 19 7 25 5 00 7 42 5 13 5 5 54 6 47 6 22 5 59 6 54 5 18 7 26 5 00 7 42 5 14 6 5 55 6 46 6 23 5 58 6 55 5 17 7 27 5 00 7 42 515 7 5 56 6 44 6 24 5 56 6 56 5 16 7 28 5 00 7 42 5 16 8 5 57 6 43 6 25 5 55 6 57 5 15 7 29 5 00 7 42 5 17 9 5 58 6 41 6 26 5 53 6 59 5 14 7 30 5 00 7 42 5 18 10 5 59 6 39 6 27 5 52 7 00 5 13 7 31 5 00 7 42 519 11 6 00 6 38 6 28 5 50 7 01 5 12 7 31 5 00 7 41 5 20 12 6 01 6 36 6 29 5 49 7 02 5 11 7 32 5 00 7 41 5 21 13 6 02 6 35 6 30 5 47 7 03 5 10 7 33 5 00 7 41 5 22 14 6 03 6 33 6 31 5 46 7 04 5 09 7 34 5 01 7 41 5 23 15 6 03 6 31 6 32 5 44 7 05 5 09 7 34 5 01 7 40 5 24 16 6 04 6 30 6 33 5 43 7 06 5 08 7 35 5 01 7 40 5 25 17 6 05 6 28 6 34 5 42 7 07 5 07 7 36 5 02 7 40 5 26 18 6 06 6 27 6 35 5 40 7 09 5 06 7 36 5 02 7 39 5 27 19 6 07 6 25 6 36 5 39 7 10 5 06 7 37 5 02 7 39 5 28 20 6 08 6 23 6 37 5 37 7 11 5 05 7 37 5 03 7 38 5 29 21 6 09 6 22 6 38 5 36 7 12 505 7 38 5 03 7 38 5 31 22 6 10 6 20 6 39 5 35 7 13 5 04 7 38 5 04 7 37 5 32 23 6 11 6 19 6 40 5 33 7 14 5 04 7 39 5 04 7 36 5 33 24 6 12 6 17 6 41 5 32 7 15 5 03 7 39 5 05 7 36 5 34 25 6 13 6 15 6 42 5 31 7 16 5 03 7 40 5 05 7 35 5 35 26 6 13 6 14 6 43 5 29 7 17 5 02 7 40 5 06 7 34 5 36 27 6 14 6 12 6 44 5 28 7 18 5 02 7 41 5 07 7 34 5 37 28 6 15 6 10 6 45 5 27 7 19 5 01 7 41 5 07 7 33 5 39 29 6 16 6 09 6 46 5 26 7 20 5 01 7 41 5 08 7 32 5 40 30 6 17 6 07 6 47 5 24 7 21 5 01 7 41 5 09 7 31 5 41 ' 31 6 49 5 23 7 42 5 10 7 30 5 42

Add one hour for Daylight Saving Time if and when in use.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR U.S. FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE

RL-63520-8 September 1979