Compatibility Determination Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge Use: Upland Game Hunting (pheasant) Refuge Name: Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge or NWR); Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex Supporting Uses: Other uses conducted concurrently and incidentally to upland game hunting activities include use of retrieving dogs, recreational fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation and photography. Establishing and Acquisition Authority: ▪Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge was established on August 8, 1908, by Executive Order No. 924 titled Klamath Lake Reservation For Protection of Native Birds Oregon and California. ▪Executive Order No. 924 was then modified by four subsequent Executive Orders reducing the size of the refuge from its original 81,619 acres to 46,902 acres. They are listed below: ▪Executive Order No. 2200 dated 14 May, 1915, titled Second Executive Order Klamath Lake Reservation for Protection of Native Birds Oregon California. ▪Executive Order No. 3187 dated 2 December 1919, titled Executive Order. ▪Executive Order No. 3422 dated March 28, 1921 titled Third Executive Order Klamath Lake Reservation. ▪Executive Order 8475 dated July 10, 1940 titled Executive Order 8475. ▪The Kuchel Act of 1964 (16 U.S.C. 695 et seq.). Refuge Purpose(s): “…as a preserve and breeding ground for native birds” (E.O. 924). “…protection of native birds” (E.O. 2200). “…to preserve intact the necessary existing habitat for migratory waterfowl in this vital area of the Pacific flyway…” (Kuchel Act, 16 U.S.C. Sec. 695k). “…to prevent depredations of migratory waterfowl on the agricultural crops in the Pacific Coast States” (Kuchel Act, Sec. 695k). “…dedicated to wildlife conservation…for the major purpose of waterfowl management, but with full consideration to optimum agricultural use that is consistent therewith” (Kuchel Act, Sec. 6951). “…consistent with proper waterfowl management, continue the present pattern of leasing the reserved lands…” (Kuchel Act, Sec. 695n). “…for waterfowl purposes, including the growing of agricultural crops by direct plantings and sharecrop agreements with local cooperators where necessary…” (Kuchel Act, Sec. 695n). “... for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds” (Migratory Bird Conservation Act, 16 U.S.C. Sec.715d). G-66 National Wildlife Refuge System Mission: The mission of the System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans (National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended [16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee]). Description of Use: The use evaluated in this compatibility determination is sport hunting for ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) on designated areas of Lower Klamath NWR during the State-regulated hunting season. As used here, sport hunting means the pursuit and killing of game animals with a weapon, primarily for the purpose(s) of recreation and/or food. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) regulations also allow pheasant to be hunted with bow and arrow (archery), and hawk or falcon (falconry). A Special Use Permit is required for this use. This compatibility determination does not address waterfowl hunting, guided sport hunting, trapping, commercial guiding, or hunting of big game, other migratory birds, other upland game, small game, or unprotected species (as appropriate, these uses are addressed in separate compatibility determinations). The Refuge is currently open for migratory and upland game bird hunting (see Refuge-Specific Regulations for Hunting and Fishing, California at 50 C.F.R. §32.24 A & B). There are parking areas located across the Refuge and hunter access to individual fields is walk-in only. A hunter information site building (check station) is located in the main entrance of the Refuge. Pheasant hunting is permitted daily during the regulated season. Shooting times in designated areas on the Refuge correspond to State regulations. Unless otherwise stated in the “Stipulations” herein, season dates, hours, harvest limits, and other rules for hunting on the Refuge are the same as those published annually by the CDFW for hunting of upland game (CDFW 2014). Pheasant hunting is limited to the units of the Refuge as designated on the pheasant hunting map (CCP/EIS Figure 5.5). The areas of the Refuge open to pheasant hunting total approximately 9,227 acres of the Refuge (CCP/EIS Figure 5.5). This area comprises approximately 18% of the 50,092 acres within the Refuge. The remainder of the Refuge is closed to pheasant hunting. The annual number of pheasant hunters on the Refuge in recent years has been relatively stable (Klamath Basin NWRC Upland Game Hunt Surveys for 2009-2010, 2011-12, and 2014- 2015). When compared with waterfowl hunting, these types of hunts are less popular on the Refuge. Hunting is identified in the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-ee) as a priority use for refuges when it is compatible with the refuge purposes and mission of the Refuge System. As a result, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is proposing to continue to allow hunting on the Refuge. The hunting program will provide high quality, safe, and cost-effective hunting opportunities, and will be carried out consistent with State regulations. The guiding principles of the Refuge System’s hunting programs (Service Manual 605 FW 2) are to: ▪Manage wildlife populations consistent with Refuge System-specific management plans approved after 1997 and, to the extent practicable, State fish and wildlife conservation plans; ▪Promote visitor understanding of and increase visitor appreciation for America’s natural resources; ▪Provide opportunities for quality recreational and educational experiences consistent with criteria describing quality found in 605 FW 1.6; ▪Encourage participation in this tradition deeply rooted in America’s natural heritage and conservation history; and G-67 ▪Minimize conflicts with visitors participating in other compatible wildlife-dependent recreational activities. The Refuges’ hunting program will comply with the Code of Federal Regulations Title 50, 32.1 and be managed in accordance with Service Manual 605 FW2, Hunting. Hunting will be permitted in accordance with State and Federal regulations and seasons to ensure that it will not interfere with the conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats. Therefore, the hunting of upland game on the Refuge is in compliance with State regulations and seasons, the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-ee), and the Refuge Recreation Act of 1962 (16 U.S.C. 460k). This compatibility determination has been prepared to document the Service’s review of the existing hunting program at the Refuge, document and evaluate any proposed changes, and accompany the Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The CCP/EIS is incorporated by reference. Availability of Resources: Administrative staff time primarily involves issuing and renewing Refuge Recreation Permits and reporting this data on an annual basis. Fieldwork associated with administering the program primarily involves posting designated areas as hunting or non-hunting, checking permits and monitoring harvest. Needed resources No special equipment, facilities, or improvements are necessary to support the use. Following is an estimate of annual costs associated with administering this use on the Refuge. Estimated Lower Klamath NWR – Upland Game Hunting (pheasant) annual cost 1 Administration and management of the use 0.5% of GS-14 refuge manager. Oversight of staff and budget, coordination with CDFW. $795 5% GS-9 biologist. Management of hunting program, outreach, monitoring, data collection and analysis, reporting by park ranger. $3,725 5% LEO-10 law enforcement officer. Law enforcement and monitoring by law enforcement. $4,224 1% GS-11 administrative officer. Administrative support and public contact. $902 Special equipment, facilities or improvements necessary to support the use Maintenance costs associated with the use Monitoring costs 10% overhead2 $965 TOTAL $10,611 1 Annual cost. Annual personnel costs = 2015 step 5 salary for appropriate GS/WG level x 35% for benefits. 2 Overhead costs = salary + benefit costs x 10%. Overhead expenses include building rent, utilities, equipment and supplies, and support personnel, and do not include salary-related benefits. Adequacy of existing resources Adequate Refuge personnel and base operational funds are also available to manage hunting activities at existing and projected levels. The Service currently has adequate budget and staff to continue supporting the annual costs associated with operation of the limited Refuge upland game hunting program described herein. G-68 Anticipated Impacts of the Use: By its very nature, hunting has very few positive effects on the target species while the activity is occurring. However, hunting may give a deeper appreciation of wildlife and a better understanding of the importance of conserving their habitat, which has ultimately contributed to the Refuge System mission. Direct effects of hunting include mortality, wounding, and disturbance (De Long 2002). Hunting can alter behavior