LEE METCALF NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Stevensville, Montana

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT

Calendar Year 1984

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM LEE METCALF NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Stevensville, Montana

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT

Calendar Year 1984 INTRODUCTION The Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge is located in the Bitterroot Valley of Southwest Montana. This north-south valley begins at Lolo, Montana, and terminates on the Idaho border; a distance of approximately 80 miles. The refuge lies entirely within Ravalli County. Water impoundments provide a chain of ponds and sloughs which give excellent observing points for most local species of ducks, nesting Canada geese, several species of grebes, plus a wide variety of shore birds, many of the latter include bittern, sora, long-billed marsh wren, spotted sandpiper, Wilson's phalarope, great blue heron, kill- deer ,etc.

Birds of prey are abundant at the refuge, from one or many more bald eagles every winter to the numerous pairs of nesting osprey. Owls include great horned, pygmy, and short- eared. All the locally common hawks and prairie falcon may be seen here at various seasons, including an occasional pere­ grine in the winter.

There are three historical information signs along the county road that traverses the lower half of the refuge. These signs contain information pertaining to the Hanging of Whiskey Bill in 1884; Salish Indian Ceremonial Grounds, 1800's; and the Francois Slough Sweathouses in the 1800's.

As civilization encroached on this fertile area, agri­ culture and commercial hunting caused wildlife to decline. Un­ disturbed habitat for wildlife and the development of a favor­ able environment for waterfowl production was needed. Metcalf Refuge was established in 1964 using duck stamp money and pre­ sently contains the following land areas: Wetlands (Deep fer­ tile marshes =600 acres), Upland (Croplands (Irrigated-hot foods) =357 acres) (Grasslands (Introduced =585 acres) (Forestlands, (Commerical =1155 Acres). This totals 2697 acres. No future land acquisition is scheduled. FEEDBACK

During 1984 I had several dealings with the Engineering Staff of Region 6 office. The problem was control of silt that was entering the Refuge through Three Mile Creek and destroying wildlife habitat.

. The assistance of and the expense of this assistance pro­ vided by the Region 6 Engineering Office was of no use and the Refuge Staff designed the final project.

It is suggested that in future hiring of Engineers an Engineer with a background experience with SCS would probably be of considerable help in designing requirements of Waterfowl Management Projects.

Funding and personnel level is adequate to manage and maintain the integrity of the Metcalf Refuge. TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 1

A. HIGHLIGHTS

B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

C. LAND ACQUISITION

1. Fee Title 3 2. Easements 3 3. Other Nothing To Report

D. PLANNING

1. Master Plan 3 2. Management Plan 3 3. Public Participation 3 4. Compliance with Environmental and Cultural Resource Mandates 4 5. Research and Investigations 4 6. Other Nothing to Report

E. ADMINISTRATION

1. Personnel 9 2. Youth Programs Nothing to Report 3. Other Man Power Programs Nothing to Report 4. Volunteers Program Nothing to Report 5. Funding 10 6. Safety 10 7. Technical Assistance Nothing to Report 8. Other Nothing to Report

F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

1. General 10 2. Wetlands 10 3. Forests 15 4. Croplands 15 5. Grasslands 15 6. Other Habitats 16 7. Grazing 15 8. Haying Nothing to Report 9. Fire Management 16 10. Pest Control Nothing to Report 11. Water Rights Nothing to Report 12. Wilderness and Special Areas Nothing to Report 13. WPA Easement Monitoring Nothing to Report Page 2

G. WILDLIFE

1. Wildlife Diversity Nothing to Report 2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species 16 3. Waterfowl 17 4. Marsh and Water Birds 19 5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns, and Allied Species 19 6. Raptors 20 7. Other Migratory Birds Nothing to Report 8. Game Mammals 21 9. Marine Animals Nothing to Report 10. Other Resident Wildlife 22 11. Fisheries Resources Nothing to Report 12. Wildlife Propogation and Stocking Nothing to Report 13. Surplus Animal Disposal Nothing to Report 14. Scientific Collections Nothing to Report 15. Animal Control 24 16. Marking and Banding Nothing to Report 17. Diease Prevention and Control Nothing to Report

H. PUBLIC USE

1. General 24 2. Outdoor Classrooms/ Students Nothing to Report 3. Outdoor Classrooms/ Teachers Nothing to Report 4. Interpretative Foot Trails Nothing to Report 5. Interpretative Tour Routes Nothing to Report 6. Interpretative Exhibits/Demonstrations Nothing to Report 7. Other Interpretative Programs 27 8. Hunting 27 9. Fishing 30 10. Trapping 30 11. Wildlife Observation 30 12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation Nothing to Report 13. Camping Nothing to Report 14. Picnicking Nothing to Report 15. Off-Road Vehicling Nothing to Report 16. Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation Nothing to Report 17. Law Enforcement.... 33 18. Cooperating Associations Nothing to Report 19. Concessions Nothing to Report

I. EQUIPMENT/FACILITIES

1. New Construction Nothing to Report 2. Rehabilitation Nothing to Report 3. Major Maintenance 33 4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement Nothing to Report 5. Communications Systems Nothing to Report Page 3

6. Computer Systems Nothing to Report 7. Energy Conservation Nothing to Report 8. Other Nothing to Report

J. OTHER ITEMS

1. Cooperative Programs Nothing to Report 2. Other Economic Uses Nothing to Report 3. Items of Interest 33 4. Credits 33

K. FEEDBACK

L. INFORMATION PACKET (Inside back cover) Page 1

HIGHLIGHTS

A March meeting with the Five Valley Audubon Chapter concerning the Chapter's adoption of the refuge and greater accessibility to the refuge was discussed. A copy of the manual published by Audubon was made available to each of the five members. A dis­ cussion was also held about more frequent visits to the Metcalf Refuge. It was finally decided that the frequency of visits would not be substantial and with the possibility of creating a new Bitterroot Valley Audubon Chapter nothing would be done with the adoption process until the results of the new chapter forming was known.

During March several members of the University of Montana Wild­ life Club installed several Osprey Nesting Platforms in several of the tallest trees. It is hoped that these platforms will in­ crease the goose and osprey production. Only time will tell if this is true. There is a possibility that an excess of nesting sites already exists at Metcalf.

During July Refuge Supervisor, Barnet Schranck conducted an Ad­ ministrative Operations Inspection and also viewed the silt area of Three Mile Creek. Also in July, the facilities of Metcalf Re­ fuge were examined by Security Officer's Buckman and Oberg of Salt Lake City, Utah and they determined that the buildings and grounds were properly secured to minimize vandalism and theft.

During October Refuge Manager gave 14 Central and South Ameri­ can Biologists an aerial tour of the Flathead Valley during their visit to the National Bison Range. A simulated Waterfowl Census was also demonstrated which many reported to be the high­ light of their visit.

The Refuge Manager serves as Pilot/Observer for Aerial Water­ fowl Censusing of the Flathead Valley, while conducting an Aerial Waterfowl Census of the Flathead River a body was ob­ served floating in the river. It's location was reported by radio to the authorities. They recovered the body. It had a bullet hole in its chest. On that particular stretch of the river more body was counted than goose.

B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

Temperatures in 1984 were considerably higher than 1983. The mean average temperature for 1983 was 43.8°F. The average mean temp­ erature for 1984 was 47.0°F. The normal mean is 44.3°F. The highest temperature in 1984 was reached on July 26th of 98° F and the lowest temperature occured January 20th of -15°F. Highest temperature in 1983 was 94° F and the lowest temperature was -35° F. Page 2

First snowfall of the 1984-85 winter occurred September 1. Our first observance of this snowfall occured five days later. The first significant snowfall of 1983-84 winter occured September 8.

Normal precipitation for CY is 12.46". Total precipitation for 1984 was 13.94", an increase of approximately 11.8% above nor­ mal. The spring of 1984 precipitation accounts for the above normal. This precipitation brought the snowpack up to normal amount and this snowpack melted at a consistent rate. No flooding of the Metcalf Refuge took place during the spring of 1984.

The below normal precipitation that occured during the fall and early winter of 1984 had direct bearing on the Waterfowl Fall Migration and hunter success. Little snow to concentrate waterfowl on to the refuge. . Page 3

Mid-summer photo indicitive of the extreme calm days experienced during the summer of 1984 in contrast to severe winds and hail storm of 1983.

C. LAND

1. Fee Title

No effort for fee title acquisition was made during 1983 or 1984.

2. Easements

There is no Waterfowl Wetlands Easement Program administered by this refuge.

D. PLANNING

1. Master Plan

There has been no discussion of Master Planning for this refuge.

2. Management Plan

A Sign Management Plan was prepared and submitted to the Regional Office. Regional Sign Co-ordinator, Kent Olson*s visit during November finalized this plan.

3. Public Participation

There has been no public participation in the decision process of Metcalf with the exception of the discussion with the Five Valley Audubon Chapter regarding the adoption of Metcalf Refuge by this chapter. Page 4

4. Compliance with Environmental and Cultural Resource Mandate

To construct the sediment ponds to reduce silt of Three Mile Creek a 404 permit and a 100 year Flood Plain permit was secured prior to the construction of these ponds.

5. Research and Investigations

Mountain Scent Research is a Wildlife Research Organization owned and operated by Mr. Loren E. Butler. Mr. Butler hires many wildlife Biologists and his work consists primarily of handling wildlife situations where the wildlife is not wel­ come. He has done extensive work in control of Black bear de- pradation. Grizzly bear encounters, and of course, damage caused by white-tail deer, mule deer, elk, and the move and capture of bison. He works both in the United States and Canada.

He started studies on the Metcalf Refuge in the winter of 1984 in relationship to white-tail deer movement and a plastic fencing material acquired from Sweden. His summary of his 1984 work follows.

1. Whitetail Deer-246 head of deer were exposed to ultra sound freq of 15500 hz in feed and travel routes. The sound was delivered with radio controlled ceramic sound generators.

Once exposed all the animals observed showed rapid habit­ uation.

2. We tested two types of High Visibility Electric Fences on deer. Nine fences were built all of the temporary variety with 3/8 by 60 inch plastic or fiber glass posts. Some of these fences were free standing and others were attached to exsist- ing fences.

The object of this work was to establish the effectiveness of the fence as a tool to control free ranging game animals in areas of agricultural damage and to develop the profiles of use with set up technique. These fences were monitored with infrared counters and•infrared controlled 16 mm cameras.

Loren E. Butler Mountain Scent Research Stevensville, Montana 59870 Page

Mr. Story conducted three studies on the Refuge this year, all pertaining to biocontrol of spotted knapweed. A sum­ mary of each study follows:

1) Impact of seed head flies, Urophora affinis and U. guadrifasciata, on spotted knapweed. Although it is known that these two introduced fly species are re­ ducing knapweed seed production in Montana, the amount of seed reduction and other effects on knapweed are not known. Thus, emphasis of the study is being placed on the flies' total effect on spotted knapweed seed production, biomass, and number of flower heads/plant. These studies were conducted in the 12 white field cages located on the Refuge. I will need to repeat this study in 1985 in order to have sufficient data.

2) Compatibility of the two fly species and the introduced seed head moth, Metzneria paucipunctella. Recent obser­ vations in Canada suggested that larvae of Metzneria paucipunctella, a seed head moth established on spotted knapweed in Canada, were destroying all other insects inhabiting their seed heads. In view of the two seed- head flies' proven ability to significantly reduce seed production, a study was initiated in 1983 to evaluate the extent of competitive interference between the moth and the two fly species, since all three insects attack the flower heads. These studies were also conducted in the white field cages. I believe sufficent data were collected this year to complete the study.

3) Release of two new insects. The first release of two root-mining moths (Agapeta zoegana and Pelochrista medullana) that attack spotted knapweed, was made at the refuge in 1984. The moth larvae attack the roots of small spotted knapweed rosettes. Larval damage to the knapweed roots is considerable, and frequently results in death of the plant. Each larva generally attacks several rosettes before completing development. The moths were released into three large field cages placed near the 12 white cages. After the cages were removed, the corners of the three cage plots were marked with red flags to deter any vehicular traffic. Follow-up studies on the two moths will be needed in 1985.

Jim M. Story Research Associate Entomology Montana State University Bozeman, Montana 59717 Page 6

Osprey reproduction on the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge in 1984. Patrick Mullen, Zoology Dept., U of Montana, Missoula, Montana

As part of a 2 year study of osprey reproduction in the Bitterroot Valley, Montana, data on reproduction of ospreys on the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge were gathered. During the 1984 breeding season (April-September) there were 14 occupied osprey nests on the refuge grounds. Twelve of these 14 were active nests, in which at least 1 egg was laid, and 9 of the 12 active nests were successful in fledgling young. Thirty-four eggs were laid by ospreys in 1984. Of these, 31 hatched (91%), and 26 fledglings were produced (26/31=84%). A summary of reproductive success of refuge ospreys is shown in Table 1. Table 1. Osprey Reproductive success on LMNWR 1984 N EGGS/NEST YOUNG/NEST FLEDGE/NEST Occupied 14 2.43 2.21 1.85 Active 12 2.83 2.58 2.17 Successful 9 - - 2.89

In February, 1984, 8 artificial platforms were erected on the refuge grounds in an effort to test the possibility of re­ placing the diminishing supply of osprey nests on the grounds. Two of the 8 platforms were used as nesting structures by ospreys during the 1984 season. Both of these nests were active and 1 of them fledged 3 young. Because the 2 occupied platforms were erected in "established" osprey territories, which were devoid of nest trees due to wind throw, the use of platforms in the future, as nest trees are lost or the number of territories in­ creases, may be an effective way of alleviating the problem of nest site scarity. The Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge supports a healthy osprey population, which is growing at a rate of 2-4 active nests per year. The abundant fish population and the relative seclusion of the refuge nest sites make available an almost ideal habitat for ospreys. The refuge population, if it continues to expand, may be the source for an increasing number of ospreys nesting on the whole Bitterroot river system. During the course of this study the Lee Metcalf National Wild­ life Refuge personnel were both cooperative and inciteful, giving freely of their time and equipment as was needed. I would like to thank Robert Twist for his many suggestions and comments, and especially for the flight time, without which none of the re­ production data could have been gathered.

Patrick Mullen Zoology Department University of Montana Missoula, Montana Page

As mentioned in Mr. Mullen's report nest structures were placed on top of topped trees in eight locations.

The University of Montana Wildlife Club constructed 8 of these nesting platforms to be placed in tree- tops for use by both osprey and Canada geese.

As you can see this is a fairly dangerous under­ taking, fortunately a member of the University of Montana Wildlife Club had a friend that was extremely experienced in treetopping. Page 8

Completed installation of nesting platforms. The size of the tree can be realized by the two figures near the base of the tree.

Normally osprey do not nest in live trees, especially ponderosa pine. Osprey normally nest in dead or deadtop cottonwood such as this. This tree broke off during the wind storm of 1983. The pair of osprey completed this nest in five days.

— Page

E. ADMINISTRATION

Personnel

12 3

1. Robert C. Twist, Refuge Manager, GS-11, Aug­ ust, 1972, Permanent-Full Time. 2. Betty S. Morriss, Clerk-Typist, GS-3, June, 1980, Permanent-Part-Time. 3. Calvin J. Henry, Maintenance Worker, WG-4749/8, October, 1984, Permanent-Full-Time. Trans­ ferred from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Realty, Bismarck, North Dakota.

Robert G. Mitchell, Biological Aid, GS-4, June, 1981, Temporary, Part-Time.

David L. Kirkby, Biological Technician, GS-5, January, 1977-March-1984. Permanent-Full Time. Transferred to Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois. YEAR (FY) EMPLOYEES

PFT PPT TPT

1985 2 1 1 1984 2 1 1 1983 2 1 1982 2 1 1981 1 2 1980 1 3 Page 10

5. Funding

YEAR (FY) FUNDING

1985 $132,000 1984 130,000 1983 113,000 1982 103,000 1981 95,000 1980 73,000 The overall funding for the past five years of this refuge has been sufficient for the amount of Public Use that we have provided. If Public Use demand is to be met addition­ al funding will be necessary to pay personnel to manage the increased Public Use.

6. Safety

Because of the small staff this refuge is not required to have a Safety Committee Organization. Safety meetings are held throughout the year when the parttime secretary and the two permanent fulltime staff members are present. There has been no accidents or injuries to refuge personnel or visiting public during 1984.

During a 1980 Safety Inspection the Refuge Manager pointed out the possible danger of the water control structure lo­ cated on a county road that traverses the lower one third of the Metcalf Refuge. A 1984 request was made for Engineer­ ing Assistance in determining the corrective action that needed to be taken. This assistance was received and is being followed.

F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

1. General

There has been no change in the habitat inventory of the Metcalf Refuge during 1984.

2. Wetlands

The Metcalf Refuge has an excellent water supply through shares owned by the U.S. Government in the Supply Ditch Association. All pond levels were maintained such that no vegetation type was changed and wildlife needs were fully met. Page 11

A continuing problem of siltation has presented itself over a period of several years affecting Three Mile and Blue Heron ponds. Three Mile Creek enters the refuge approximately a half mile south of Three Mile pond. Water is diverted from this stream to maintain pond levels of Three Mile, Blue Heron and Woody ponds. The balance of Three Mile Creek water emptie into the Bitterroot River. Refuge personnel have maintained this water distribution by removing siltation from the Three Mile Creek during February and March.

Refuge Supervisor, Barnet Schranck examining the silt deposited from the Three Mile Creek. Mr. Schranck could hardly believe the large a- mount of siltation from such a small inflow. Page 12

During the summer of 1984 funding was made available to correct and reduce the siltation load that was being dumped on the Metcalf Refuge from Three Mile Creek. A final design was deter­ mined that consisted of three sediment ponds and the removal of the present sediment blocking water distribution into Three Mile pond and Blue Heron pond. A 404 permit and a 100 .year Flood Plain permit was acquired and dragline work commenced in September. The project was nearly completed but cold weather forced cessation of dragline work on December 11. Snow cover prevented an aerial photo of work accomplished.

Refuge Supervisor, Barnet Schranck on the previous years deposit of silt. It is surprising how quickly this silt supports vegetation.

The North Burnt Fork Creek enters the extreme southwest corner of the refuge. During high water a very heavy load of silt is carried by this stream and deposited into Francois Slough. During the spring run off the only control structure that is an outlet for Francois Slough is naturally open to permit the high water to enter the Bitterroot River. However, with the increased estab­ lishment of cattail and willow the silt level continued to rise. This silt was removed by dragline during the summer of 1984. The before view from the county road of the area north of the Public Access Road. The Public Use Sign is readily available in the left center of

Afterview from the same location as the before view. Many favorable comments have been received, since the cleaning makes wildlife viewing easier from county road. Page 14

The before view of the area where the North Burnt Fork Creek enters the refuge. The heavy silt is readily visible in the center of the photo.

The after view of the previous photo. The silt was removed to a depth of approximately 2% feet below water elevation.

*

•

i Page 15

3. Forests

There is approximately 1100 acres of forest lands consisting of Ponderosa Pines-cottonwood type. The present age of timber and its open growing sites precludes its being of commercial value. The lumber grade recovery from the pine would be un­ acceptable to the lumber market and there is no commercial market for cottonwood.

The State of Montana for several years have closed the trap­ ping of beavers on the Bitterroot River. The Department how­ ever, readily permits trapping of animals causing damage on private or Federal properties throughout the year. For the past several years trapping of beaver on Metcalf was limited to animals that were a nuisance to our water control structures and waterdistribution systems. These beaver only occupied the perimeter of the refuge bordering the Bitterroot River. Possi­ bly because of the Montana Bitterroot closure beaver have now entered the interior of the refuge and are reducing the stands of cottonwood trees with DBH's of 4 to 20 inches. These younger trees will be future osprey nesting sites, therefore, the in­ terior beaver will have to be trapped also.

4. Croplands

Approximately 300 acres of land is farmed by two former land owner permittees. Approximately 25 percent of the land is summer fallowed as a weed control measure each year. The per­ mittees pay all expenses of the farming operation with the refuge providing the water.

On July 31, 1983 a severe hail storm destroyed the entire cereal grain crop of the refuge. The permittees salvaged ap­ proximately 29 bushel per acre of a few fields. Normally yield is 90-110 bushel per acre. The 1984 cereal grain crop reached maturity, and a third of the total acres of grain was left standing to provide waterfowl food. The waterfowl migration and accompanying snowcover was approximately four weeks later this year. Waterfowl used little of the standing grain until the last week of December.

5. Grasslands

The general type at the Metcalf Refuge consists of dense stands of quack grass, some giant wild rye and barren sites of Knap weed. The only management applied to .these areas is their pro­ tection from fire. Page

6. Other Habitats

Many of the water areas of the Metcalf Refuge are surrounded by stands of Ponderosa Pine and Northern Cottonwoods. Many of these stands have been killed with the building of the pond areas. These dead stands of trees provide excellent brooding sites for woodduck and hooded mergansers.

With the continued disappearance of these dead trees due to windthrow, this is one type of habitat that cannot be main­ tained or replaced by management techniques. Undoubtedly, wood- duck and hooded mergansers use and production will decline in future years.

7. Grazing

All grazing of the Metcalf Refuge was terminated in August of 1975.

9. Fire Management

No wild or prescribed burning fires occured on the Metcalf dur­ ing 198 4.

G. WILDLIFE

2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species

For the past five years there has been a pair of bald eagles that have spent the winter at Metcalf in a "pair bonding" relationship. It is a practice of bald eagles that when a pair migrate from their nesting territory to their wintering territory, they set up pair bonding activities that includes maintenance of a nesting site or nest. The first member of this pair arrived September 27th and the second member of the pair arrived November 15th. This pair has maintained this nest throughout the remainder of 1984.

This "Pair bonding" pair was present at the opening of CY 84. They maintained their bonding pair activities until* approxi­ mately March 16th. After this date the pair was not observed.

During 1984 approximately 82 road killed white-tailed-deer were deposited on the Metcalf for assistance in feeding the various raptors and coyotes that frequent this area. These carcasses are utilized primarily by the coyote, the raven, the Turkey Vulture, and Bald and Golden Eagles. Normally the coyote and Turkey Vulture (11 vultures on deer carcasses July 21) is not present during November and December. This allows the carcasses to be utilized primarily by the Bald Eagle. On December 31 the Metcalf Eagle population consisted of 1 Golden Eagle and 23 Bald eagles. This is the highest concentration of Bald Eagle ever recorded here. Page 17

And adult peregrine was observed for five days beginning on September 26th. This is the first siting at Metcalf for two years.

For the first time a gyr falcon was sited at this refuge. The bird was first sited December 19th and remained throughout the balance of the year.

3. Waterfowl

Ducks: Again the wintering waterfowl population averaged bet­ ween 6,000 and 8,000 ducks, primarily mallards, but this year the population also included green-winged teal, pintail, hooded mergansers, and ring-necked ducks. The migration for 1983 started the last week of February with the first ring-necked duck sited February 24th. The 1984 migration was approximately 2 weeks later with the first ring-necked duck sited March 8th. Also first time sitings of widgeon, redhead, and canvasback occured this date. The first pintail was sited March 12th, the cinnamon teal March 21st, the blue-winged teal April 13th. Again this year the migration was without drastic changes in popula­ tion. There seemed to be just a gentle continuous flow of Water­ fowl north bound.

The initial fall migration started the latter part of July with overhead flights of pintail then widgeon.

The buildup of waterfowl on the refuge did not occur until the middle of September. This buildup consists of mallards, widgeon, coot, redhead, and pintail. A normal population of approxi­ mately 6000 birds were present for the opening of the Waterfowl Hunting Season. As the various species of puddle ducks departed the latter part of October, they were replaced with divers and mallards. Normally the duck migration peaks during the latter part of November. The 1983 peak was 16,000 mallards on November 24th. The first peak of the fall of 1984 occured December 14th at 17,000 mallards. However, the final peak occured December 29th at an estimated 27,000 mallards.

This year as 1^^ white winged scoters were shot on the PHA.

Duck Production is determined by breeding pair counts to estab­ lish breeding population composition, Acutal brood counts are made two or three times to determine numbers of birds produced. These brood counts are made from the refuge roads and no visi­ bility correction factor is used. The total number of broods counted is undoubtedly less than actual production. However, the duck production has always been determined this way and any "correction" factors would destroy any reliability of trend. Page 18

DUCK AND GOOSE POPULATION AND PRODUCTION DUCKS GEESE YEAR PEAK DATE PRODUCTION PEAK DATE PRODUCTION

1984 27000 Dec 2080 1000 Dec 226 1983 16000 Nov 1000 1000 Dec 300 1982 15000 Nov 1100 1050 Dec • 280 1981 8000 Nov 1110 950 Dec 250 1980 20000 Dec 1170 1000 Dec 175 •1979 8000 Nov 900 550 Nov 180 1978 17000 Nov 930 910 Dec 170 1977 14500 Dec 850 465 Oct 175 1976 22000 Dec 525 550 Dec 125 1975 14000 Nov 700 800 Dec 130 1974 14000 Dec 700 * * 150 1973 10000 Nov 400 500 Nov 100 1972 10000 Dec 540 700 Dec 100 1971 9500 * 750 340 * 53 1970 11700 * 1170 * * 25

•Information was not available for these categories.

Geese; Normally very few snow geese use the Metcalf Refuge or the Bitterroot Valley. However, 1983 and 1984 have witnessed a very large increase in snow goose use. During 1983, 1,500 snow geese were observed on November 10th and 5,000 birds on November 28th. In 1984, 1,200 snow geese were observed on October 27th and 7,000 birds observed on November 3rd.

The winter Canada goose population averaged 600. The migration of Canada Geese was apparent on January 25th and lasted approxi­ mately 20 days. The goose migration was of shorter duration than last years and peaked at approximately the same number of 1000 geese.

The normal summer goose population of 600 remained behind. Goose incubation in tree located nests is believed to have started on March 20th. This is approximately one week later than normal. Ap­ proximately 40% of the geese use tree nests, the remaining 60% naturally are on the ground. Goose production is determined by ground counts of birds in the three general brooding areas found here. This count of production is extremely accurate and no "correction" factor is needed or desirable. 232 goslins were produced this year. This is the lowest goose production since 1981. Undoubtedly the cold temperatures and high winds forced abandonment of many tree-nesting pairs.

Usually the geese depart the refuge the latter part of August and return the latter part of September. A year ago this was not the case because of the heavy hail damaged cereal crop that was available to the geese. This year the geese departed as usual. Most of the geese that use the Metcalf Refuge come from the Flat- Page 19

head Valley. They have a short migration flight. With an ap­ parent strong cold frontmoving southward out of Canada a strong migration of overflying Canada geese was observed on November 13th. The Canada geese peaked on the Metcalf Re­ fuge the last week of November at approximately 1000. This is the same as last year.

Swan: The Spring migration of swan also started the first part of March with the first observation on March 8th. This is approximately 3 weeks later than a year ago when the swan migration started the middle of February, peaked on March 4th at 670 swans. All swan left the refuge the night of May 5-6. The peak occured on March 25th at 112.

What the spring swan migration lacked the fall migration more than made up for it. The first swans were observed October 20th and a large population remained in the valley and on the refuge well into December. On occasion 500 to 1000 swan could be observed attempting to find an aerial route out of the Bitterroot Valley. A year ago the swan peaked on November 11th with 40 birds. This year the peak occured the 22nd of November with 700 birds.

4. Marsh and Waterbirds

Metcalf Refuge provides very little habitat for this category of birds. The birds found in very small numbers are the double crested coromant, the common grebes, and the great blue heron. Occasionally a common loon will be observed during the spring and fall migration. For the first time since the refuge was established pelicans were sited using the Metcalf on April 15th. Nine pelicans were using McDonald Pond. They remained for three days.

For the first time since the refuge was established sandhill cranes were sited on May 8th. On occasion cranes are observed overflying the refuge but previously none had been observed on the refuge itself. This pair was observed on several occasions and on July 10th they had produced one chick. It is not known whether the chick reached flight stage or not. It is doubtful.

5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns, and Allied Species

The birds found in this category are mostly migrants, and con­ sist of California and Bonaparte's gull, Wilson's phalarope, several sandpipers, Forster's tern, the yellow legs, common snipe and avocet. The avocet migration (April 15th) usually lasts 2 to 5 days and usually peaks, 50 to 150 birds. This bird only migrates through here in the spring. Page 20

6. Raptors

The Metcalf Refuge provides excellent habitat for the raptorial birds. The short-eared, the great-horned, the long-eared, and the pygmy owl are the common owls. Red-tail, rough-legged, coopers, sharp-shinned, goshawk, and kestril are the common hawks. The Bald Eagle and the Prairie Falcon are very common and make high use of the refuge. The Peregrine and Golden Eagle are uncommon users. Usually one or two Harlan's hawks are sited during the winter months.

The most common raptor of the Metcalf Refuge is the Osprey. The osprey usually arrives on April 1st. It's arrival date has been recorded for several years, and it always arrives Aprillst plus or minus two days. It arrived April 1st, 1983 and again in April 1984. The first osprey chick was observed May 28th. This is ap­ proximately a week earlier than usual. The first chick fledged July 30th.

Normally approximately 20% of the previous years osprey nests are destroyed by winter winds. The nest do not blow out of the trees, the trees are blown over. From general observation a pair of osprey will spend approximately five days constructing a new nest.

This is a female member of a pair of osprey that in previous years had nested in a tree adjacent to the tree the bird is now perching on. The previous tree blew over in 1983. The female is attempting to build a nest on this broken off branch in a wind of approximately 30 knots. Page 21

female is attempting to build a nest and on a different stem of the same tree the male osprey was attempting to build in the 30 knot wind. The wind blew fairly steady for two days. The branch that the male has in its talons is ap­ proximately four feet long. Needless to say it did not remain in the crotch of the tree. Very little progress was made on the nest in the first two days. On the third thru fifth days the nest was completed and the female was ob­ served spending considerable time on the nest.

8. Game Mammals

The white-tailed deer is the only game mammal that is hunted on the Metcalf Refuge. Censusing is usually limited to the winter months when the highest number of deer are present.

DEER CENSUSING

January 16, 1983 198 deer January 27, 1984 233 deer January 24, 1983 221 deer February 3, 1984. 253 deer February 8, 1983 162 deer February 11,1984 262 deer Page

A larger than normal doe population existed on the refuge during the fall of 1984. A below nor­ mal buck population occured during this years rut. It is doubtful that all does were covered.

10. Other Resident Wildlife

The ring-necked pheasant has made a dramatic comeback in the past six years. In the past from 100 to 200 adult pheasants have been trapped and transplanted to off refuge habitat by Ravalli County Sportsmen's Association. During 1983 because of the extreme mild winter the pheasants were not easily drawn to bait and trapping was not worth the time and effort. This is the same condition that existed during the winter of 1984 and no pheasants were trapped. Refuge population remains at an estimated 800 birds.

The coyote is an essential element in maintaining the number and the vigor of the white-tailed deer population. No control is made of this animal. They normally den in the interior of the refuge and are usually not sited by the visiting public. However, this spring a coyote den was located in the exterior southern portion of the refuge and the coyote and it's litter was readily viewed by the many people touring the county road that traverses the south one third of the Metcalf.

The refuge manager received a complaint from an adjacent neighbor saying that a coyote had "worked over" his dog. The coyote den was bombed with firecrackers, and the following day the coyotes were gone. The local ADC representative had received a complaint from a distant neighbor who raised sheep ADC examined the den site and agreed that the coyotes were gone. The coyote population should be maintained to the max­ imum population that does not creat problems for adjacent land owners. Very common site from the Refuge Manager's

Occasionally, a coyote will enter the unfenced lawn at the Refuge Manager's Quarters. Page 24

Refuge Manager's, lab, is territorial. She will not tolerate coyote presence in her domain.

15. Animal Control

As previously mentioned coyote control should only be initiated in the event that the animal does damage to adjacent land owners properties.

The mountain beaver population must be controlled in water con­ trol structures and areas adjacent to water impoundments. Their numbers if left unchecked will destroy standing cottonwood trees. These trees are vital to provide nesting sites for osprey and Canada geese. During 1985 five beaver were trapped from such areas.

H. PUBLIC USE

1. General ' .

During 1983 a hot air ballon enthusiast inhabited the Bitter- root Valley. He enjoyed his balloon tremendously, so much so that he would fly on any kind of day. One day he shared an overcast sky while a Western Airlines Jet was making an instru­ ment approach to Missoula. He was charged with a violation by Federal Aviation Administration and was grounded. However, pending an appeal he was again airborne. Page 25

The "Mountain Butterfly" again in flight over the Metcalf Refuge.

Upon refuge personnel's arrival the "Mountain But­ terfly" would fly. However, this individual lost his appeal to the Federal Aviation Administration and he has since sold the balloon. We will dearly miss him. His presence had little effect on water­ fowl until he operated his burner—this noise was very disturbing to waterfowl. Page 26

The Metcalf Refuge receives a tremendous amount of Public Use for its size. Undoubtedly more public use per acre occurs on the Metcalf than any other refuge of Region 6. Public Use starts in early spring and continues thru the remainder of the year.

Wildlife observers and fun-in-the-sunners enjoying Wildfowl Lane, the county road that traverses the lower third of the Metcalf Refuge.

Professional Photographer, Alan Carey, photograph­ ing from the Wildfowl Lane. He has taken excellent photos from this road. He was given the opportunity to "try his luck" in the closed portion of the re­ fuge but stated the opportunity for flying shots was much better on the county road. Page 27 7. Other Interpretative Programs

Wildfowl Lane, a county road traverses the south central por­ tion of the Metcalf Refuge; along this road are three histor­ ical posters. The first. Hanging of Whiskey Bill in 1884, the second, Salish Indian Ceremonial Grounds, 1880*s and the third, Francois Slough Sweathouses, 1880*s. The plaque dedicating the refuge to Senator Metcalf is also on this road.

8. Hunting

Waterfowl: Prior to 1973, the 654 acres open to Waterfowl hunt­ ing were on a random hunting distribution system. Most of the hunters hunted along the South Boundary of Whistler's Pond, as this area lies perpendicular to the normal flight pattern of ducks leaving the sanctuary portion of the refuge, a true "Firing Line: condition had developed.

Beginning with the 1973 hunting season, 28 designated blind sites were established throughout the PHA. The hunter was permitted to hunt only at these blind sites which were designated by a six-foot white post with the appropriate blind number. This practice continued through 1979, with some alteration of blind site locations according to safety dictates and hunter suggest­ ions. Although an occasional objection to this system was voiced, hunters using the refuge PHA overwhelming support the new blind system. For the 1980 Waterfowl Season a pre-season- permanent drawing system was initiated. This was a mail appli­ cation and selection process for the first three week-ends of waterfowl hunting season. The number of applications submitted was excellent but most of the hunters did not show up for the week-end drawn. This system was dropped. Since 1981 an on refuge drawing the night before the opening of Waterfowl Hunting Sea­ son has been held. It has worked out very well. Imput was re­ ceived from several hunters that the drawing for blinds be held on Thursday night instead of Friday night for the Saturday Waterfowl Hunting Season Opening. The 1984 Waterfowl Hunter Drawing was held SEptember 27th, Thursday night, at 7:00 P.M. 179 applicants applied for the 29 blind sites. A year ago there were 188 applicants for the 1983 hunting season.

The general Waterfowl hunting season started September 29th. A week earlier than usual, and therefore ended December 29th, a week earlier. The peak Waterfowl population occured, December 29th, had the hunting season followed past years time frame, the first week of January would have offered fantastic shooting. Comparing 1984 hunter use to 1983, for 1984 the number of hunter rose 29%, the number of activity hours rose 16%, and the number of shots fired rose 4%. It appears that the special re­ gulations of 21 shells per day per hunter does have small minor reduction of "sky busting". Page 28

Fairly typical fall day during the first two- thirds of Waterfowl Hunting Season.

Typical "Waterfowl Hunter" using the Metcalf PHA. Notice the spread of four decoys. Blind #19. Page 29

- * p ** '' kidli irlJ >1, hi if-M •

Atypical waterfowl party using Metcalf PHA. These four hunters (the lady is not a hunter) probably kill as many mallards as all the other hunters combined. Blind #20

WATERFOWL YEAR NO HTRS ACT HOURS SHOTS DUCK GOOSE 1984 3006 9649 13904 1680 100 1983 2332 8301 13402 1817 119 1982 1843 6233 8298 1317 152 1981 1620 6298 9436 1696 125 1980 2670 9726 12373 1744 63 1979 3180 9572 12356 1819 34 1978 2909 8657 13488 2000 66 (2) 1977 3128 10760 15643 1903 42 (2) 1976 3175 11782 18749 2114 55 (1) 1975 4302 11872 30360 4108 88 (1) 1974 3393 8826 13903 2210 54 (2) 1973 2992 8460 NR 2207 24 (10) 1972 2999 7730 NR 2638 55 (20) 1971 2650 7980 NR 1655 12 1970 1810 4890 NR 2010 15 1969 1370 4110 NR 1150 6 1968 1945 3330 NR 3350 NR 1967 2130 4160 NR 3650 NR 1966 1015 1950 NR 1535- NR 1965 290 940 NR 342 NR Page 30

Upland Game: Archery Season Bpened January 1st and closed Janu­ ary 29th, 1984 and September 8th to November 24th, 1984. For the second time in the last decade the Montana Fish, Game and Parks Department opened the unit around Metcalf Refuge to shotgun buckshot hunting of white-tailed deer. The season was to last through January 1, 1985, the land owners created such a furor that the department closed the hunting November 24th, 1984. It is redunantly apparent that land owners will not tolerate any type of firearms in the lowlands of the Bitterroot Valley.

Archery Hunter numbers were up approximately 10%, Activity hours were up 94%, but the kill as reported was down 30%.

DEER

YEAR NO HTRS ACT HOURS NUMBER 1984 585 2692 20 1983 538 1386 28 1982 659 1754 33 1981 1001 2797 68 1980 641 1707 13 1979 736 2579 19 1978 357 936 7 1977 414 1170 9 1976 274 1029 7 1975 301 810 6 1974 270 628 5 1973 210 635 4

9. Fishing

The area open to fishing consists of two small ox-bowls and the shore line of the Bitterroot River. Most fishing is done by grade shcool age people and senior citizens. Both age groups use was down approximately 50% below normal. Poor water and ice conditions were the reasons.

10. Trapping

Five beaver were removed from the water distribution system of the Metcalf Refuge.

11. Wildlife Observation

Approximately 20,000 Activity hours are logged under this heading. Most of the use is made of the picnic area and the Wildfowl Lane county road. In addition to these uses approximately 1,000 Missoula high school students conduct wildlife observation classes each Page 31

spring on the north portion of the refuge. In addition the re­ fuge personnel gave 32 conducted tours (identical to 1983) to­ taling 932 persons for a duration of approximately 1930 hours.

The first Wildlife observers are those of the Ornithology Class of the University of Montana. This is a self-conducted tour and the class usually remains on the bus because it has been determined that their presence outside the bus has been detrimental to nesting geese. Page

The highest Wildlife observers occurs during the month of May when the school groups visit the refuge.

The last group to visit the Metcalf Refuge is the Audubon December Bird Count. As you can see they do not remain in their vehicles and this year increased the Waterfowl kill by their presence, in moving the waterfowl off the closed portion of the refuge. Page 33

17. Law Enforcement

In 1983 23 violations were filed as compared to 17 in 1982. In 1984 11 violations were filed, with five of these involving shooting of tundra swan.

I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

3. Major Maintenance

Major maintenance: Quarters 2 and the shop and maintenance buildings were painted both interior and exterior.

Large amounts of silt was removed from the 3 Mile Creek areas.

Several off refuge supply ditches were cleaned.

All vehicles and heavy equipment was maintained to Service Standards.

J. OTHER ITEMS

3. Items of Interest

Refuge Manager/Pilot, R.C. Twist served as Pilot/Observer for the censusing of the FLathead Valley, Bitterroot Valley, and Red Rock Lakes NWR, and the adjacent Tri-State areas for a total of 301.5 flight hours.

4. Credits

Report and all photos by R.C. Twist Typing by Betty Morriss LEE METCALF NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE A SPECIAL PLACE A GREAT FRIEND

As the world continues to change, the destruction of pristine areas seems inevitable. This refuge will serve as a small monument to a forgotten time, where future generations can reflect. An array of wildflowers nodding gently with the summer breeze, the gallant attempt of a fledgling osprey on its first flight, the wild calls from a wedge of geese silhouetted on an autumn sky will form memories of that which once flourished undisturbed.

Below: Canada geese drawing by /. Grenier. Cover: osprey perched on a snag. Drawing by /. Grenier.

Senator Lee Metcalf

In 1978 the name of the refuge was changed from Ravalli to Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge honoring the conservation efforts of the late senator. His contribution to preserving and revitalizing Montana's natural environment cannot adequately be measured. He was a member of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission and was instrumental in acquiring land for several refuges. He served the public for almost half his life; Senator of • - - t Montana from 1961 to 1978 preceded by eight years in the House of Representatives, six years as Associate Justice of Montana's Supreme Court, and four year's service in the Second World War. Lee Metcalf Refuge will commemorate the Senator's lifelong committment to the conservation effort.

U. S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Department of the Interior

Refuge headquarters are in the town of Stevensville, west on third street. For more information write the =-? n=.- Refuge Manager, Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, Stevensville, Montana 59870, or phone (406) 777-5552. WILO^ RF6-61 560-1

U.S. Government Printing Office — 1979—779-638

« LOCATION HISTORY WILD ENCOUNTERS You may also see whistling swans during their brief migratory rest in the spring. Large numbers of Canada In full view of the Sapphire Mountains to the east and the Before white men arrived, the Flathead Indians were The Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge has attracted geese and mallards nest and raise young, while widgeon, Bitterroot Mountains to the west, Lee Metcalf National attracted to this fertile valley with its pleasant climate. the graceful osprey. This efficient fisherman competes teal, redheads, scaup, and the shy wood duck nest and Wildlife Refuge lies along the Bitterroot River 25 miles They gathered and ate the starchy roots of the succulent with Canada geese for nesting sites during spring and pass through during migration in lesser numbers. Marsh south of Missoula, Montana, east of highway 93 and just bitterroot plant. The small pink blooms of this summer. If you are fortunate enough to witness a pair birds, including the majestic great-blue heron, are common . north of Stevensville. It's a place for man, bird, and plant prompted the naming of the Bitterroot River and tending their young, please don't get so close as to alarm during the summer. Song birds bring the valley to life with animal alike. Mountains and earned further prominence by becoming them. Hatchlings need the constant attention of the ^ territorial cries. Pheasants have also found the refuge the Montana state flower. mother to protect them from the sun. They are born bountiful. Whitetail deer share the refuge with muskrat, AN URGENT NEED Not long after Lewis and Clark passed through, naked and helpless and can die within an hour if exposed. fox, mink, beaver, racoon, skunk, and other mammals. ranchers and farmers homesteaded the area. Fort Owen, Like many birds, osprey have suffered from pesticides Beer and moose have been sighted occasionally. As civilization encroached on this fertile area, agriculture the first white settlement in the Northwest, is within two passed on to them through the fish they eat. Pesticides and commercial hunting caused wildlife to decline. miles of the refuge. Father DeSmet, a Catholic missionary, cause thinning of egg shells, and the weight of the nesting VISITOR OPPORTUNITIES Undisturbed habitat for wildlife and the development of a established St. Mary's Mission in this area in 1841. The mothers breaks the eggs. As a result, osprey populations favorable environment for waterfowl production was original mission and historic artifacts can be viewed in the have declined sharply. The refuge is a delightful area for birdwatching, needed. In 1963 the refuge was established and named town of Stevensville. photographing, and sketching. A county road traverses the Ravalli National Wildlife Refuge. Although tiny by refuge southern half of the refuge, and is always open to the standards (only 2700 acres) it has become a successful Lower left: whitetail deer. Drawing by /. Grenier. public. Deer, shorebirds, waterfowl, and osprey can all be effort and a valuable addition to the 390 refuges in the Fish and Wildlife photos by Bob Twist. Below: mother observed from this road. Fishing is not allowed in the United States. Its natural scenic beauty is a bonus for osprey feeding young. Right center: osprey refuge ponds but brown trout and rocky mountain everyone. protecting brood from sun. Far right: red fox. whitefish can be caught in the Bitterroot River. There is a foot trail providing access to the river and a small picnic area. The refuge is too small to allow camping, but the nearby mountains offer extensive opportunities. Public hunting is permitted in portions of the refuge subject to federal and state regulations. The north quarter of the refuge is open to archery deer hunting each fall, and the south quarter is open to waterfowl hunting at designated blind sites during waterfowl season. Hunters are required to check in and out at hunter check stations. LEE METCALF NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

UNITED STATES RAVALLI COUNTY, MONTANA UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 1-|4°06' 114°04' R.20.W. R.19.W.FISH AND11402 WILDLIFE SERVICE