RED ROCK LAKES
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Lima, Montana
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
Calendar Year 1987
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM
U.S. Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE RED ROCK LAKES NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Lakeview, Montana
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1987
i
U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM 6, 2, 3, 1, 5, 4, 7
PERMANENT 1. Barry Reiswig, GS-11/8 Refuge Manager 2. Bill Kurtenbach, GS-9/3 Asst. Manager 3. Carl Mitchell, GS-5/5. ... Asst. Manager 4. Charles Young, WG-10/5 Heavy Equip. Mechanic i 5. John O'Connor WG-5/2 (Career Seas.). . . . Maintenance Helper
TEMPORARY 6. Clifford Graham, WG-2/1 Laborer 7. Janissa Balcomb, GS-5/1 Biological Technician 8. Theresa Kurtenbach GS-2/1 (Intermittent) .... Clerk/Typist 9. Brian Stephenson Volunteer
REVIEWS AND^AP1 DVALS
a-r-Ti " J. Submittediubmlitted by Date Regional Office Review Date Red Rock Lakes NWR • < INTRODUCTION
Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is located at 6600 feet above sea level in the Centennial Valley of southwestern Montana, This 40,300 acre refuge which lies adjacent to the Continental Divide, is composed of sub-irrigated meadows, sagebrush grasslands, coniferous forests, and two large shallow lake/marsh complexes. In 1976 32,350 acres of the refuge were designated as WiIderness.
Although the Centennial Valley was known to the Bannock Indians as a favored route between the headwaters of the Bighole River and the Yellowstone area, white men did not settle the area until 1876. Settlement brought homesteads and herds of cattle, as well as some lumbering and market hunting. The long winters and great distances to market made subsistence difficult at best, with few surviving the "Great Depression". In 1935 Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect the area because it served as a nesting and wintering area for trumpeter swans. About 400 to 500 trumpeter swans are currently in the tri-state (Idaho, Montana, Wyoming) population. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded on the refuge with peregrine and prairie falcons, bald and golden eagles, burrowing owls, and sage grouse being the most notable. Common mammalian species include antelope, Shiras moose, elk, mule and white- tailed deer, badger and red fox.
The refuge headquarters is located 28 miles from the nearest paved road and 45 miles from Yellowstone National Park. About 10,000 to 13,000 people visit the refuge annually to participate in hunting, fishing, camping and wildlife observation.
Wintering trumpeters. CDM f
R.3W. R.2W.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE RED ROCK LAKES NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
HABITAT TYPE MAP
BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, MONTANA
RJS791127 REVISED: 850228 6R MONT. 177 450 R. I W. R.I E. R. 2 W. R IW. R. 3 W. R.2W.
T. 13 S.
T. 14 S.
R.I W. R.I E. R. 2 W. R.I W. R.3W. R.2W.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE RED ROCK LAKES NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
HABITAT TYPE MAP
BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, MONTANA 6R MONT, 177 450 RJS791127 REVISED: 850228 INTRODUCTION TABLE OF CONTENTS Page A. HIGHLIGHTS 1 B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS 1 C. LAND ACQUISITION
1. Fee Title 1 2. Easements NTR 3. Other NTR D. PLANNING 1. Master Plan NTR 2. Management Plan NTR 3. Public Participation NTR 4. Compliance with environmental Mandates NTR 5. Research and Investigations 2 E. ADMINISTRATION 1. Personnel 5 2. Youth Programs NTR 3. Other Manpower Programs NTR 4. Volunteers Program 5 «5. Funding 6 6. Safety 6 7. Technical Assistance 6 8. Other Items 7 F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT 1. Genera 1 9 2. Wetlands 11 3. Forests NTR 4. Croplands NTR 5. Grasslands 15 6. Other Habitat NTR 7. Grazing 17 8. Haying NTR 9. Fire Management 21 10. Pest Control 25 11. Water Rights NTR 12. Wilderness and Special Areas NTR 13. WPA Easement Monitoring NTR f
G. WILDLIFE 1. Wildlife Diversity 25 2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species 25 3. Waterfowl 26 4. MaTsh and Water Birds 30 5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species NTH 6. Raptors NTR 7. Other Migratory Birds NTR 8. Game Mammals 31 9. Marine Mammals NTR 10. Other Resident Wildlife 31 11. Fisheries Resources 31 12. Wildlife Propagation and Stocking 32 13. Surplus Animal Disposal NTR 14. Scientific Collections NTR 15. Animal Control 33 16. Marking and Banding NTR 17. Disease Prevention and Control 34 H. PUBLIC USE
1. Genera 1 34 2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students NTR 3. Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers NTR 4. Interpretive Foot Trails NTR *5. Interpretive Tour Routes NTR 6. Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations NTR 7. Other Interpretive Programs NTR 8. Hunting 34 9. Fishing 34 10. Trapping 34 11. Wildlife Observation NTR 12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation NTR 13. Camping 35 14. Picnicking NTR 15. Off-Road Vehicling NTR 16. Other Non-Wildlife Oriented recreation NTR 17. Law Enforcement 35 18. Cooperating Associations NTR 19. Concessions NTR 1• EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES 1. New Construction 35 2. Rehabilitation 36 3. Major Maintenance NTR 4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement 41 5. Communications Systems NTR 6. Energy Conservation NTR 7. Other NTR J. OTHER ITEMS 1. Cooperative Programs 41 2. Other Economic Uses NTR 3. Items of Interest NTR 4. Credits 41 K. FEEDBACK A. HIGHLIGHTS Work continues on acquisition of inholdings with good results (see Cl).
Continued research on trumpeter swans fills in more pieces of the puzzle (see C5 and G3). Prescribed fires totaling approximately 1800 acres greatly increased plant diversity that benefits wildlife and range condition (see F5 and F9). This years trumpeter swan production was fantastic, the second highest since the refuges establishment (see G3). After 30 years of marsh management with a fixed level spillway, a rehabilitation of the Lower Structure funded by Ducks Unlimited will provide much more flexibility in future water level manipulations (see 12). B. CLIMATIC CONPITIONS The year 1987 began with very little snow on the ground, only three inches in fact. This was increased to a depth of 11 inches within a few days. The lowest temperature for the year was recorded on January 16 with a reading of -32C>F. The greatest snow depth of 16 inches was recorded on February 24 and March 8. The greatest snowfall was 10 inches also recorded on March 8. The Upper and Lower Lakes were ice free on April 27. Heavy' rainfall in July tallied 6.63 inches, which is slightly more than one-third of the years total of 19.65 inches of precipitation. This is approximately one inch less than the 20 year average annual precipitation. Also, only 58 inches of snow was recorded this year, which is approximately 40% of the average annual snowfall. The month of September was warm and dry. The high for the year was 84t>F on the 23rd, and daytime temperatures in the 70*8 and 80's were common throughout the month. No precipitation was recorded in September and only .03 inches occurred m October. Freeze-up was declared on November 14 as both lakes were frozen over. At years end only 8 inches of snow covered the ground. C. LAND ACQUISITION 1. Fee Title Purchase agreements on portions of two additional inholdings were tentatively acquired during the year. An agreement on 120 acres of the 160 acre Kinard tract (Figure 1) was completed on January 5, 1988. The cost of the tract was $102,000. An agreement was also signed on the Saier tract in which we received 431 acres of the 700 acre tract at a cost of $237,000. Realty folks remain concerned about our ability to close on this deal because of the many liens and judgments the seller bears.
1 R. I W. R.I E. R. 3 W. R.2W. R. 2 W. R. I W
T. 13 S.
T. 14 S.
R. I W. R.I E. Red Rock Lakes NWR R.3W. R.2W. R. 2 W. R.I W. Acquisition Program Red Rock Lakes NWR Acquisition Program Figure 1• Acquired 1986 Figure 1. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Acquired 1987 RED ROCK LAKES NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Proposed Acquisition HABITAT TYPE MAP
BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, MONTANA RJS791127 REVISED: 850228 6R MONT. 177 450 It is hoped that this sale will indeed become final. No progress was made on the Walsh tract despite Realty efforts to secure an agreement. Walsh is in no need of selling the tract and wants considerably more than the appraised value of the property. Efforts to reach an agreement with Walsh will continue during 1988. D. PLANNING 5. Research and Investigations Tri-State Trumpeter Swan Data Synthesis - Ruth Gale and Dr. Joe Ball, University of Montana Co-op Wildlife Research Unit. % The goal of this study is to synthesize existing trumpeter swan data collected on Rocky Mountain Population trumpeter swans, and to subject that data to rigorous statistical analysis. The results will provide management direction for swans for at least the next decade. Ruth finished up her work in August and provided the refuge with a complete final report which ran 314 pages in length. The work is extremely complete and provides managers with a wealth of data and management direction. A number of management recommendations were developed in the document. These deal with both short-term and long-term goals related to the management of trumpeter swans. Her short-term recommendations are to increase cygnet production through a variety of management factors, and reduce various mortality factors through increased feeding rates on the wintering ponds and better water management on the Henry's Fork of the Snake River. Over the long term she recommends creating at least four wintering areas outside of the tri-state area. Hopefully this will eliminate the use of supplemental winter feeding by increasing the proportion of tri-state trumpeters that winter farther to the south. The overall limiting factor identified by Ruth was the apparent nutritional deficiencies in tri-state trumpeters brought on by their wintering in the high country of the Tri-State Region. This causes the birds to enter the breeding season in poor condition and is responsible for a host of related problems such as poor egg viability, small clutch size, and poor cygnet survival. She was able to prove that two primary factors, (1) feeding rates on the wintering ponds at Red Rock Lakes, and (2) icing conditions on the Henry's Fork of the Snake River were two primary factors that directly influenced population levels in following years. Determination of Arctic Grayling Wintering Areas on the Red Rock Lakes NWR - Northwest Montana Fisheries Center and Refuge Staff. Six grayling were outfitted with internal radio transmitters in May and released, three in Red Rock Creek and three in Odell Creek. Three of the six fish were subsequently monitored during
# 2 the summer by ground searchers. None of the marked fish had moved far from release sites, and none of the transmitters lasted into the fall period. After two years of attempting to gather winter data in this manner, it is doubtful that this technique will provide useful information, and other ways of gathering this information will be reviewed in 1988,
Above: NW Montana Fish and Wildlife Center personnel electro-shocking Artie grayling in Red Rock Creek. Effects of Grazing on Stream Bank Stability m the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana - John Lane and Dr. Cliff Montagne, Montana State University, Department of Agronomy. The goal of this project is to measure the impacts of grazing on stream stability on Odell Creek. The student dropped the project as his thesis after one summer's field work. He did come back in 1987 however and run one additional set of measurements. The refuge is still awaiting a final report. The refuge did not provide funding for this project. Effects of Grassland Management Practices on Non-Game Wildlife Species, Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge - Janissa Balcornb, Refuge Staff. The purpose of this work is to determine the effects of the refuge's grassland management program on a wide variety of wildlife species. During the first year of her work, Janissa utilized a variety of techniques and transects in gathering information on bird species. Little conclusive information was gathered during this first year of the study. Janissa compared different grazing schemes and the use of controlled fire. Although not statistically significant, several trends were observable. Apparent nest success for three groups of birds was as follows (Mayfield) waterfowl 27.5%, shorebirds 24.8%, and passerines 100%. However a sample of only 25 nest was used. As far as species diversity is concerned, marsh and shorebirds showed higher densities in areas of one-year-graze, two-years- rest than their overall densities for the refuge. Passerines showed higher densities in areas grazed every other year. Sparrows in general showed the highest densities in areas which ai«e not grazed at all. Savannah sparrows on the other hand have the lowest densities in areas not grazed. Work on the project will continue next year. Contaminant Analysis-Red Rock Lakes NWR - Bill Jones, Fish and Wildlife Enhancement, Billings, and Janissa Balcornb, Refuge Staff. Because of previous trumpeter swan blood samples which turned up significant levels of selenium, a more comprehensive study was conducted by FWS Enhancement and refuge staff personnel during the summer. Information was collected from bird eggs, plant samples, sediment, invertebrates, and fish, and were variously analyzed for fluorides, chlorinated hydrocarbons, antimony, cadmium, chromium, lead molybdenum, silver, vanadium, selenium and mercury. At this date a final analysis is not yet available.
4 E. ADMINISTRATION 1. Personnel One personnel change occurred during the year. Carl Mitchell joined the staff in March as an Assistant Manager GS-5\7.
Staffing patterns are shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Staffing Patterns during Last Five Years
STAFFING PATTERN Year Full Time Career Seasonal Temporary Vol unteers ( FTE ) ( FTE) 1987 4 (4) 1 (.50) 4 (1.33) 1 1986 4 (4) 1 (.50) 2 ( .63) 4 1985 4 (4) 1 ( .50) 5 1984 4 (4) 2 ( .67) 3 1983 4 ( 4 ) 2 ( .85) 2
4. Volunteers Program One volunteer contributed 480 hours to the refuge during the year.5" Brian Stephenson, a student at Colorado State University completed a wide variety of refuge tasks during his 12 week stay at the refuge. He was given about $16 per day per-diem and provided with free housing. This has replaced the SCA program on the refuge. Our emphasis is to give all of the funding to the Sjtudent under the volunteer program rather than paying SCA for recruiting. We can do that for a lot less.
5 5. Funding The table below s.hows Red Rock Lakes funding (in thousands) by subactivity. Table 2. Red Rock Lakes NWR Funding (in thousands) During Last Fours Years.
FY 84 85 86 87 1260 212 196 262.5 1261 BASE 179 1262 MAIN 1262 SM ARMMS 31
126 2 LG ARMMS 20 PROBLEMS 6860 7755 8610 4.2 9.6 6.5 7.7
PERMITTEE REHAB 29.4 24.5 CONTAMINANTS 37.5 TOTAL 223.2 212.6 303.4* 304.7* DO PROJECT FUNDS 60 45 255 * FY 86-87 L.W.C.F. Acquisition Funding 2,000,000
6. Safety Red Rock Lakes has a safety record of 5,114 work days without a lost-time accident. Quarterly safety meetings and lots of Common Sense help us maintain this record. 7. Technical Assistance The refuge continued to provide technical assistance to other federal and state agencies, and private individuals concerning the management of trumpeter swans in the Greater Yellowstone Area.
6 Assistance was provided to the Targhee National Forest, Harriman State Park, Idaho Department of Fish and Game and one private landowner near Dillon. 8. Other Items Beaverhead County received $10,628 this year for in-lieu-of payments. This was again well short of the actual amount the county should have received. Refuge personnel attended the following meetings during the year: Kurtenbach Jan. 27 Peregrine Falcon Meeting, MSU, Bozeman Kurtenbach Feb. 5 Presentation to Dillon Trout Unlimited Chapter Kurtenbach Feb. 9-13 Wildlife Society, Mitchell, Reiswig Kalispell, Project Leaders Meeting Mitchel1 Reiswig Feb. 19 Wyoming Game and Fish, Swan Management Reiswig Feb. 25 Northwest Montana Fisheries Center, Montana FWP Fisheries Biologist, Refuge Fisheries Program
Reiswig Feb. 28-30 Conservation Groups, Centennial Mts. Wilderness Study Area Planning, Divide Creek Cabin R^iswi g March 2-7 Regional Conference Reiswig March 8-28 Advanced Refuge Academy, Washington, DC Kurtenbach March 30-Apr.4 Law Enforcement Refresher Reiswig Bismarck, ND Reiswig April 13 Dillon Area BLM Personnel, Rush Trespass Mitchell, Reiswig April 30 Gallatin National Forest, Targhee National Forest, Harriman State Park Personnel, Swan Management Mitchell, Reiswig May 5 Trumpeter Swan Subcommittee Meeting, Idaho Falls Reiswig May 27-28 Montana Waterfowl Tour, Bowdoin NWR
7 Reiswig May 29-June 1 Greater Yellowstone Coalition Convention, Yellowstone NP Reiswig June 2-3 BLM Wilderness Hearings, Centennial Mts. WSA, Dillon, Helena Reiswig June 2-3 Staff of Melcher, Williams, Baucus, Butte and Helena Offices Kurtenbach June 12 FERS Training, Dillon BLM Office Kurtenbach, June 15-16 Forest Service Coordination Reiswig Ride Kurtenbach, June 22-24 Goose Banding Crew, Montana Mitchel 1 FWP, Lima Reservoir Reiswig July 6 County Commissioners Meeting, Dillon Mitchell, Reiswig Aug. 10 Trumpeter Swan Subcommittee Meeting, Jackson, WY Kurtenbach, Aug. 24-28 Project Leaders Meeting, Reiswig Medicine NWR Reiswig Sep. 10 Tour Simplot Mine Sites in Centennial Mts. with BLM, MSB and Sheep Station Personnel
Mitchell, Reiswig Sep.29 Met with Bureau of Reclamation, Idaho Fish and Game, FWS Enhancement Region 1, Idaho State Parks, Madison-Freeman Irrigation Dist., about Water Management on Henry's Fork Reiswig Oct. 14 Swan Management Talk to MSU Wildlife Students T. Kurtenbach Oct. 26-30 Regional Clerks Training Mitchell, Reiswig Nov. 23-24 Trumpeter Swan Subcommittee Meeting, Jackson, WY Reiswig Dec. 4-6 Montana Wilderness Assoc. Conference, Helena On July 21, Kim Kreuger, aid to Senator Baucus, visited the refuge and met with RM Reiswig and Realty Chief Young to discuss progress on the refuge's land acquisition program.
8 On July 30, State Rep. Chuck Swysgood of Dillon was given an aerial tour of the refuge and DU project site.
On August 21, Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa toured the refuge with RM Reiswig. The- Senator took a fancy to a neighbor's antique wind generator. When asked about it, the neighbor gave it to him. He asked us to take it off the tower. The refuge maintenance crew accomplished this a few days later. The unit was transferred to Iowa where it is now resting in a demonstration "pioneer village" of Iowa homestead!ng.
F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT 1. General A problem came to our attention during a fall trip into the Centennial Mountains. The Tom Creek headwaters area, part of the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station and part of the watershed for the Upper Lake received some heavy sheep grazing impacts during the summer. We returned to the site in late October and obtained photographic documentation of the situation. The Sheep Station had been contacted by year's end and a meeting to discuss the situation has been arranged for early 1988.
Shot of overgrazing on U.S. Sheep Station lands which form part of Upper Lake watershed. BR
The Sheep Station, which is administered by the Agricultural Research Service, USDA, will be called to task for this situation and will be asked to correct it.
9 This is the result of poor grazing and land management practices on upper watershed. Mouth of Red Rock Creek in Upper Lake. WJK 2. Wetlands Sparrow Slough, a 1985 D.U. project, made a considerable contribution to waterfowl production this year. Thirty duck broods and 45 goslings were observed during a July survey. Some coot broods were also present. Not bad production for a 68 acre wetland. Work continued on various refuge wetlands during the year. The Lower Structure was completely rebuilt (see 12 ). Water gauges were installed at Sparrow Slough, Shoveler Pond and Macbonald Pond. Water gauges were replaced at Sparrow Pond, Wigeon Pond, and Culver Pond. Wigeon Pond was partially drawndown this year to recycle nutrients and stimulate emergent production.
Wigeon Pond was partially drawdown this year to increase emergent cover within the basin. This wetland has been held at almost full pool level for many years. WJK
Two more proposals were submitted to Ducks Unlimited this year for Tucks Slough and Grayling Creek Slough. By years end surveying, preliminary plans, and some state and federal permits for construction were completed for Tucks Slough. Additional fill was removed from the peninsula on the large island in Sparrow Slough this fall. This was accomplished with ammonium nitrate and the Case backhoe. This will allow the regulation of lower levels within the wetland and still maintain a large island rather than a peninsula. This will help insure nest security from mammalian predators.
11 These two photos illustrate the stairstep effect of emergent seedlings creeping out into the mudflats. Wigeon Pond will remain in drawdown through 1988. WJK
- ** •Jr K
-9^9^ ' A' " • 'r * V • t' 12 Sparrow Pond above and Shoveler Pond below lacked drawdown structure until 1985. One year of total drawdown followed by two years of moderate waterlevels has changed the emergent coverage from almost nothing to 40-50% coverage. This provides fine invertebrate habitat for waterfowl. WJK c 13 Above: Shoveler Pond in May 1987. Island and channel virtually bare of vegetation. WJK Below: Shoveler Pond in September 1987. Emergents and pioneer species ' responded well to moderate water levels WJK 14 The growth potential of submergents can be amazing. This channel (6* x 40' x 300') in Shoveler Pond was con- structedin September of 1986 with ammonium nitrate blasting Submergent coverage was substantial by September 1987. WJK Near year's end a "Guide to Wetland Management" was compiled by ARM Kurtenbach. This will serve as a handy reference for future wetland mangers at Red Rock Lakes concerning decisions on refuge wetlands. The guide contains a summary of the literature on basic wetland responses to water level manipulation, and responses by specific refuge wetlands over the past few years. 5• Grass lands A total of 15,786 acres of native grasslands occur on the refuge. Of this acreage, 10,245 acres are either sub-irrigated or saline sub-irrigated grasslands with varying degrees of productivity, depending on site-specific soil chemistry. Under the current grassland management plan, native grasslands combined with substantial areas of marsh, timber and willow- bottom riparian habitat are managed in 22 units containing 25,106 acres. Grazing is the primary manipulative tool, although the use of prescribed fire has been integrated into the management process. 15 During the year a total of 4 units, G-5W, G-ll, G-15C and G-17, containing 4,950 acres (3,071 grassland acres) were grazed and portions of three units, G-1N, G-15A and G-15B, totalling about 1,800 acres, were burned in the spring. Robel and Daubenraire transects are read each year on one-third of the units to monitor the response to treatments. Dr. Don Beduna, our range consultant, has recommended a change in reading Daubenmires from three years to every five years. Photo-points have been established in most of the units and are photographed annually to develop a visual record of grassland changes. Each of the grazed and burned units is reviewed at least annually on the ground to give the staff a better understanding of grazing patterns, response to fire, and vegetative changes. Reports of the reyiews are developed and filed with other grassland management data. In 1987, Robel transects were read in units G-lS, G-1N, G-3/4 and G-5C. One of the units showed an increase in height-density, two decreased, and one was static. All changes were slight. Daubenmire transects were read in G-lS, G-lN, G-3/4, and G-5W. Three of the four transects showed an improvement in range condition, and one was static. The transects were completed by Dr. Beduna of the University of Montana. This increase tells us only that plants sensitive to grazing are recovering on the refuge. Biological Technician Janissa Balcomb initiated studies to determine the impacts of the current management program on a host of grassland species. This effort will be continuing over the next several years. Ag Specialist Steve Berlinger and three range conservationists from the Soil Conservation Service in Montana completed a range site and condition inventory on the refuge in July. They utilized the new SCS range guide which stresses ecological site characteristics instead of "Old Bossy characteristics" which was true of earlier guides. Of the 21,225 acres surveyed, 123 (1%) was rated in excellent condition, .10,681 (50%) was rated in good condition, 9,749 (46%) was rated in fair condition and 672 (3%) was rated in poor condition. The results of this survey were not comparable with results of the 1979 survey because of the differences in SCS site standards used in the two surveys. The survey team felt the primary two reasons for rating particular units down in condition was a lack of woody vegetation in many of the units, and a lack of species diversity on many of the sub-irrigated sites. Dr. Beduna disagreed somewhat with the teams' findings. He feels that based on his review of more than 20 Daubenmire transects in the past three seasons, range condition is improving in at least 70% of the sites reviewed. He states that shrubs may never have been an important component of the Centennial Valley grassland ecosystem as is contended in the SCS range guide. He also feels that the sub-irrigated range sites are much more diverse than the SCS survey reveals. Overall, he feels that the grasslands are continuing to improve in species composition toward more diverse 16 plant comraunities. The three burned units showed a tremendous response by grasses and a significant -increase in forbs was noted. One species in particular, tall reedgrass, was found on a number of sites in the burns. This species, was once believed to be dominant in the sub-irrigated sites according to the SCS. Because it is very sensitive to grazing, the species is easily grazed out. Little of the reedgrass was found on the refuge until the survey team reached the burned units. This species because of its rank stand, seed production, and nutritional values, is a very desirable species from a wildlife standpoint. Its return to the refuge grasslands in significant stands would be a very positive factor tor wildlife values. Because of refuge goals, the impacts of fire and grazing need to be carefully evaluated on a wide range of species on the refuge. We have started this process and hope to intensify it in the next few years. 7. Graz ing Livestock grazing is the primary tool used at the present time to manage grasslands for mulch reduction, plant vigor, and species diversity. In 1987, 4 permittees used 4,223 AUM's (Table 3) on 3,266 grassland acres of the refuge. This use was equivalent to 1.29 AUM's/grassland acre. Grazing intensity varied greatly on the various units depending on outlined goals. A total of $27,477.74 was generated at the rate of $6.50/AUM. One permittee, Ron Hoi ton, took non-use for the third year in a row, despite being warned that his permit would be revoked if he did so. Matador Cattle Co. took the AUM's in G-15C. The experimental range improvements program which utilizes grazing fees for range improvements continued into its second year. A total of four projects valued at $24,504 were completed. This included the installation of 6 miles of one-wire electric fence, removal of 2 miles of interior fencing, and the reconstruction of 2.4 miles of boundary fence. This program has worked extremely well and has enabled us to utilize appropriated funds for higher priority resource projects while at the same time improving the condition of refuge fencing. It has also allowed us to protect riparian habitats and intensify grazing management through the use of electric fencing. During the year G-.17 was grazed at a rate of 0.97 AUM/grassland acre. This unit was split in half by a one-wire electric fence. The east half was grazed from July 16 to Labor Day and the west half from that date to the end of October. The east half received adequate pressure to remove most litter, but the west half could have used additional pressure. The one-wire divider fence worked well. 17 G-5W was also split in half. This was accomplished by fencing Odell Creek completely out of the unit with a one-wire electric fence. This worked very well and no impacts were delivered to Odell Creek's riparian habitat by cattle. This fence also reduced the exposure time of the grasslands to grazing by one- half. The east half of the unit was grazed from July 13 - August 26, and the west half from that date to October 11. The grazing rate was 1.30 AUM's/grass1and acre, a rate which was a little light to get good mulch breakdown. View of grazing treatment in G-5W where it borders G-5C. Pressure was adequate to control mulch. BR Unit G-ll was grazed at the rate of 1.46 AUM's/grassland acre and good Jitter control was achieved at this rate. This unit was split in half by the use of a one-wire electric fence which was installed on the north side of Red Rock Creek. The plan here was to reduce exposure of the grasslands to cattle by one-half and protect the riparian habitat on Red Rock Creek for one-half of the grazing period. This did not work well as the dry summer conditions allowed the cattle to go around the end of the fence and get into both the riparian habitat and the supposedly idle portion of the unit. We also experienced considerable difficulty with the fence being knocked down. We think moose were the culprits although we have no observations of such. In the future, both sides of the creek will be fenced to protect riparian values and split the unit. The south half of the unit was grazed from July 10 to August 28, and the north half was grazed from that date until October 18. Unit G-15C was grazed at the rate of 1.52 AUM's/grassland acre from July 23 until October 16. The heavy grazing pressure was adequate to break down mulch which was extremely heavy here. 20 Overall, we were pleased at the progress made in protecting riparian habitat and reducing the exposure time of a particular portion of a grazing unit to cattle. We also started to study the impacts of grazing on a wide variety of wildlife species, and on plant species diversity. Efforts will continue in the next few years to increase our understanding of grazing impacts and how to best manage those impacts for the good of diverse wildlife and plant species. The major challenge at this time seems to be reducing the heavy mulch in some of the units without sacrificing both wildlife and plant diversity values. Both the SCS inventory team and Dr. Beduna agree that even 42 days of intense grazing pressure every, three y^ars is probably too intensive for many sensitive plant species. Yet, without this pressure we incur significant buildups of mulch in relatively short time frames (2-3 years). 9• Fire Management Two prescribed fires were completed during 1987. On April 21, G-15 A and part of G-i5B were burned. This fire totalled about 900 acres. The majority of these units are subirrigated grasslands that accumulate heavy mulch quite readily unless removed periodically by fire or heavy grazing. In these subirrigated areas, fire has a distinct advantage over grazing as the cattle don't remove the heavy mulch buildup because they prefer the higher drier sites in any grazing unit. Fire is indiscriminate however and mulch removed in some areas may completely change the species present. In this case regrowth by forbs: was noted with Rydberg clover being most prominent. Use by antelope was heavy from May through mid-summer. G-15A-B prescribed burn. Using natural barriers and proper backfiring techniques this 900 acre burn was completed without a hitch. WJK * 21 A range inventory was performed this year by Steve Berlinger (R.O.) and three SCS employees. They were impressed by the amount of tall reedgrass present in this burned area, as it is almost nonexistent in most of Montana. They also noted that diversity was greater in this area than most other areas on the refuge. The second prescribed fire was performed on April 22. This fire included most of grazing unit 1-N or 877 acres. By raid-summer it was obvious that the amount of western wheatgrass visible had increased considerably over what was noted in past years. Basin wildrye also responded well with much seedling production noted. Forbs were numerous, especially lupine, in the River Marsh Campground area. Prior to molting, use by non-breeding Canada geese wAs common in May and June. Aerial photo of Gl-N burn. WJK 22 Above: April pre-burn shot of Gl-N looking south near River Marsh Campground driveway. WJK % Below: Same area in late summer. Response by basin wildrye was good. Also note large amounts of lupine, a nitrogen fixer, almost non-existant in previous years. WJK 23 Preburn (above) and late summer (below) photos near River Marsh Campground looking north. Western wheatgrass (not in photo), lupine, and other forbs increased substantially throughout this unit. WJK 24 10• Pest Control Sometime during the winter Mechanic Young noticed that a peculiar little black beetle was becoming more numerous in his abode, Quarters 90. Although he had seen them for as long as a few years ago they were always limited to one bedroom upstairs that he didn't use anyway. Charlie didn't mind sharing his house with the little guys, but when they started showing up at his kitchen table he started to get irritated. Also the larvae of this beetle preferred to dine on wool and some of Charlie's wool sweaters now had gaping holes. He collected a few and sent them along with Assistant Manager Kurtenbach and family to Bozeman where an entomologist at the university identified them as "black carpet beetles". He went on to say that the beetles lived on dead flkes and were especially fond of dog food, and that the house would have to be fumigated to rid the house of those critters. Jesse Kurtenbach, who was only five years old at the time, was awed by the knowledge of this man concerning the little black bugs. On the way home he asked a question concerning the job of fumigation. Upon returning home he informed Mechanic Young that he had "rug bugs" and someone would come to cover his whole house with bug spray. An exterminator was contacted and two treatments approximately one week apart, rid Quarters 90 of the "rug bugs". G. WILDLIFE 1• Wildlife Diversity Varied habitats on the refuge support a diverse fauna. Some 258 species of birds have been recorded on the refuge. 42 species of mammals, 10 species of fish and at least 5 species of amphibians also inhabit refuge lands. Species range in size from shrews to moose, from hummingbirds to trumpeter swans. Rare species like Peregrine falcons range side by side with abundant savannah sparrows. The abundant, high quality habitat on, and adjacent to, the refuge and the remoteness of the region contribute to the variety and abundance of wildlife populations. 2• Endangered and/or Threatened Species A pair of bald eagles has nested near Culver Pond for at least the last 15 years. They are consistent producers, and fledged 2 young this year. The nest they used was constructed by refuge personnel, to take the place of the original nest structure, which blew down in 1986. The adults spend all year at the refuge, foraging for fish and waterfowl on Culver and MacDonald Ponds. Immature bald eagles are also observed regularly during the fall, winter and spring months. We are uncertain whether any of these immatures are young from the Culver nest - movement patterns of immature bald eagles are poorly understood. The refuge hosts a number of migrating bald eagles each spring and fall as well. No regular census efforts have been initiated because the migration is inconsistent, 25 Peregrine falcons were observed on numerous occasions this year by refuge staff and visitors. All of the three known peregrine eyries in Montana occur in the Centennial Valley. One of these eyries is located on, or adjacent to refuge lands. The pair has moved to a new Site each year, and this year the eyrie was not located. A third, presumably non-breeding pair showed up at a Peregrine Fund hack site to the east of the refuge. Ten peregrine eyases were fledged by the Peregrine Fund in the Centennial Valley in 1987. Although the hack tower on the refuge is no longer used, the refuge provides a vital foraging area for these magnificent birds. Peregrine re-introductions in southwestern Montana have been largely successful, and will continue. 5f A 35 day old peregrine eyas, ready to be placed in the hack box. BR Our semi-annual summer whooping crane failed to stay at Red Rock Lakes this year. Two reliable, but unconfirmed, sightings were reported to refuge staff in May and June. Apparently the entire female portion of the Grays Lake whooping crane flock spent the spring and summer wandering over a large portion of Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. 3. Waterfowl Trumpeter swans. The annual mid-winter trumpeter swan survey was flown February 4- 6, 1987. This survey is designed to provide as nearly a complete count as possible of the entire Rocky mountain population. The Rocky Mountain population is comprised of the Interior Canada 26 flock, and the Tri-state flock. Red Rock Lakes' swans are part of the Tri-state flock. The mid-winter survey total was 1582 trumpeters. 1196 (76%) were "white birds" (i.e. adults or sub-adults). 386 (24%) were gray- plumaged cygnets. The 1987 total was down slightly from 1986's tally of 1603 trumpeters. Because of the mild winter, there was unusually abundant open water in the survey area in 1987. As a result, some trumpeters may have gone uncounted. Approximately 102 (87 white birds/15 cygnets) of the 1582 (6.4%) "belonged" to Red Rock Lakes NWR. A few of the trumpeters that wintered on the refuge. COM The winter feeding program ended on April 7, 1987. A total of 964 bushels of wheat was fed over the 21 week feeding period. In addition to the wheat, 1600 lbs. of Purina Game Bird Maintenance Chow, 500 lbs. of Purina Game Bird Startena and 500 lbs. of Purina Game Bird Breeder Layena were placed in dryland feeders as a supplement to the wheat. A study was initiated last winter to test the efficiency (measured by swan use) of various feeding techniques. Observations were made from a blind overlooking MacDonald Pond for 378 hours over 41 calendar days. The techniques evaluated were; dryland feeders, wheat placed in the water in one large pile, and wheat broadcast from a boat into numerous smaller piles. Broadcasting wheat was found to be the most efficient technique, measured in terms of swan numbers observed eating and the percentage of time swans used wheat provided by the technique. Although broadcast feeding is more difficult and time consuming, it is clearly the best method for the swans, and all 27 of our food placement for 1987-88 will use this method. Curiously enough, the first managers at Red Rock Lakes broadcast wheat too. (In 19371) The study also provided a tentative formula to use to decide how much wheat to provide for a given period of time with a given number of swans present. Initial indications are that it works, and should take the guesswork out of deciding how much to feed. In marked contrast to recent years, trumpeter swan production was excellent in 1987. A total of 96 cygnets fledged, the second highest number ever recorded from the refuge. Comparative production data are presented in Table 4. Table 4. Comparative trumpeter swan production data at Red Rock Lakes NWH, Montana, 1977-1987. Year Number of Mean % Eggs Max imum Maximum Percent Nesting Clutch Hatching Number Number Mortality Pairs Size Observed F1 edged (hatch-fledge) 1977 34 4.00(N=6) 7 69 39 43 1978 43 4. 64(N = 25) 61 67 34 49 1979 47 5. 00(N =?) 65 116 54 53 1980 41 4. 80(N = 32) 21 * 18 6 67 1981 44 5. 33(N =?) 58 90 37 59 1982 24 4.07(N=14) 29* 17 4 76 1983 29 4.60(N-23) 50* 46 19 59 1984 31 4.75(N=12) 20* 30 4 87 1985 24 5. 00(N = 6 ) 67 63 42 23 1986 25 4. 25(N = 4 ) 53 26 15 42 1987 34 5.70(N=10) 86 127 96 25 * = high water year with nest flooding. Othftr superlatives associated with this year's reproduction are: highest mean clutch size ever recorded for this area; clutches of up to 9 eggs were laid; 86.5% of the eggs hatched; at least one brood of 8 cygnets, and 4 broods of 7 were counted; mean brood size was 4.1 (range 1-8); a maximum of 127 cygnets were observed; and 3.1 cygnets fledged/successful nest. All suitable refuge waters produced broods, in contrast to previous years. The exceptional production in 1987 was due to a number of factors. These include: increased feeding of high-protein wheat on wintering ponds; an early spring; low run-off and lowered water levels on the primary marsh and partial drawdown on several other important breeding ponds; and a warm, relatively dry spring and summer. The increased winter feed available helped insure that the swans over-wintered and entered the breeding season in good body condition. The early spring enabled area waters to open early and warm quickly, allowing aquatic vegetation to begin vigorous, rapid growth, which in turn provided breeding swans with additional, abundant, high quality forage. Cygnets probably benefited from increased aquatic invertebrate populations. The lower water levels eliminated nest flooding problems, and increased early warming of waters which increased aquatic growth and invertebrate production. The warm, dry period from April to 28 May and July through September helped eliminate embryo and cygnet mortality due to chilling. All of these factors interacted synergisticaIly to provide a nearly ideal breeding environment for trumpeters. It was both interesting and informative to observe the reproductive potential of refuge swans when proper management was combined with good luck. Although we obviously can't provide ideal weather conditions, we can see to it that our management actions provide the trumpeters with all that they require in terms of winter nutrition, spring nutrition (insofar as we can manage aquatic vegetation), nesting sites, and the like. The Tri-state survey, which records numbers of adult swans and their reproductive success (i.e. cygnets fledged), was flown from September 14-17 (inclusive). A total of 540 trumpeters was counted, the highest since 1968. 365 white birds and 175 cygnets were tallied. il3 adults and 96 cygnets were counted on the refuge, confirming the importance of this area to the tri-state population. Tundra swans. Tundra swans arrived on October 29. No counts were made, but a conservative estimate of 5000 was made by managers. The swans stayed until a very hard freeze on November 14. Canada Geese. No formal survey efforts were conducted specifically for geese. Data were acquired during other aerial surveys. Goose production remained stable, with approximately 10 nesting pairs and 50-60 goslings hatched. Few geese winter on the refuge. 5 were present in January 1987. i Ducks. A total of 644 ducks was present during the 1987 mid-winter waterfowl survey. Mallards and goldeneyes made up a majority of the wintering population. Two aerial surveys resulted in breeding pair counts totaling 8721 ducks and 2316 coots. These pair counts are well above other recent counts. Table 5. Waterfowl breeding pair counts. Year Ducks Coots 1987 8721 2316 1986 4950 1041 1985 5247 1431 1984 4965 1788 1983 4275 1437 1982 4239 1560 1981 4628 1016 1980 4264 578 x (80-86) 4653 1264 29 It has been suggested that 1987's breeding pair counts are inflated due to a shift in waterfowl from drying potholes off- refuge onto refuge waters. Dabbler numbers increased particularly between the first and second flights, and these are the species one would expect to be primarily impacted by the drying of the smaller, shallower wetlands. Why the coot counts were so high remains a mystery. The first coot pair counts were higher than the second, so if the loss of off-refuge wetlands affected coots, the chronology was much different than it was for ducks. As coots nest over-water, usually in shallow shoreline waters, their nesting habitat would have been affected by the shrinking ponds sooner than the ducks. Another possibility for the increased pair counts is that they are the result of predator control (skunks) in 1985 and 1986. Dr. J. Ball (Montana CWRU) feels that these extra pairs are the result of increased recruitment due to the predator control. Since lesser scaup (our most abundant breeding duck) may not breed until their second year, increased recruitment would not necessarily be the case in 1987. This hypothesis fits the data. 1987 duck production was slightly above the 1980-86 average, while coot production was much lower. Table 6. Waterfowl production estimates. Year Ducks (dabblers-divers) Coots 1987 7060 (3770-3290) 1781 1986 4414 (3147-1267) 2038 1985 7603 (4078-3525) 2063 1984 7703 (3108-4595) 3100 198 3 7495 (4386-3109) 3306 1982 6748 (4215-2533) 3383 1981 7958 (4011-3947) 3880 198)0 4044 (2038-2006) 1888 x (80-86) 6138 2808 Relatively low water levels may have impacted duck production in four ways: by reducing water available for breeding pairs to establish territories (negative impact), by increasing secure nesting habitat within normal high water level zones for ground nesters (positive), by decreasing habitat available for over- water nesters (negative), and by increasing availability of vegetative and animal foods for both breeding adults and ducklings (positive). 4• Marsh and Water Birds An aerial census of sandhill cranes resulted in population estimates of 36 pairs, 50 single cranes, and 31 in groups of 3 or more, for a total of 153. Strangely enough, another estimate of sandhill crane density, using line transect sampling, also equaled 153. No estimates were made of production. It appears that the sandhills staged elsewhere this year, as no concentrations of cranes were noted. 30 The refuge hosts two small great blue heron rookeries. This year we had 39 active nests, and an average of 2.8 (1-5) young/nest. Thus great blue heron production is estimated at 109, This is slightly above average. Approximately 100 white pelicans used the refuge this summer. No production was noted. White-faced ibis were common on the refuge this summer, although in small numbers. Circumstantial evidence indicated that this species is expanding its range. ^ Thirteen other species of marsh and water birds inhabit the refuge, but we have no information on densities, production or habitat use. 8. Game Mammals Moose, elk, white-tailed and mule deer, and pronghorn all occur on the refuge. Elk and pronghorn use is seasonal. No data are available on densities or production for elk or deer. Two winter moose surveys were conducted. A January count by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks tallied 33 moose (10 bulls, 14 cows and 9 calves) on the refuge. A March flight by ARM Kurtenbach tallied 44 moose (4 bulls, 28 cows and 12 calves). A spring count in May revealed 59 moose (9 bulls, 30 cows and 20 yearlings). Because moose use both heavy timber and open willow habitats on the refuge, it is difficult to obtain a total count. A production survey in June found only 5 calves with 20 ' cows/yearlings. It was probably flown before the peak parturition period. The refuge population remains stable. The first antelope observation on the refuge in 1987 was on April 15. An aerial census on June 3 counted 44 bucks, 226 does and 8 fawns (total = 278). Fawning had evidently begun within a day or two prior to the flight. An aerial production survey on July 19 totaled 60 bucks, 164 does, and 145 fawns (total = 369). Buck/doe ratios (36 bucks/100 does), and fawn doe ratios (88 fawns/100 does), were both above recent long terra averages of 29 and 78, respectively. 10. Other Resident Wildlife Muskrats are an important part of the refuge marsh system. Of primary concern to managers is the rauskrat houses, which probably provide the single most abundant source of potential swan nesting sites. An aerial survey of muskrat houses is flown each year, in early winter. 268 houses were counted in 1987, compared to 407, 531, 331, 507 and 257 in 1982-86, respectively. 11. Fisheries Resources Most of the fisheries management on the refuge is concerned with maintaining a trophy trout fishery. A survey of refuge ponds by Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks biologists disclosed a healthy brook trout population in Culver Pond, but a complete failure of the 1986 stocking on MacDonald Pond. 650 31 rainbow trout were stocked in MacDonald Pond again this year. 650 rainbow fingerlings hit the water ... BR Maintaining a healthy Arctic grayling population in refuge waters is another primary objective of our fisheries program. Personnel from the Northwest Montana Fish and Wildlife Center and the Bozeman Fish Technology Center implanted 6 radio-transmitters into grayling, in order to determine post-spawning movements and habitat use 32 in the bathtub). Plans for an early re-introduction were stymied by poor weather, followed closely by obvious (and not totally unexpected) imprinting. The cygnets were released at about 12 weeks of age in Wyoming with a crippled adult swan, and are doing well. Although several problems (incubator failure, imprinting) were encountered, we did get an extra four cygnets into the tri-state population. Lest this appear insignificant, note that in 1980, 1982 and 1984, only 6, 4, and 4 cygnets respectively, were produced on Red Rock Lakes NWR. In addition, we learned a good deal about propagating trumpeter swans, some of which disagrees with published references. Plans for a better equipped propagatipn facility are in preparation, and we expect that this experience will stand us in good stead in future years. 15• Anima 1 Control A Management Study Plan was submitted, approved, and initiated early this year. This allows for the removal of selected nest predators throughout the duration of the study (3 years). This year 22 striped skunks were removed via this program. Prior years removals of 46 (1986), and 71 (1985) around refuge headquarters and campground areas apparently affected this years catch. The steadily declining catch with increasing effort indicates that skunk populations have been reduced. Most skunks were trapped in cubby sets with number 220 conibear traps, although a few were shot. The five gallon bucket cubbies are easier to transport because dozens can be stacked inside each other in a pickup or ATV trailer. WJK 33 17. Disease Prevention and Control Five trumpeter swan carcasses were collected and sent to the NWHRL m Madison, Wisconsin. At this point we have only one report back. The adult female swan was too badly decomposed for a detailed necropsy. Sub-lethal, elevated levels of lead were found. We suspect that this was a nesting pen, and the physiological stresses associated with reproduction acted in conjunction with the lead in her system to cause death. H. PUBLIC USE 1. General Red Rock Lhkes National Wildlife Refuge receives 10,000 to 13,000 visits annually. The majority of these people come to view wildlife and the beautiful scenery. In 1984 a Public Use and Interpretive Plan was developed and certain parts of it have been initiated each year since. This year three 4' X 8' entrance signs were installed at the north, east, and west refuge entrances. 8. Hunting Waterfowl hunters contributed approximately 200 visits this year. Low water levels and heavy submergent production made long journeys into the marsh difficult. Hunting success was very good. Moose season opened mid-September and ran through November 29, with 5 bull and 2 cow tags issued. All hunters were successful in filling their tags. Parts of the refuge are included in hunting units for deer, antelope, and elk which are administered by Montana Department of fish. Wildlife, and Parks. Mild weather with very little snowfall caused hunter success to be lower than normal in the immediate vicinity of the refuge. The statewide hunter success was about average however. 9. Fishing Fishing of refuge streams opened the third Saturday in May on most of the refuge. That portion of the refuge that Jies east of the Elk Lake Road opened July 15. Angling pressure was Jess this year than the past few years. Lower runoff probably caused the decrease in fishing pressure. 10. Trapping Two Special Use Permits were issued to remove beaver from selected areas of the refuge. This year beaver proved to be especially troublesome by plugging water control structures, culverts, and in one case a dam was built under a county road bridge. Four males and five female beaver were removed from Odell Creek, while two males and five females were trapped on Red Rock Creek. One other beaver was removed by refuge personnel at Shambow Pond. This water control structure has been plugged by 34 beaver and unplugged by refuge personnel most of the spring and summer. This particular spring-fed wetland had a brood of seven trumpeter swan cygnets so we were particularly interested in water level management for submergent food production. In this case the lower wafer levels are more conducive to greater food production. An electric fence was also installed in a half circle immediately upstream from the control structure approximately four inches above the water. The structure was not plugged again even though beaver were present until the fall trapping period. Table 7. Summary of Beaver Trapping Activities During Last Several Years. Year Beaver Removed 1981 Fall 75 1982 Spring 9 1983 Fall 30 1983 Spring 14 1986 Fall 8 1987 Fall 17 13. Camping Two campgrounds are available on the refuge: one on the shoreline of the Upper Lake and the other on the shoreline of the River Marsh. Approximately,95% of refuge visitors that camp use the Upper Lake area, while the River Marsh campground is used mainly by waterfowl hunters. Refuge visits appear to be rising, with approximately 10,000 estimated for 1987. Wildlife observation comprises at least 75% of the refuge visits. 17 f Law Enforcement One citation was issued for $50.00 to a man from Texas for violating a refuge special regulation, fishing on refuge waters with a lead sinker. Lead has been banned on all refuge fishing waters to reduce lead poisoning problems in trumpeter swans. Another incident involved a disagreement between a local ranch hand and a transient. Evidently the ranch hand tried to get the transient to leave the valley by shooting one tire on his car. Refuge Officer Kurtenbach called the County Sheriff's Department. The Under Sheriff responded. The transient left the area, no charges were filed and case was closed. I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES 1. New Construction This summer, Clifford Graham, one of our Seasonal Laborers, constructed an entry way on the north side of Quarters 110. The arctic entry added a much needed storage area for winter gear. It also helps in the prevention of cold air entry into the house. Clifford also built an extra door for the storage barn. It 35 enables a straight shot through the barn for getting snowmobiles in and out during the winter. Clifford did an outstanding job in all the carpentry assignments he tackled, not too bad for a gentleman in his VO's. Three new refuge entrance signs were painted in the winter months awaiting to be installed into their new frames the following summer. The frames were constructed with nine inch square fir, butt treated with a wood preservative, and anchored into the ground four feet. The signs are securely held in place with the bolted top member and slotted sides . Mechanic Young constructed a head-ache rack for our new 3/4 ton stake-bed truck. It is a combination roll bar also. A heavy duty rear bumper was also built for the truck. 2. Rehabilitation The Lower Structure was completely rebuilt in 1987. The old structure consisted of a cement structure with three 11 foot bays. A 100 foot long cement spillway was adjacent to these bays, with a level of 6608 MSL. The new structure includes six screwgates installed in the original bays. The old sill in the bays was removed, and the new gates extend to the bottom of the river channel (approximately 6604 MSL). The new emergency spillway consists of a 600 foot overflow at 6609 MSL. Before: A concrete control structure with a fixed level spillway at 6607 MSL and a 100 foot emergency overflow at 6608 MSL. This system allowed no water management capabilty. D.U. After: The completed structure and emergency overflow will allow much greater water management capabilities. By the completion date of this structure water levels were already lower than they had been since 1958. D.U. The new structure was designed by HKM Associates, of Billings, Montana, and paid for by Ducks Unlimited. The structure incorporates some new technology in the form of a revetment mattress. This mattress forms the top and sides of the spillway, and is designed to be earthquake resistant, an important consideration m this seismically active area. The structure was completed on time and according to specifications, for a cost $255,000. The re-designed structure will allow refuge staff to manage water levels in the main marsh system and to employ sound scientific principles towards increasing marsh productivity. This will result m benefits for trumpeters and a number of other marsh related wildlife. Water agreements have been reached with downstream users, and the gates are presently open to allow for maximum water movement. The Lower Lake and River Marsh remain in partial drawdown, at year's end. 37 Approximately 4000 yards of fill were removed from top and slope of dike to create new 600 foot emergency spillway. Flagged overhead powerline was later buried in dike to prevent bird collisions. WJK After slope was cut to final grade a filter fabric was installed and np rap placed over fabric on upstream side. WJK 38 Rip rap completed on upstream side. Filter fabric installed on top and downstream side. Then a revetment mattress was laid on top. This was held in place by literally miles of cable running through the mattress and staked by four foot anchors on upstream and downstream side. Next, grout w^is pumped into the mattress under approximately 900 psi which when cured, formed the overflow spillway. The windrow of rip-rap was then hand placed in the keyway to complete the overflow. COM Before screwgates could be installed a concrete lip and fixed spillway (rebar exposed) had to be removed. This proved to be a very time consuming and expensive task. WJK 39 New windows were installed in Quarter 90, and new basement windows were installed in Quarter 94. The old windows leaked so badly that snow actually would blow into the houses on stormy winter days. The coal consumption went down drastically in Quarters 90 after the job was completed. The bathroom ceiling in Quarters 90 was painted, and a new prefabricated shower stall was installed. Wallpaper was installed also. A cold air inlet was built for the furnace at Quarter 90. This enables air to be taken from outside the house to feed the fire, instead of using air out of the basement. About one mile of chain-link fence was removed from around Sharabow Pond. The fence was buried in the ground approximately ten inches, and made the removal job difficult. The area no longer looks like a zoo, because a single strand of electric fence replaces the old chain-link fence. Also a single strand electric fence was built to contain our neighbor's trespass horses near the refuge headquarters. The only problem with this particular fence is the moose have difficulty seeing it, and consequently they knock it down from time to time. Mechanic Young and Maintenance Helper O'Connor dis mantling the hurricane fence from Shambow Pond. Note trumpeter swan pair with cygnets in background. CDM Numerous old fence lines were removed by John O'Connor, our career seasonal maintenance worker. John also checked approximately 28 miles of fence for needed repairs. 40 < 4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement A new Dodge 3/4 ton stake-bed truck was purchased to be used mainly for fencing. Also purchased was a new Chevy Suburban, a much needed unit" in case of fire, because of its capacity to carry the entire refuge crew. A new Indy 400 snowmobile was purchased, and will be used mainly for winter law enforcement. Flight suits and helmets were purchased to meet our safety requirements when flying. Last but not least, a new computer was purchased to make our jobs easier. The word processor has been used quite extensively already. Computer training early in 1988 should enhance everyone^s abilities dramatically. J. OTHER ITEMS 1. Cooperative Programs Daily weather data was collected during the year for the National Weather Service. Also snow survey data was collected for the Soil Conservation Service at three sites during the winter months. These duties are primarily assumed by Charlie Young. 4. Credits B. Reiswig- C.2; D.2; D.5; E.l; E.4; E.5; E.6; F.5; F.7; K, and editing 9 B. Kurtenbach- A; B; F.2; F.9; F.10; H.l; H.8; H.9; H.10; H.17; 1.2; J.l; J.4, and editing C. Mitchell- G.l; G.2; G.3; G.8; G.ll; G.15; G.17, and editing T J Kurtenbach- Table of contents, typing, and assembly. C. Young- 1.1; 1.2; 1.4 K. FEEDBACK A significant effort seems to have been made in reducing paperwork in the Service in recent months. Great! Let's keep it that way. Paper creep seems to be slipping up on us again, though such as the recent reporting requirements for vehicles. Who dreamed this monster up? It's ridiculous and a major waste of time to fill out this boondoggle quarterly. Time for another paperwork reduction. Trash it. 41 FISH OF RED ROCK LAKES NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE YELLOWSTONE CUTTHROAT TROUT ARCTIC GRAYLING Distinguished by large dorsal fin, larger scales than trout and forked tail. May reach two pounds in weight. Spawns in the early spring. Historically, spawning runs of many thousands of grayling were seen in most streams of this area. Now, only a remnant population is found, mainly in Red Rock Creek. Aquatic insects and crustaceans form the bulk of the grayling's diet. YELLOWSTONE CUTTHROAT TROUT Distinguished by two red slash marks on underside of jaw and large, round, black spots. Found primarily in Red Rock Creek. Spawns in the spring. Hybridizes readily with rainbow trout. Weighs up to four pounds. Feeds mainly on aquatic insects and less frequently on small fishes. RAINBOW TROUT Distinguished by pink side streaks and lack of red cutthroat Jaw slashes. Spotting smaller and more irregular shaped than cutthroat. Introduced from the Pacific Coast. Found primarily in MacDonald Pond and Elk Springs Creek. May reach six or more pounds. Spawns in the spring. Feeds mainly on aquatic insects, but large rainbows lake small fish of any available species as well. BROOK TROUT Distinguished by numerous light colored "worm tracks" on the darker upper body and red spots with blue halos. Intro duced from the eastern United States. Found throughout the refuge waters except in MacDonald Pond. Weighs two to three pounds. Spawns in the fall. Feeds mainly on aquatic inverte brates and small fishes. MOUNTAIN WHITEFISH A native member of the trout family that is distinguished by a slender shape, large scales, silver color devoid of spots, and a small mouth that is slightly downturned. Whitefish feed on insects, fish eggs, and small fishes. These fish are fall spawners and can be found in Red Rock Creek. U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Department of the Interior RF6-61570-00 PRINTED NOV. 1986 * -Vl: • - VV?C*I "iror a perfect s&nzeption of tk&ir b&mmtp amd eiesmncm9 you must observe \ them when they me not aume of your proximity>03 they giMe over the waters ofsom&e sedmded Sniand pm*d> Thaj mmck9 wMeh at other times is keM: stiffly upright, moves hi gmsefuH eumms* now hen$fbrwm>&9 nmv inclined backwards over the body. The head, with an extended scooping movement, dips beneath the water, then with a sudden effort it throws a flood over its back and wings, while the sparkling globules roll off like so many large pearls. The bird then shakes its wings, beats the water, and, as If giddy with delight, shoots away, gliding over and beneath the surface of the stream with surprising agttity and grace. Imagine a flock of fifty Swans thus sporting before you.I have more than once seen them, and you wttifeei, as I have felt, happier and freer of care than I can describe." J.J. Audubon St • J -«» — A single clear note, as from a French horn, The continued existence of trumpeter swans in travels across MacDonald Pond, followed by the Yellowstone region depends in a large part another note, and yet another. Into view flies a upon the willingness of people to forgo develop family of trumpeter swans, the parents are snowy ment in Important swan habitat. Trumpeter white, their young cygnets a sooty grey. They set swans are extremely sensitive to many human ac tle on the frozen pond amidst others of their tivities and development in or near their habitats. species and proceed to visit back and forth with Only a limited amount of suitable habitat exists honks, soft hisses, gurgles, trumpeting and much in the region that is used regularly by trumpeters nodding and dipping of their heads. for breeding and wintering activities. When these A very shy bird by nature, the trumpeter swan areas are disturbed by inappropriate recreational is the subject of intense study in an attempt to activities, summer home development, or learn how to ensure their survival. Rescued from through improper logging or road building prac near extinction, trumpeters breeding in the tices, the birds will abandon these habitats. Since Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, including Red most of the suitable swan habitat in the region Rock Lakes, have grown in number from a low is already occupied, the displaced birds have no of only 69 birds in 1932, to a success of more than other areas in which to reestablish themselves. 500 in recent years. These birds are joined each Winter habitat is especially critical and winter by an additional 1000 trumpeters from limiting. To survive the severe winters of the Canada to form the Rocky Mountain population Yellowstone region, the swans choose lakes and of trumpeter swans. streams which contain a suitable food supply of aquatic plants, and more importantly, do not m freeze over no matter how far below zero the temperature drops. It is in these limited areas the l. m trumpeters survive the fierce winters. Few water areas in the region supply this type - • *£• Pi I •? of habitat and once lost, cannot be replaced. Disturbance by winter recreationists which forces birds off of these areas or man-caused changes Both parents are somewhat protective of their urge them on day after day until all of the cygnets in the lakes and streams which allows them to nesting area and will usually drive off invaders. attain flight. At about this time, the cygnets begin freeze over, places the trumpeters in danger of They conclude a successful defense with loud to trumpet. With upstretched neck, the head held starvation. These aquatic habitats must be pro trumpeting, head bobbing, and raised-wing horizontal and the bill partly open, they utter the tected for the use of the swans during this critical quivering, with the cob (male) especially defen trumpeting call. time of the year. Only through the diligent efforts sive and demonstrative. Trumpeter swans require Whole families now fly closely together and a§ of the public at large, interested groups and con a large, undisturbed territory for successful autumn progresses, the northern migratory flocks servation agencies to protect their habitats, can nesting, and if their chosen area is infringed upon begin descending to their wintering areas. The these magnificant birds be assured an enduring repeatedly, they will generally abandon their nest These largest of all North American waterfowl pen and cob relax their vigilance somewhat, and pldce in the mountains and forests of the region. and eggs completely. measure up to 4 feet, weigh between 20-30 the sociable interaction of winter begins once pounds, and have a wingspan of up to 8 feet. The again. By their second year, young trumpeters swans must remain near open water to obtain have full adult plumage and coloring, with brown their preferred diet of aquatic plants. Their staple eyes, hlakk legs and feet, and a black bill ac diet includes: waterweed, pondweed, water milfoil cented with a thin red streak. and duck potato. A mature adult will consume up to 20 pounds of wet herbage each day! They also feed occasionally on grain, seeds, freshwater invertebrates, snails and worms. . • -. - • . Winter is a sociable time tor the rare trumpeter swans of the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, but In late winter the swan families drift apart. The subadult birds form loose flocks, the migrant birds leave for their summer nesting grounds In Canada, and other pairs visit their nearby nesting territories. The 2-3 year olds Cygnets generally hatch in mid-June and are select their lifelong mates, wooing with a ritual paddling on the water within a day or two. They ized display of slow synchronized swimming, bill- feast on insects, crustaceans and aquatic beetles dipping and blowing in the water. for their first month, staying close to the parents* After spring mating, the pair builds a nest. puddling (rapid paddling) which stirs up the bot They may select a new site or refurbish their old tom morsels. Playful and energetic, the cygnets one. Favorite sites are on muskrat houses or in frequently dash about and dive under the water, broad beds of marsh plants. The swans uproot uttering their breathy little peeps all the while. plants in a large ring and build in'the center, leav Nights are spent on the nest with the parents for ing plenty of open water all around for good the first month of life. Between 4-6 weeks of age visibility. The nests measure about 6-7 feet in they molt and begin to get a mottled black pat diameter at the base and rise 1 Vi feet above the tern on their flesh-colored bills. At this time, they waterline. Pairs lay their first eggs when-they are begin feeding primarily on herbage. One parent 4-6 years of age. In early May, the pen, or female also molts during this time, rendering it flightless swan, lays from 3-9 dull white eggs which for about a month. The other partner often molts measure 41/2 inches in length and weigh about later so that one adult is always capable of flight 12 ounces. Considerable trumpeting and display while rearing cygnets. by both parents usually accompanies the laying In October, at about age 4 months, the cygnets of eggs. The pen incubates them for approximate begin flying lessons. Weighing over 15 pounds, ly 5 weeks. She covers the eggs with grasses they flap and run over the water, bouncing and when leaving the nest for several short periods struggling. They must be capable of flight before of foraging each day. the waterways freeze over, and the parent swans For further information write: Refuge Manager Red Rock Lakes NWR Monida Star Route, Box 15 Lima, Montana 59739 Telephone: (406) 276-3347 U.S. Department off the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE -J/ RF6-61570 June 1986 U.S. Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE IP RF6-61570 7. J, WELCOME TO RED ROCK LAKES Visitors should be prepared to deal with weather Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge was extremes in this remote area. Summer temperatures established in 1935 to protect the rare trumpeter are cool and snow is possible during every month. swan. Today, this 40,300-acre refuge continues to be Mosquito infestations can be severe in June and July. one of the most important nesting and wintering areas There is no gasoline available in the Centennial in North America for these majestic birds. Valley. Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge lies in the The best times to visit the refuge are May through eastern end of the Centennial Valley, near the September. Headquarters can be reached by turning headwaters of the Missouri River. The rugged off Interstate Highway 15 at Monida, Montana, and Centennial Mountains border the refuge on the south driving 28 miles east over a dirt road; or by traveling and east and catch the heavy snows of winter, west from Montana Highways 87 or 20, past Henry's providing a constant supply of water that replenishes Lake, over 30 miles of dirt road, usually not open until the refuge's 14,000 acres of lake and marsh. The flat, mid-May. The road from Monida on the west side of marshy lands of the valley floor merge into the rolling the valley opens about mid-April, but can be difficult foothills of the Gravelly Range to the north. This is for passenger cars until mid-May. All the dirt roads the habitat that provides the solitude and isolation so arc often closed again in November. Summer rains essential to the trumpeter swan. can make these routes all but impassable, so local Photographers, birdwatchers, anglers, hunters and inquiry regarding road conditions is advisable at any other visitors will find Red Rock Lakes an unforget time of the year. table outdoor experience. Accommodations are available at two resorts near the refuge, and at other resorts along the shores of historic Henry's Lake about PUBLIC USE REGULATIONS 25 miles east of the refuge. Hotel and motel GENERAL accommodations can be found in West Yellowstone • Trumpeter swans are extremely sensitive to human and Lima, 50 miles east and west of the refuge, disturbance. Please do not approach nesting swans respectively. closer than 400 yards. Your cooperation is extremely important. If their privacy is infringed upon they may abandon their nest and cygnets. • Wildlife observation, hiking, photography, and sight-seeing are allowed on areas of the refuge not designated as closed. • A Special Use Permit, which can be obtained at FISHING refuge headquarters, is required for all professional • State regulations apply to refuge fishing waters. photography on the refuge. Culver and MacDonald ponds are managed under • Dogs must be kept leashed, except during waterfowl special regulations. hunting. • Only artificial lures and flies are allowed on Culver and MacDonald ponds. No bait fishing. 11 TRAVEL • All motor vehicles are restricted to maintained • Lead sinkers are prohibited on all refuge fishing refuge and county roads, and parking areas. This waters. includes all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, and snow • Tubes and other floating devices are prohibited on machines. refuge ponds unless specifically posted as open at • The Red Rock Pass, North Side and Elk Lake roads parking areas. are open to all forms of travel throughout the year. Fishing area: Ode// Creek, Grayling Creek, East • The Lower Lake Road is only open to travel from Shambo Creek, Red Rock Creek, Elk Springs May 15 to December 1 each year. Creek west of the Elk Lake Road. • The Culver Road is only open to travel from July Season dates: 3rd Saturday in May through 15 to October 1 each year. November. Fishing area: Widgeon Pond, Culver Pond, • That portion of the refuge east of the Elk Lake Road MacDonald Pond, Picnic Creek, Elk Springs Creek and north of Red Rock Creek is closed to all public east of Elk Lake Road. use from October 1 to July 15 each year. Season dates: July 15-October 1. CAMPING • All other waters on the refuge are closed to fishing. • For your enjoyment, camping is permitted at the Upper Lake and River Marsh campgrounds. Tables, BOATING grates, water, and toilets are available at the Upper • The use of motor boats is prohibited on thqrefuge, Lake Campground. There are no facilities at the River with the exception of the waterfowl hunting area dur Marsh Campground. ing season. • Fires are permitted only in grates at the camp • An approved floatation device for each occupant grounds. is required to be aboard all boats on refuge waters. • Camping is not permitted outside established • Boaters are urged to use caution on refuge waters campgrounds. as sudden storms and cold temperatures can make boating hazardous. • Please pack out your trash. • Boating is allowed on the following areas: HUNTING Area open: Red Rock Creek from the east • Gun and bow hunting are allowed in designated refuge boundary downstream; west to and including areas of the refuge for the following species: water the Upper Red Rock Lake. fowl, elk, white-tailed deer, mule deer, pronghom, and moose. Season dates: July 15 to freeze-up. • Hunting shall be in accordance with all state and Area open: Swan Lake, and the River Marsh federal regulations. from the outlet of the Upper Red Rock Lake down stream west to and including the Lower Red Rock • Only properly licensed hunters are allowed to carry Lake. firearms on refiige hunting areas. Season dates: September 1 to freeze-up. • The possession or use of lead shot shells in the Area open: Waterfowl hunting area. waterfowl hunting area is prohibited. Season dates: Opening of waterfowl season to • Temporary blinds for waterfowl hunting may be freeze-up constructed, but such blinds shall be made of onsite materials and shall be available to the public on a first- Motors of 10 h.p. or less may be used on the waterfowl come, first-serve basis. hunting area during the waterfowl season. No air- thrust boats are allowed. NORTH SIDE ROAD 0 1/4 1/2 2 MILES LAKE /M. CAMPGROUND,.." „ . ROCK •"Mb .Ai>, •***».* i LAKE V 1 ^ I VK TO 1-15 3; \ AND MONIDA 24 MILES LAKE !• . ite-.g ••••VALLEY RED ROCK CREEK ^ OVERLOOK i | ENTRANCE WEST •f- TO RED ROCK PASS ENTRANCE * \ AND TO W. YELLOWSTONE REFUGE HEADQUARTERS1' 33 MILES LAKEVIEW SHAMBO P( NJj^j*^ SUPPER LAKE CAMPGROUND RED ROCK PASS ROAD BOUNDARY WATER FAIR WEATHER ROAD, CAUTION ADVISED xWWX CLOSED OCT. 1 - JULY 15 • HEADQUARTERS A CAMPGROUND INFORMATION INTERPRETIVE SITE BIG GAME HUNTING Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge WATERFOWL & BIG GAME HUNTING Monida St. Rt., Box 15 FISHING Lima, MT 59739 (406) 276-3347 U.S. Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE RF6-61570 June 1986 d"//. i" / i/TW" RED ROCK LAKES National Wildlife Refuge A T IP Above: Lakeview, Montana was the center of activity in the Centennial Valley during the pioneer days. Right: Undeveloped marshes provide the seclusion and solitude required by the breeding RETURN OF THE TRUMPETERS trumpeter swans. The trumpeter swan once ranged over much of the interior of the United States, but their numbers decreased as their habitat diminished. By the early 1900's, only a remnant population was left in the tri-state area of southwestern Montana, southeastern Idaho, northwestern Wyoming, and in parts of Canada and WELCOME TO RED ROCK LAKES HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE Alaska. Less than 100 swans were in the tri-state area in NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE The valley was well known to the Bannock Indians as 1935 when the refuge was established. The refuge provided protection and solitude, and the swans Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge was a favored travel route between the headwaters of the increased. Their slow, steady build-up continued until established in 1935 to protect the rare trumpeter swan. Big Hole River and the Yellowstone country. Settle the nesting population peaked in the early 1960's. Today, this 40,300 acre refuge continues to be one of ment by the white man did not occur until 1876. With Current trumpeter swan summer population figures for the most important nesting and wintering areas in settlement, herds of livestock were driven into the the tri-state area range from 400-500 swans. Due to the North America for these majestic birds. valley and homesteads sprang up at scattered locations. In the early days, market hunting for waterfowl and big influx of migratory trumpeter swans from the northern Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge lies in the game brought some revenue to local residents, but latitudes, the wintering tri-state population figure is eastern end of the Centennial Valley, near the most settlers concentrated on livestock and sporadic approximately 1,400-1,500 individuals. headwaters of the Missouri River. The rugged Centen lumbering. The long winters, great distances to market During the winter, the birds are limited to the nial Mountains border the refuge on the south and east and small land parcels combined to make subsistence confines of the open water on the refuge and elsewhere and catch the heavy snows of winter, providing a difficult. Few survived the depression of the 1930's. constant supply of water that replenishes the refuge's within the tri-state area. In the earlier years, wildlife 14,000 acres of lake and marsh. The flat, marshy lands # managers believed that natural foods were insufficient of the valley floor merge into the rolling foothills of the Moose are often seen in late fall and in winter on the refuge. to maintain the growing population. Therefore, grain Gravelly Range to the north. This is the habitat that was provided for the swans at MacDonald and Culver provides the solitude and isolation so essential to the Ponds during the severe winters. Winter feeding trumpeter swan. continues to be conducted carefully at Red Rock Lakes NWR. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has also introduced swans from the refuge to repopulate their former habitats. As a result, wild flocks of trumpeters are now reestablished in Oregon, Nevada, South Dakota, Nebraska and Minnesota. Zoos and parks throughout the United States, Canada and Europe exhibit trumpeter swans originating from Red Rock Lake birds. WILDLIFE AND WATERFOWL OF THE Great blue herons, willets, avocets and long-billed REFUGE curlews are other conspicuous waders and shorebirds that frequently nest on the refuge. The timber covered The refuge's lakes, marshes and creeks also provide slopes and aspen stands on the south side prove attractive habitat for a multitude of ddcks. Eighteen attractive to blue and ruffed grouse and many different different kinds of waterfowl, including the Barrow's songbirds and raptors. Brewer's sparrows are among goldeneye, raise their young here each year. the more common sagebrush residents north of the Each spring, greater sandhill cranes nest in the refuge marsh. meadows and marshes. These long-legged birds are Moose are year-round residents, but most elk, deer most easily observed in the open areas near Upper Red and pronghorn antelope are forced to migrate out of Rock Lake from April through September. Their Centennial Valley due to the severe winters. Refuge courtship display and dance takes place in April and visitors will encounter other familiar mammals such as May. the red fox, badger, striped skunk and Richardson's In August and September, thousands of ducks and ground squirrel. geese congregate on the refuge before their southward migration. Tundra swans often make their appearance Beginning in May a myriad of wildflowers begin to appear on the refuge. By July, the refuge becomes a on the refuge in October and November. wildflower paradise. Shooting stars, buttercups, sticky geranium, lupine and loco weed paint the grasslands in multicolor hues of reds, pinks, blues and yellows. A trumpeter swan family group. NORTH SIDE ROAD VISITOR OPPORTUNITIES Photographers, birdwatchers and other visitors will find Red Rock Lakes an unforgettable outdoor 2 MILES 0 1/4 1/2 experience. Picnicking and camping facilities are NORTH ENTRANCE LAKE available on or near the refuge. Fishing, hunting and boating are permitted on specific areas of the refuge \ during certain seasons. Consult refuge headquarters in \ Lakeview, Montana as to special refuge regulations RIVER MARSH concerning these activities. Accommodations are available at two resorts near the refuge, and at other resorts along the shores of historic Henry's Lake about RIVER MARSH 25 miles east of the refuge. Hotel and motel accom CAMPGROUND modations can be found in Lima and West Yellowstone, LOWER RED ROCK 50 miles east and west of the refuge. SWAN LAKE LAKE The best time to visit the refuge is May through September. Headquarters can be reached by turning off Interstate Highway 15 at Monida, Montana, and driving 28 miles east over a dirt road, or by traveling west from Highway 87 or 20, past Henry's Lake, over 30 TO I-15 AND MON1DA UPPER RED ROCK miles of dirt road, which is usually not open until mid- 24 MILES LAKE May. The road from Monida on the west side of the TO RED ROCK PASS valley opens about mid-April, but can be difficult for AND passenger cars until mid-May. These roads are often TO W. YELLOWSTONE closed again in November. Summer rains can make "O WILLOW BOG 33 MILES these routes all but impassable, so local inquiry as to O road conditions is advisable at any time of the year. SHAMBO POND UPPER LAKE CAMPGROUND m • A Trumpeter swans are extremely sensitive to human RED ROCK PASS ROAD disturbance. Please do not approach nesting swans any NON-WILDERNESS AREAS closer than 400 yds. RED ROCK LAKES WILDERNESS AREA l_n For further information write: OPEN JULY 15 - OCT. 1 p-b Refuge Manager FAIR WEATHER ROAD, CAUTION ADVISED C TO BOZEMAN, MT Red Rock Lakes NWR • CAMPGROUND TO BUTTE, MT. 77 MILES 42 MILES Monida Star Route, Box 15 INFORMATION Lima, Montana 59739 INTERPRETIVE SITE Telephone: (406) 276-3347 A trumpeter swan family group. U.S. Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE LEGEND RED ROCK LAKES NWR CAMPGROUNDS CONTINENTAL DIVIDE RF6-61570 "Reprint November 1986" TO IDAHO FALLS 58 MILES •U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 198 6-0-773-1 67/4001 2 BIRDS OF THE... Red Rock National Wildlife Refuge and the Centennial Valley Montana Red Rock Lakes Species Common Loon National Wildlife Refuge • Western Grebe • Red-necked Grebe Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is located in • Horned Grebe • Eared Grebe the scenic and isolated Centennial Valley of e Pied-billed Grebe southwestern Montana, approximately 50 miles west of • Am. White Pelican Yellowstone National Park. The refuge has a vast array • Double-crested Cormorant of habitat, ranging from high elevation prairie at Tundra Swan 6,600 feet, to the harsh alpine habitat of the e Trumpeter Swan Centennial Mountains at 10,000 feet above sea level. It • Canada Goose is this diverse, marsh-prairie-montane environment that Snow Goose gives Red Rock Lakes its unique character. e Mallard e Northern Pintail Because of this habitat diversity. Red Rock Lakes is a e Gadwall unique wildlife area. The rugged mountains bordering e Am. Wigeon the valley catch the heavy snows of winter that • Northern Shoveler replenish the vast Red Rock marsh. The Red Rock Lakes • Blue-winged Teal ecosystem is one of the most important trumpeter swan e Cinnamon Teal e Green-winged Teal breeding and wintering areas in North America, and • Redhead for this reason the refuge was established in 1935. But • Canvasback Red Rock Lakes is more than trumpeter swans, it is a • Ring-necked Duck unique birding area. • Lesser Scaup • Common Goldeneye A total of 258 species of birds have been recorded at e Barrow's Goldeneye Red Rock Lakes and the Centennial Valley. A small e Bufflehead percentage of this total are year-round resident birds. • Ruddy Duck Because of the short summer season, most birds migrate • Hooded Merganser out of this area to winter. The black tern (Chlidonias • Red-breasted Merganser niger) exemplifies the extremity of this type of e Common Merganser ... movement, for it nests at Red Rock Lakes and winters in • Northern Goshawk Peru and northern Chile. Spring migration is very slow, • Cooper's Hawk and many migrants pass over Red Rock Lakes without Sharp-shinned Hawk... • Northern Harrier stopping due to the harsh conditions. Fall migration, Rough-legged Hawk ... however, is much more spectacular. e Ferruginous Hawk In the following list, those species makred with a • • Red-tailed Hawk e Swainson's Hawk denote a confirmed breeder (nests, eggs, or young e Golden Eagle have been observed). The relative abundance of each e Bald Eagle species at each season is coded as follows: • Osprey • Prairie Falcon S—March-May F —September-November e Peregrine Falcon Merlin S—June-August W—December-February • American Kestrel e Blue Grouse a—abundant common species, very numerous e Ruffed Grouse c—common certain to be seen in suitable habitat • Sage Grouse u—uncommon present, but not certain to be seen Gray Partridge o—occasional seen only a few times during a season Snowy Egret r —rare seen at intervals of 2 to 5 years • Great Blue Heron e Black-crowned Night Heron GOOD BIRDING! e Am. Bittern Season Season s s F w S s F w Species Species White-faced Ibis o 0 0 .. ., Three-toed Woodpecker 0 o 0 o • Sandhill Crane a c a • Eastern Kingbird u u u • Virginia Rail o o o Western Kingbird u u u • Sora u u u Say's Phoebe o 0 Yellow Rail o o o • Willow Flycatcher u u • Am. Coot a a a Dusky Flycatcher u u • Am. Avocet c c c • Hammond's Flycatcher u u Black-necked Stilt o o • Western Flycatcher u u Semi-Palmated Plover o • Western Wood Peewee c c • Killdeer c c c • Olive-sided Flycatcher u u • Marbled Godwit u u u • Horned Lark c c c c • Long-billed Curlew c c u • Barn Swallow c c c Greater Yellowlegs u u u • Cliff Swallow c c c Lesser Yellowlegs u u u • Violet-green Swallow c c Solitary Sandpiper o o o • Tree Swallow c c c Upland Sandpiper o o 0 • Bank Swallow u u • Willet c c c • N. Rough-winged Swallow u u • Spotted Sandpiper u u u • Stellar's Jay o o 0 o Long-billed Dowitcher u u u Pinyon Jay 0 • Wilson's Phalarope c c c • Gray Jay u u • Common Snipe a a a 0 • Black-billed Magpie c c c c Sanderling o • Clark's Nutcracker c c c c White-rumped Sandpiper .. o • Common Raven c c c c Baird's Sandpiper o • American Crow u u u Least Sandpiper 0 o • Black-capped Chickadee c c c c Semi-palmated Sandpiper . o o o • Mountain Chickadee c e c c Western Sandpiper o o o • American Dipper c c c u • California Gull a a a • White-breasted Nuthatch u u u u • Ring-billed Gull u u u • Red-breasted Nuthatch c c u u • Franklin's Gull c c • Pygmy Nuthatch o o • Forster's Tern c c • Rt-own Creeper o o • Black Tern c c • House Wren c c c • Mourning Dove u u c • Rork Wren u u • Great Horned Owl c c c c Canyon Wren o 0 • Long-eared Owl u u u • Marsh Wren c c c • Short-eared Owl u u u Gray Catbird o o • Great Gray Owl o o 0 0 • Sage Thrasher u u u Burrowing Owl u u u • American Robin c c c • Northern Saw-whet Owl .. o o o o • Townsend's Solitaire Northern Pygmy Owl o o o o c c c u • Hermit Thrush Common Nighthawk o o o u u • Swainson's Thrush White-throated Swift u u u u u e Broad-tailed Hummingbird. u u • Veery u u • Calliope Hummingbird u u Western Bluebird o o Black-chinned Hummingbird o o • Mountain Bluebird a a a • Rufous Hummingbird u u Golden-crowned Kinglet u u u • Belted Kingfisher c c c c • Ruby-crowned Kinglet c c c • Northern Flicker c c c Water Pipit c c u Lewis' Woodpecker o o o e Yellow-bellied Sapsucker .. c c c • Bohemian Waxwing o o • Williamson's Sapsucker. o o o • Cedar Waxwing u u e Hairy Woodpecker c c c u Northern Shrike c c c e Downy Woodpecker c c c u • Loggerhead Shrike u u u Black-backed Woodpecker . o o o o • European Starling c c c * Season The following birds have been observed in the Centennial Valley and are considered rare. These birds s s F w are either out of their normal range or are observed very infrequently in highly restrictive habitat types. Species Solitary Vireo c c u Arctic Loon Caspian Tern e Warbling Vireo c c u Great Egret Band-tailed Pigeon Tennessee Warbler o o Mute Swan (feral) Rock Dove • Orange-crowned Warbler o o Black Swan (feral) Yellow-billed Cuckoo e Yellow Warbler c c u Ross' Goose Black-billed Cuckoo e Yellow-rumped Warbler . c c u Greater White-fronted Goose Western Screech Owl Townsend's Warbler .... o Wood Duck Pileated Woodpecker Northern Waterthrush o o Greater Scaup Red-headed Woodpecker • Common Yellowthroat .., c c Harlequin Duck Least Flycatcher • MacGillivray's Warbler .., c c Old Squaw Blue Jay e Wilson's Warbler c c White-winged Scoter Northern Mockingbird e American Redstart u u Surf Scoter Red-eyed Vireo e House Sparrow u Turkey Vulture Yellow-breasted Chat e Bobolink 0 Gyrfalcon Common Grackle e Western Meadowlark . c c c Sharp-tailed Grouse Northern Oriole e Yellow-headed Blackbird . c c u Ring-necked Pheasant Rose-breasted Grosbeak •Red-winged Blackbird c c c Whooping Crane House Finch • Brewer's Blackbird c c Mountain Plover White-winged Crossbill • Brown-headed Cowbird .. c c Black-bellied Plover ' Rufous-sided Towhee •Western Tanager c c Snowy Plover Grasshopper Sparrow Black-headed Grosbeak .. o o Red-necked Phalarope Sage Sparrow Evening Grosbeak o o American Woodcock Clay-colored Sparrow • Lazuli Bunting u Pectoral Sandpiper Harris' Sparrow - •Cassin's Finch c c c u Dunlin White-throated Sparrow • Pine Grosbeak c c c c Herring Gull McCown's Longspur 'Rosy Finch c o c Bonaparte's Gull Chestnut-collared Longspur Common Redpoll c c Common Tern • Pine Siskin c c c o •American Goldfinch u u • Red Crossbill u u u u •Green-tailed Towhee o o o •Savannah Sparrow u u u Lark Bunting o • Vesper Sparrow c c c • Lark Sparrow u u u •Dark-eyed Junco c c c u American Tree Sparrow .. o 0 • Chipping Sparrow c c c • Brewer's Sparrow c c •White-crowned Sparrow .. c c Fox Sparrow IJw • Lincoln's Sparrow c c •Song Sparrow c c c Lapland Longspur u u u Snow Bunting u u c Observer: Address: Weather: Date; • I;"' Time: Total Species For Additional Information Contact Refuge Manager Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Monida Star Route Box 15 Limaf Montana Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is one of a system of refuges administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and dedicated to the preservation of wildlife. The financial base for this system was firmly established in 1934 through the passage of the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act. This Act requires waterfowl hunters to purchase annually a migratory bird or "duck stamp." Funds collected from duck stamps sales have been used to purchase numerous refuges that provide habitats necessary to sustain a variety of wildlife for both hunters and nonhunters to enjoy. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE RF-661670-2 GPO 845-6 11 Reprinted March 1985