f)f Hojccii^ve flepvC'fNc'Son '-/ecr .''.'.'6 MASON NECK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Woodbridge, Virginia

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1976

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Mason Neck

. Personnel

Richard Antonette - Refuge Manager.

Debra S. Green - Clerk/typist, EOD April 25* 1976.

Patricia Nickerson - Clerk/typist^ transferred March 28^ 1976.

Review and Approvals

-ML V-. Am Submitted by Office Date

Mason Neck NWR Regional Office Date TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. GENERAL • Page

A. Introduction 1 B. Climatic and Habitat Conditions 1 C. Land Acquisition 2 D. System Status 3

II. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

A. Construction h B. Maintenance U C. Wildfire. 5

III. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

A. Croplands 5 B. Grasslands ^ C. Wetlands 5 D. Forestlands ^ E. Other Habitat 6 F. Wilderness and Special Areas ^ G. Easements for Waterfowl Management ^

IV, WILDLIFE

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

V. INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION

A. Information and Interpretation 8 B. Recreation .11 C. Enforcement . . .11

VI. OTHER ITEMS

A. Field Investigations 13 B. Cooperative Programs 1lj- C. Items of Interest 1U D. Safety 1^ I. GENERAL

A, Introduction

Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge headquarters is located in Woodbridge^ Virginia; the refuge is located in Fairfax County three miles east of U.S. Route 1 (off Virginia Route 600). This beautiful area of forest and marsh was established in 1969 to pro­ vide habitat and protection for the endangered southern bald eagle. The refuge is a locally important wintering area for mallards and black ducks, an evening roost of the bald eagle is protected, and white-tailed deer and small mammals are easily seen.

Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge was the first unit of the sys­ tem acquired specifically for the endangered southern bald eagle and under the authority of the Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1966.1

B. Climatic and Habitat Conditions

Below normal temperatures prevailed during January, 1976, with only two mild periods—the 12th-17th and 26th-29th. February was the warmest ever on record. Average temperatures in the 5-day period from the 16th through the 21st averaged over 20° above normal, with a new record temperature (at Davison Airfield) of 76° on the 17th. There were 15 days with temperatures above 60°. March continued the extreme warmth of February with mostly above normal temperatures. A short-lived chill on the 17th-l8th saw minimum temperatures of 20°. Nature turned on the oven in April. During the I8th-19th, the maxi­ mum temperatures reached 90°. The most noteworthy thing about this month's precipitation was the lack of it (no rain was recorded dur­ ing a 20-day period—the 5th-2Uth). By one day, in fact, we missed having the driest April on record. By April 13, the drought had resulted in a critical fire danger and a surface fire occured on the refuge (see Section II. C. below). During May, two soaking rains, one at the beginning and one at the end of the month, were bookends for three weeks of relatively dry weather. However, these caused May to be second in total monthly precipitation for the year (6.05"). June was uneventful. In July, an unusually vivid, intense lightning cloud-to-cloud and ground-to-ground occurred on the lOth-llth, 15th, and 29th. This type of celestrial fireworks display is more char­ acteristic of Midwestern storms. For all three storms, morning storms were followed by stronger evening storms which is quite unusual for this area. August was cooler than normal for the area with tempera­ ture readings near 50° on the 30th and 31st. This was the driest August experienced since 1972. On September 15th and 16th, total precipitation for a li8-hour period was li.07". In October, tempera­ tures ranged from 7h0 on the 7th to 26° on the 29th. Precipitation this month was the most recorded for the year at 7.95". November was the coldest November since 1917. On the 30th, temperatures dropped to a low of 16°. Precipitation was lower than normal—totaling 0.96".

^ Office of the Secretary's News Release l5h1ii-69, dated May 7, 1969, titled "Stiffer law urged by Interior to protect alligator, other wildlife." Mason Neck - Page

December, 1976, had a temperature range from 13° on the 1st to 52° on the 17th. The first snowfall this fall was recorded on the 28th with 0.5" of snow. Climatological data is listed in Table 1.

Table 1

Month Precip. Snowfall Temperatures (inches) (inches) (Fahrenheit) 1976 Norm 1976 Norm 1976 1976 Extremes Averages Max. Min. Max. Min.

Jan, 3.59 2.8 0.1 9.0 60 8 ao.o 2a.7 Feb. 1.75 3.2 0.1 10.0 76 13 56.a 32.3 March 3.hh 3.5 3.0 9.0 81 20 59.1 36.7 April 1.35 3.2 0 0 90 26 69.7 ai.6 May 6.05 2.5 0 0 85 37 72.9 50.8 June 1.59 2.7 0 0 92 a6 83.9 63.a July 3.77 3.2 0 0 9a 5a 86.1 6a. a Aug. 2.92 3.6 0 0 93 a? 83.a 62.8 Sept. 5.82 3.1i 0 0 90 a2 75.6 53.a Oct. 7.95 2.U 0 0 7a 26 60.25 a2.a Nov. 0.96 2.6 1.0 1.0 66 16 50.3 29.1 Dec. 2.17 2.9 2.2 8.0 52 13 a2.o 2a.0

Totals 1x1.36 36.0 6.U 37.0

1976 Climatological data recorded at Davison Airfield (U miles from the refuge) for Table 1.

The Great Marsh froze (except the open water tidal guts) during early February, 1976. In the past winter the marsh froze by mid-December, 1976, and the marsh tidal guts and the Potomac River froze (skim ice) across to Maryland by January 2, 1977. About liO black ducks were using an open water area on Raccoon Creek at the end of the year. Neabsco Creek was ice-covered by mid-November, 1976, being the first embayment to fx-eeze in the local area.

Land Acquisition

1. Fee Title

Case closure on The Nature Conservancy tract (I0d) comprising 5.01 acres was effective on May 20, 1975 (final payment) and on May 7, 1976, for The Nature Conservancy tract (lOe) comprising 63.9 acres. The refuge then totaled 1088.73 acres.

An option has been obtained on the Newton Tract (17). Acquisition is planned for Tracts 10f (TNC), 15 (Nancy Davy), and 16 (Myron Davy). Mason Neck - Page

As a round-out acquisition, it would be desirable to purchase Virginia State Park lands northwest of the refuge and including the Sycamore Point refuge access road to its northern terminus with High Point Road. This may total about ItO acres and cost $200,000. It would provide control of access from paved Virginia Route 600.

System Status

1. Objectives

Individual Refuge Objectives were submitted during FY 1973, with revisions submitted January 15, 197iu The Program Scheduling pre­ pared November 15, 1976 lists Resource Management funds totaling $37,000 in FY 1978 (NFIO) which is the current budget for FY 1977. Manpower for both years comprises one full-time permanent and one part-time permanent position. Total Annual Benefits during the NFIO (FY 1983) will be about 12 million RBU's, a decrease from the current year (FY 1977) of about 28 million RBU's. All refuge activ­ ities are out of phase with or insufficiently staffed and budgeted for approved objectives and require an additional $10,000 in 0 & M funds. The lack of a Refuge Office and Refuge Manager's residence on the refuge has continued to be a very apparent problem resulting in inefficient and difficult operations, especially when involving visiting individuals and groups.

2. Funding

Following is a listing of funds for historical purposes. During Fiscal Years 1969 and 1970, the refuge operation was funded through Blackwater NWR:

Funds

Fiscal Year Appropriated Spent Man Power

FY 1971 $111,000 (20,000 0 & M) (21,000 Constr)

FY 1972 30,000

FY 1973 26,000

FY 197ii 25,000 $22,000 2 Permanent

FY 1975 30,200 33,200 2 Permanent 2 Temporary (summer)

FY 1976 36,000 38,350 2 Permanent 2 Temporary (summer) Mason Neck - Page

Any attempts to hire summer temporaries have now been ibrestalled until the budget increases to alleviate the budget crunches felt the last ten months of Fiscal Years 1975 and 1976 when hiring was accomplished. Both years our budget was overspent two months after the beginning of the fiscal year and we curtailed spending and operations for the remaining ten months.

The FY 1977 budget ($37,000) decreased $1,350 below FY 1976 (actual spending $38,350). This does not cover salary increases of $2,500. This recession in station funds will curtail much program information, extension services, and technical assistance as requests are received at the refuge office. With no temporary positions anticipated for the year, posting of Tracts lOe, Davy Tracts, etc. cannot be accom­ plished—nor posting of the Featherstone Tract, if acquired. The refuge will forego management activities such as Environmental Ed­ ucation programs, nesting structure program, banding program, etc.

Lack of planning information early in the year prevented using the transition quarter funds as they well could have been used to hire summer employees for the Endangered Species Management Program dur­ ing July to September, 1976.

II. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

Construction

Nothing to report.

Maintenance

The three-mile Sycamore Point refuge access road was bladed by a local contractor. Brush and small trees growing in the ditches along the southern O.U mile portion were bulldozed and several loads of gravel were spread on the two "wettest" portions of the road sur­ face. Twenty YCC enrollees from Manassas National Battlefield Park (NPS) then removed the unsightly brush and trees pushed up by the bulldozing. They also installed fourteen boundary signs along the Great Marsh boundary and removed two downed trees from the road and trail. Twenty enrollees of Prince William Forest Park (NPS) Youth Conservation Corps camp visited the refuge for one day and cleared 0.6 mile of trail at the parking for Woodmarsh Trail. Contracted road grading for and hauled several loads of gravel onto 0.6 mile of the south end of the Sycamore Point access road^ leveled and re­ furbished gravel on trail parkingj and road grading was accomplished by contractor on one mile of High Point Road (from Gunston Road to the refuge gate). This last was ineffectual following the first rain; therefore, $3,000 should be spent to scarify, roll, and grade High Point Road.

An antenna was installed for the base radio station in the office. Installed nine wooden posts on the refuge at various access spots Mason Neck - Page 5

to prevent vehicle trespass (such as the campers which have been staying overnight along High Point Road). At the same time three posts were installed on Mason Neck State Park, where vehicles were trespassing.

C. Wildfire

A minor surface fire (primarily leaves) occurred on April 13, 1976, burning four acres of the forest litter down to the soil surface. The moderate amount of heat killed all leafy vegetation to a height of seven feet. The larger trees (over three inch dbh) were merely scorched at the base and were not affected. No dead birds or mam­ mals were observed. The fire probably started by a careless smoker; there were four groups of refuge visitors on Woodmarsh Trail when the fire began near the trail. Fairfax County Fire Control notified the refuge three hours after the first report and after the fire was controlled by Gunston Fire Department and the Virginia Division of Forestry. Gunston Fire Department, Virginia Division of Forestry, and Pohick Bay Park helped control the fire. The last fire on the refuge was April 29, 1971, in which UO acres burned. Prior to that incident on April 27, 1971, a Governor's Proclamation closed state areas to access.

When fire conditions (as maintained by Virginia Division of Forestry and Fairfax County Fire Control Board) reach a Class Four or Five Condition, the refuge should conduct daily patrols about 2:00 p.m. The trail should be closed any day the danger is critical: Class Four or Five, strong winds, high temperatures, continued dry fuel conditions, etc. Boy Scout Troop 1137 (sponsor, Centerville Elemen­ tary School) repaired the fireplow's three-foot wide firebreak during a camp-out in April, 1976. About 1,000 feet of the firebreak remains plowed-up.

Ill. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

A. Croplands and B. Grasslands

Nothing to report,

C. Wetlands

With extended periods of low temperatures, the marsh and much of the Potomac River were frozen for several weeks in late January and early February. The frozen marsh affords good access for walking in the marsh. The beaver pond on Raccoon Creek was frozen for about two weeks during this time. In August 1976, we found entire uprooted plants of water celery and seeds of water chestnut floating along the Potomac shoreline of the refuge (source unknown). Mason Neck - Page 6

D. Forestlands

The Virginia pines on the northwest comer of Field 1 may be infested with the Southern pine beetle. This pest should be controlled in order to prevent a general loss of nest sites (pine trees) for the bald eagle on the refuge. Control should consist of removing all "red-top" (dying) pines and all green pine trees within 3-0 feet of any "red-tops"j the cut trees could be salvaged and sold.

E. Other Habitat through G, Easements

Nothing to report.

IV. WILDLIFE

A. Endangered and Threatened Species

Several eagle sightings indicate the eagles moved into the area around January 21, 1976, having not been observed for some time previously. In February the refuge closure during the eagle nesting season (December 1 - March 31) very effectively provided undisturbed habitat for the southern bald eagle. Adult and immature eagles were sighted during the month on the Great Marsh, and they are roosting in the Eagle Creek portion of the refuge. They may have attempted a nest in that area. The nesting season appeared to have begun late in this area 1976, since pairs of adults were still visible when one of the individuals should have been incubating. A pair of adult eagles was observed in February on Quantico Creek, and one adult was seen on Chopawamsic Creek. With the apparent activity in that area, Steve Wunderley talked with the Base Ecologist and Game Warden, Quantico USMC Base to expand his studies of the eagles to include the base.

Eagles are generally using feeding and roosting areas near High Point and Sycamore Point on the Mason Neck peninsula. Nesting areas since the early 1970's have been as follows:

Date Discovered Location

19— Nest1 east of Davy Road 1963 Nest west of Davy Road (active use) 197li Nest1 near Gunston Hall Plantation on State Park 1971; Nest1 west of Davy Road and near Potomac shore 1976 Nest2 east of Davy Road (inactive use)

blown down March, 197IP. 2 discovered February, 1976, but was not active in 1976 or 1977 nesting seasons. Mason Neck - Page

Exact locations of nests should be devulged only on a "need to know" basis due to the persistence of birders to add to their life list and photographers to do their thing.

The tree supporting the active 1963 Nest on Potomac Shoreline Park is cracking, apparently due to wind damage received in April, 1975. Cables will be installed to preserve it as long as possible—there are virtually no other pines suitable as nest sites in that area. One artificial nest was installed in November, 1975* in an oak about l/U-mile north of the nest site.

In May, we discovered that Mason Neck's eagles suffered their Fifth Consecutive Year of Reproduction Failure in 1976. Eight-weeks following egg-laying and abandonment by the adults, one cracked egg was recovered virtually intact from the nest on May 8, 1976, under Stanley N. Wiemeyer's federal and state permits. Its shell thickness of 0.526mm was 15^ below the pre-19U6 norm, according to Wiemeyer (Patuxent Research Biologist) and had high levels of pesti­ cides. Wunderley did the climbing. The egg recovered last year (March 15* 1975) from the same pair of eagles and analyzed by Wiemeyer measured 0,li6mm, which was 25^ below normal shell thickness. Eggshell thinning of this magnitude is commonly associated with reproductive failure. The Mason Neck eagles have not fledged young since 1971 (with one being raised each year from 1967 to 1971). During June, Mason Neck's bald eagles continued to use the 1,815 acres of Service lands and Non-Service lands comprising Mason Neck Refuge's eagle habitat. They nest on Non-Service lands (Potomac Shoreline Park) protected as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System under the 1971 Cooperative and License Agreement. This is Mason Neck's single known pair of eagles; however, there are probably other eagle nests on Mason Neck Peninsula.

Migratory' Birds

Waterfowl numbers are reported in Systems Report printouts. The winter of 1975-76 was relatively mild and waterfowl numbers remained proportionately high throughout the winter, dropping only during late January and early February. Black ducks are the most frequent visitors on Mason Neck in winter. Mallards are common on Marumsco, and Blacks are common on the Featherstone Marsh. Wood ducks were commonly seen in pairs on the many upland swampy areas; such as along High Point Road and the upper reaches of Raccoon Creek. Canada Geese were reported from the small pond west of Sycamore Point in the fall and a dozen were observed on the ice at year's end (January 2, 1977).

Refuge Manager Antonette attended the four-hour Bird Disease Workshop held at Blackwater NWR by personnel of the National Wildlife Health and Disease Laboratory, Madison, WI. Mason Neck - Page 8

C. Mammals and Non-Migrator:/ ;is_

Mr. Tom Faust was contract? y the Fairfax County Health Depart­ ment to trap foxes in the county for rabies control. Four were removed from the refuge and two analyzed by the county were neg­ ative for rabies.

The beavers (numbering about six individuals) on Raccoon Creek during the winter of 1975-76 maintained the upper dam (900 feet from the road) and abandoned the lower dam (2,000 feet from the road). However, the following winter they reversed this pattern, and additionally constructed a new and active house near the lower dam and near Woodmarsh Trail. At this site they had open water even during the hard freeze in January and early February, 1977.

The white-tailed deer population continues to show no signs of over­ population. Normal browsing of cedar, honeysuckle, and greenbriar occurs at Sycamore Point, During the winter of 1976-77, small groups of up to seven were seen along High Point Road and five along Sycamore Point Road near Field 1. The deer numbers are estimated at 28 during the winter and U5 during June on the 1089 acres of refuge.

Two reports obtained provided the following on dogs chasing deer. Deer-related dog activity is probably neither significant nor large in influencing deer populations dynamics. Feral dogs are probably rare. The most effective control of free-running dogs is the enforce­ ment of dog laws by an interested dog warden (Perry & Giles, 1970)1. Gavitt, Downing, & McGinnes^ (197U) felt that all healthy deer easily escaped when chased by dogs experimentally. In their study, dogs were not detrimental to the deer, either by limiting reproduction, inducing home-range changes, or killing deer. Two road-killed deer were reported October, 1976.

V. INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION

A. Information and Interpretation On-Refuge

A taxidermy-mount of a bald eagle assigned to this station would assist in meeting Program Management System educational objectives,

1 Perry, Matthew C. and Robert H. Giles, Jr. 1970. Studies of deer- related dog activity in Virginia. Reprinted from Proceedings of 2Uth Annual Conference of the SE Association of Game and Fish Com­ missioners. P 6ii-73. Reprint: Release No. 70-U of Virginia Wildlife Cooperative Research Unit. o Gavitt, John D.; Robert L. Downing; and Burd S. McGinnes. 197)4. Effect of dogs on deer reproduction in Virginia. Reprinted from Proceedings of the 28th Annual Conference of SE Association of Game and Fish Commissioners. P 532-539. Mason Neck - Page

Trail use is curtailed December 1 - March 31 each year. Woodmarsh Trail opened for public access on April 1, and trail use in April was noticeably higher than April, 1975. More people are aware of the area.

The following visits to the refuge were recorded: The Fairview Trailers Club of Fairview Elementary School walked on the Woodmarsh Trail. Boat tours were provided for several individuals and groups. Dennis Bassin, Prince William County Naturalist was given a tour. Washington Mill School gifted students and Gunston Elementary Special Education class were provided nature walks on the refuge. Journalism student Karen Bean accompanied Refuge Manager Antonette on several occasions to develop a photostory about the refuge; we have seen no results from this or several other photographers doing articles.

Environmental Education activities on the refuge were as follows: In April, Boy Scout Troop 1137, sponsored by Centerville Elementary School, completed a conservation project on the refuge as part of a overnight encampment. Refuge staff took them on a nature walk.

In May, ninty 7th-grade Environmental Science students from Key Intermediate School (teacher Frankie Hull) participated in an all- day study of Forest, Pond, and Marsh. The day also included singing, creative writing, and other disciplines. In May, fifteen Ecology Club students from Hayfield High School conducted an EE study, which included a boat trip into the Great Marsh.

In June, six students from Congressional School conducted a two-day study of the vegetation of the marsh while camping overnight at Pohick Bay Regional Park.

In July, "Environmental Studies for Teachers"—a one-day teacher's workshop was conducted July 2, in the Great Marsh on Mason Neck Refuge. Fourteen elementary grade (K~6) Fairfax County teachers completed a quadrat study of the marsh community developed by Refuge staff. The refuge portion was part of a two-week college credit course conducted by Fairfax County Schools.

In August, Bill Thomas conducted an EE activity with his Ecology Class, (Northern Virginia Community College) which comprised a group of EE Teachers. Earl Hodnett's Junior Naturalists (Potomac Overlook Park) conducted an EE activity.

In November, Mr. Chuck Seine, 12th-grade Science teacher, Jefferson High School, conducted studies of the Chesapeake Bay Ecosystem in the Great Marsh. Mr. John Page Williams assisted in this by pro­ viding canoes plus a lecture. Mr. Williams contracts Esturine Field Study Trips for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Mason Neck - Page

2. Off-Refuge

The following people or groups were contacted for various activities: Charlie Koch, former Executive Director, Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District^ Bill Lightsey, John Davis, Darrel Winslow, and Dave Brown of Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority; Pam Salisbury, Fairfax County Schools; Prince William County Environmental Education Council (monthly meetings); Northern Virginia and Prince William County Soil and Water Conservation District Youth Boards; Environmental Education Association of Fairfax County; Mason Neck Citizen's Association, Gunston Manor Association and Hallowing Point Association.

In February, the following off-refuge Information Programs were presented: Refuge Manager Antonette presented a slide talk about Refuge Management to 900 students in twenty-five lOth-grade biology classes at Woodbridge Senior High School. For National. Wildlife Week in March, Clerk Nickerson obtained three films and arranged for their use at four schools. She distributed twenty-five teacher's kits plus extra posters to ten local schools. She installed a dis­ play at Godwin Middle School emphasizing the bald eagle, Mason Neck NWR, and 200 Years of Fish and Wildlife for the National Bicentennial Celebration. She installed a display at Oakview Elementary School in Fairfax County on endangered species and the bald eagle. Clerk Nickerson gave a talk on the refuge and endangered species at Neabsco Elementary School, This included a movie on "Birds of the Marsh." In May, the refuge maintained a display "Birds of Mason Neck" for Pohick Garden Club's Flower Show held at Pohick Church. The display was staffed by Refuge Manager Antonette and Refuge Clerk Debra Green. In June and November, Refuge Manager Antonette was asked to attend a meeting of Friends of Dyke Marsh (an area administered by National Capitol Parks, NPS) and described Mason Neck's Woodmarsh Trail to the group. In November Antonette gave a presentation concerning Endangered Species for Science classes at Sydney Lanier School. This included a movie on the Bald Eagle and a short refuge slide talk program. In November, Refuge Manager Antonette showed a movie on the bald eagle and gave a presentation at two middle schools— Fred Lynn Middle School and Sydney Lanier Middle School. The movie was loaned to Godwin Middle School for showing. In September, Antonette presented an interpretive program at Potomac Library for fifteen children (7-1U yrs.). Refuge Clerk Debra Green installed and maintained a Bicentennial Display at Potomac Library, Woodbridge. The display was titled "Birds of Mason Neck" and featured our Nation's Symbol—the Bald Eagle. The library had 3^000 visits during the month. Refuge Manager Antonette presented a Bicentennial Wildlife Program at the Potomac Library, Woodbridge, titled "200 Years of Fish and Wildlife." The program featured the bald eagle, and endangered species in general. Mason Neck - Page 11

The following careers talks were presented: In November the STOP Club of Key Intermediate School walked on Woodmarsh Trail to gather material for a leaflet and Antonette presented a careers talk to them at the school in January. Refuge Manager Antonette represented the Department and Refuge at Career Night, Woodbridge High School in March. This was a combined career program for Gar-Field High and Northern Virginia Community College. The refuge participated in a Career Night in October for Woodbridge and Gar-Field High Schools, Refuge Manager Antonette participated in a Conservation Career Day at Gar-Field Senior High School in November.

The following off-refuge Environmental Education activities were accomplished: In April, Antonette gave a presentation on Forest Ecology to four groups of 5th-grade students from Neabsco School at Prince William Forest Park. In May, Refuge Manager Antonette initiated an EE program for Gunston Elementary School using the adjacent woods on Pohick Bay Regional Park as an on-school study site. Gunston School is the closest school to the refuge. Antonette assisted with a study by their Special Education Class on the park. In September, Refuge staff conducted an EE program at Godwin Middle School (lla Martin, 6th-grade Science class) including a pre-trip program and a subsequent study of the ecology of the school lawn. In November, we presented the movie "Let the Real World Work for You" at the monthly meetings of the Prince William County and Fairfax County Environmental Education Associations, Antonette spoke on Refuge Environmental Education at a Principal's Workshop held at Chesterbrook Elementary School in November.

B. Recreation

1 • Wildlife Oriented

The majority of visits are for walking on Woodmarsh Trail. No hunt­ ing occurs on the refuge. Fishing with boat access from navigable waters occurs in the Great Marsh. Camping and picnicking (wildlife related) is permitted in conjunction with approved Environmental Education and Conservation projects. Other refuge uses are photo­ graphy and wildlife observation by vehicle along High Point and Gunston Roads.

C. Enforcement

High Point Road serves as a den of illegal activities. A stolen safe was deposited about 200 feet west of Gunston Road around August 2. Illegal dumping of pick-up loads of trash is a perennial problem. Several vans have been parking on the refuge overnight in August, some to avoid paying fees at nearby Pohick Bay Regional Park. Parties reportedly occur at the refuge gate which is on Mason Neck State Park property—these cars block access for the residents west of the gate, while partygoers have stopped young female residents late at night while driving home. Mason Neck - Page

Vandalisin continued with the lock on the refuge gate being cut six times between December 1975 - September 1976. A new lock installed on the refuge gate was cut during the weekend of July 10 - 11, and the night of Friday, September 3. The lock was cut once each month in May, June, July, and September, 1976; and twice during December, 1975 A two year period transpired (December, 1973 to December, 1975) with no problem, but previous to December, 1973, the lock was cut contin­ uously.

A Master # 15 Super Security Lock installed in October still remains at this writing. This is not the apparent solution, since the chain is secured at the opposite end with a regular padlock and a combin­ ation, both of which could easily be sawed, cut, etc. Most of these incidents saw the lock simply disappear, and it is possible someone with a key has been taking the lock.

Refuge trespass continued to be a problem early in the year. The wildlife trail is closed until April 1, for Endangered Species Pro­ tection. Seven cases of trespass that occurred between January 17 and March lij., were submitted to SRA, Richmond, for prosecution. Three additional juvenile cases of trespass received letters from the SRA, Richmond. Six of the seven cases forfeited collateral, and one received a warning from U.S. Magistrate W. Harris Grimsley. When the trail is open April 1 through November 30, verbal warnings will be given to first offense trespass cases as directed by the R.O. The prosecutions were extremely effective since there have been no contacts since March.

The problems of refuge trespass expanded to trespass on the Refuge road by horseback riders. New evidence appeared on the refuge at least weekly in February although no horseback riders were observed on the refuge. Antonette advised Tamarack and Jarvis Stables that refuge trespass cases are being prosecuted. Tamarack Stables already was cooperating.

The problem of refuge trespass by horseback riders will increase since the Thompson's Creek area was purchased for development as a horse stable. Several hundred horses will be boarded about a mile from the refuge and will be using a network of trails on Thompson's Creek which was one of our local eagle habitats.

Investigator James Dent, Fairfax County Police, advised that a group of local burglars deposited stolen property on the refuge near the entrance to Gunston Manor on approximately September llu These individuals are all convicted felons. In addition, they reportedly poach deer on the refuge. They frequent the High Point Road area, which is an isolated, one-way country road and which is also used by Refuge personnel in normal daily operations. Upon receiving con- currance of landowners along High Point Road, a sign must be instal­ led at the entrance to the area stating: "Area Closed During Hours of Darkness - Unauthorized Entry Prohibited." Mason Neck - Page

Conducted limited patrols for squirrel and duck hunting activity in October, with no evidence or reports of illegal activity. During November and December, lack of manpower prevented adequate patrols for reported deer poaching. Conducted very limited patrols during the first days of deer gun season. Patrol operations are hampered by one-man operation and lack of backup by refuge personnel with current one-man law enforcement operation. The duck poachers could be remnants of the market-hunting era on the Potomac River. In December, a deer was poached along High Point Road, about 1/2-mile west of the refuge gate. The County Police Officer could not make a case. In a second incident, a vehicle was seen on the Davy Road with a rifle barrel protruding from the window. No fur­ ther information was obtained. Deer poaching during the afternoon (about 1-3 p.m.) from vehicles appears to be the local modus operandi. Several patrols during this time were attempted in order to "make an appearance." Patrols are virtually impossible with no refuge backup personnel, since response time by County Police is at least 15> minutes (even with two-way radio communication with the Police dispatcher in the refuge vehicle). The refuge patrol activities require crossing about two miles of state park, along High Point Road, where without state enforcement authority, refuge enforce­ ment agents must overlook and adroitly disengage from any poaching, dumping, etc.

Met with Lt. Liggett, Fairfax County Police, relative to County Police jurisdiction on the refuge. After more than two years of talking with various representatives of Fairfax County Police, they acknowledge criminal jurisdiction for local/state law on the refuge. At the same time, we have developed a good working procedure for refuge patrol backup, if needed. However, this is only minimal since it usually takes 15 minutes for a unit to arrive at the remote refuge location. County units have begun more frequent patrols along High Point Road and the refuge Sycamore Point access road. This will make more of a "presence" in the area.

VI. OTHER ITEMS

Field Investigation

Steve Wunderley accomplished field observations throughout 1976 on a study of eagles. A new nest (1976 Nest) was discovered February, 1976, about 0,7 mile northeast of the 1963 Nest, probably on Mason Neck State Park, 200 feet north of Potomac Shoreline Region­ al Prak, and 1/2-mile west of the refuge. In March, it was used as a roost by the eagles for at least a week prior to egg laying in the 1963 Nest. The egg in the 1963 Nest was retrieved in May by Stanley N. Weimeyer, Patuxant Research Center, for analysis. The existence of juvenile eagles points to the possibility of an unknown eagle nest successfully raising young in the area. The juveniles could be migrants from elsewhere. Mason Neck - Page 1U

Wunderley has provided several important pieces of information in the past year; for example, the eggs recovered on March 15, 1975? and May, 1976, showed excessive thinning of a magnitude which is cominonly associated with reproduction failure. The average eagle shell thicknesses were 15^ to 25^ below normal shell thickness of bald eagle eggs prior to 19U6 for this area. It is obvious that pesticides are a problem.

B. Cooperative Programs

In April, Refuge Manager Antonette assisted SRA Price in obtaining two bird carcasses from private citizens and arranging for their disposition. One of these—an owl—was donated to the Biology Department, George Mason University. Refuge Manager Antonette monitored an oil spill for WS, Blacksburg, VA. A minor oil spill resulted from the derailment of six cars of an Autotrain into Quantico Creek. There appeared to be minimal danger to the environ­ ment from March 8-11. Industrial Marine Service collected the oil until the last railroad car was removed on March 11 . Less than 800 gallons of number two fuel oil and less than 800 gallons of gasoline were involved. Guy Hodge, Washington office of the SPCA, requested to accompany Antonette to the site, which he did on March 9.

Refuge Manager Antonette participated in a deer hunt at Eastern Neck NWR in Maryland one Saturday during the month of November. Refuge Manager Antonette assisted at the Great Swamp NWR deer hunt for six days in December. In July, Refuge Manager Antonette screened Fort Belvoir excess property to obtain four desks for Dismal Swamp NWR. They were stored at the refuge until pickup in August. Phil and Paul DuMont and crew conducted the Christmas Bird Count on Mason Neck in January, 1976. Refuge Manager Antonette attended the Woodcock Wing- bee at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center; Laurel, MD, from February 9-13. Seven films were ordered to be shown during the annual meeting of the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies in Luray, VA. Also ordered were four films about wetlands to be shown during National Wildlife Week to the public schools and civic organizations. Twenty-one teachers kits on "Save our Wetlands" for National Wildlife Week were distributed to local groups and schools.

C, Items of Interest

GSA advises that no additional funds are available for our Request for Space. The lack of an office on the refuge causes inefficient refuge operation and provides minimal service to the public.

Senior Staff Specialist (Refuges and Wildlife) Bill Hickling visited the refuge to review the program in July.

Along with several other Refuge areas. Mason Neck is discussed in a six-page portion of the book Man and His Environment: Citizen Action by Odom Fanning (1975. Harper & Row, Publ., Inc., NY" 2U0 p.). Mason Neck - Page

Refuge Clerk Patricia Nickerson transferred to the Division of Law Enforcement, Washington, DC, effective March 28, 1976.

Debra S. Green EOD as Refuge Clerk, effective April 25, 1976.

The site of Dogues Neck Plantation, the plantation seat of George Mason IV during the period circa 17ii6 to 1758 and prior to his occupying Gunston Hall Plantation, is located on the refuge near Sycamore Point.8

Refuge Clerk Debra Green assembled the rough notes for the entire report, typed the entire report, assembled all tables, and prepared sections I. B.j V,; and VI, Refuge Manager Antonette prepared sections I, A.j and IV.j and edited the report.

Safety

Periodic meetings were conducted. Refuge Clerk Debra Green completed the Defensive Driver Course. Antonette received a booster shot for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever—four cases were reported in Prince William County in 1975.

3 Moxham, Robert M, 1975. The Colonial Plantations of George Mason. Colonial Press, North Springfield, VA 22 p. MARUMSCO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Narrative Report Summary Calander Year 1976

Marumsco National Wildlife Refuge is administered by the staff of Mason Neck Refuge. Most pertinent Narrative Report observations are found in the Narrative for Mason Neck. The refuge is located 1/2-mile east of U.S. Route 1, adjacent to Woodbridge, Virginia in Prince William County. The refuge provides 63 acres of fresh-water tidal marsh for wintering black ducks and mallards, other migratory birds, and resident animals. The refuge was established in 1973 from a survey of excess land from the U.S. Army.

No Construction and Maintenance or Habitat Management was accomplished. Waterfowl populations are comprised of mallards with some black ducks and wood ducks. Gulls are common. Deer probably occur only in trav­ ersing the area. Bobwhite quail are usually observed near Bay Street and the north end of the refuge, and number about 15 on the refuge. Muskrats number about 15 and no beavers have been observed. Osprey were observed several times fishing on Marumsco Creek, and they probably nest two miles south near Farm Creek. No public access programs are developed, although fishing occurs by boat from navi­ gable waters along the western periphery from County Park lands.

A limitation on the area requires that the security of the Woodbridge Research Facility to the northeast be maintained. Thus, any develop­ ment or extensive use should be checked with them.

Veterans Memorial Park (formerly Marumsco Creek Park) affords an excellent opportunity for the Service to develop a first-rate Interpretive Program and a fine Environmental Education Program with very little capital investment. For example, toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, and extensive parking are already available for the asking. The demand is here, we only need the go-ahead to develop the program.