ARROWWOOD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

AND

ARROWWOOD WETLAND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

PINGREE, NORTH DAKOTA

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT

CALENDAR YEAR 1994

ARROWWOOD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Pingree, North Dakota

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT

Calendar Year 1994

U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM

REVIEW AND APPROVALS

ARROWWOOD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Pingree, North Dakota

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT

Calendar Year 1994

l/hh A;)>7 ' Date Refuge SupeirmBor Review Date Refuge Manager ' Date Refug

. / - &/• ' -*), /- ' / / j—

Regional Office Apptoval Date

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. HIGHLIGHTS

B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

C. LAND ACQUISITION

Fee Title Nothing to Report Easements Nothing to Report Other Nothing to Report

D. PLANNING

Master Plan Nothing to Report Management Plan 2 Public Participation Nothing to Report Compliance with Environmental and Cultural Resouce Mandates.2 Research and Investigations 3 Other Nothing to Report

E. ADMINISTRATION

1. Personnel 3 2. Youth Programs 8 3 . Other Manpower Programs Nothing to Report 4. Volunteer Program /. 10 5. Funding 10 6. Safety 11 7. Technical Assistance 11 8. Other 11

F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

1. General 12 2. Wetlands 13 3 . Woodlands Nothing to Report 4. Croplands 15 5. Grasslands 15 6. Other Habitats Nothing to Report 7. Grazing 16 8. Haying 16 9. Fire Management 17 10. Pest Control 22 11. Water Rights 23 12 . Wilderness and Special Areas Nothing to Report 13 . WPA Easement Monitoring 24

G. WILDLIFE

1. Wildlife Diversity 24 2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species 24 3. Waterfowl 27 4. Marsh and Water Birds 33 5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species 34 6. Raptors 3 5 7. Other Migratory Birds 36

8. Game Mammals 3 7 9. Marine Mammals Nothing to Report 10. Other Resident Wildlife 40 11. Fishery Resources 41 12. Wildlife Propagation and Stocking Nothing to Report 13. Surplus Animal Disposal Nothing to Report 14. Scientific Collections Nothing to Report 15. Animal Control 42 16. Marking and Banding 43 17. Disease Prevention and Control 43

H. PUBLIC USE

1. General 43 2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students 44 3. Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers Nothing to Report 4. Interpretive Foot Trails 45 5. Interpretive Tour Routes 45 6. Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations . . . Nothing to Report 7. Other Interpretive Programs 45 8. Hunting 4 6 9. Fishing 47 10. Trapping 4 8 11. Wildlife Observation '48 12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation 48 13 . Camping f. 4 8 14. Picnicking .48 15. Off-Road Vehicling Nothing to Report 16. Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation . . Nothing to Report 17. Law Enforcement 48 18. Cooperating Associations Nothing to Report 19. Concessions Nothing to Report

I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

1. New Construction 49 2. Rehabilitation 49 3. Major Maintenance 51 4. Equipment Utilization & Replacement 52 5. Communications Systems 52 6. Computer Systems 53 7. Other Nothing to Report

J. OTHER ITEMS

1. Cooperative Programs 53 2. Items of Interest 54 3. Credits 54

K. FEEDBACK *

INTRODUCTION

Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge was established by Executive Order No. 7168, dated September 4, 1935 as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. Specific species for which the refuge was acquired include: whistling swan, geese, mallard, pintail, scaup, prairie chicken, sharp-tailed grouse and pheasant.

The refuge is located in the glacial created drift plain of east central North Dakota. It occupies a 14 mile length of the James River Valley in Foster and Stutsman Counties approximately 30 miles north of Jamestown. The 15,934 refuge acres are classified as 8,213 acres native prairie grassland, 3,275 acres seeded grasses, 780 acres cropland, 3,541 acres wetland impoundments (actually naturally occurring riverine lakes), 125 acres natural wetlands, and 118 acres woodlands.

Arrowwood lies on one of the main migration lanes of the Central Flyway. It is an important link in this route used annually by many migratory birds. The refuge makes a significant contribution to the maintenance of these birds.

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The refuge provides a large expanse of contiguous nesting uplands in an otherwise highly agriculturally dominated area. Primary nesters include mallards, blue-winged teal, gadwall, wood ducks, hooded mergansers and giant Canada geese. Arrowwood produces significant numbers of each of these species annually.

Arrowwood is home to a variety of resident wildlife species and is a favored area for many wildlife oriented recreationists and enthusiasts.

NR94-1 CRL Purple coneflower, Auto Tour Loop and Mud Lake. Area Burned in 1993

A. HIGHLIGHTS

-Project Leader takes the buy-out.

-Complex site chosen as pilot for team management approach.

-Environmental Assessments etc. completed and submitted.

Weather data for the station is collected at the complex headquarters. The Extremely severe winter which began in 1993 continued into 1994 with a vengeance. January did not record a single day above freezing and 11 days and 24 nights were below zero. February warmed up a little but the recorded low for the month was a chilly -390F. If you've never experienced air that cold you haven't missed much. It is not a pleasant experience. The entire month of March was above freezing and the area seemed to settle into a milder weather pattern that remained for the rest of the year. Precipitation was about average except for July and September when actual rainfall was well above the long term averages. Although not as severe as last year, flooding eliminated most water management options. Weather data for 1994 is summarized below in Table 1.

Table 1. WEATHER DATA FOR ARROWWOOD NWR, 1994

B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

Month Precipitation (in.)

Average Max. Temperature (0F) x. Min. Average

January February March April May June July August September October November December

.57 2.68 .00 .52

2 .00 3 .78 5.75 2 .71 4.65 2.96 .27 .00

.41

.46

.68 1.52 2.37 3 .44 2 .76 2 .52 1.88 1.32 .59 .41

32 39 58 82 86 89 87 93 91 68 57 49

-34 23.6 -39 21.1 4 32 .9 17 43.3 28 53.4 48 65.3 47 68.2 40 68.3 35 60.4 28 45.8 5 31.1

-13 14.3 TOTALS AVERAGES

25.89 2 .16

18.36 1.53 69.3 13.8 44.0

NR94-2 RM Snow, Snow and more Snow characterized the winter of 94.

D. PLANNING

2. Management Plan

The following plans were completed and submitted in 1994:

-Pesticide Use -Prescribed Burning -Water Management and Operations

Staff members met several times with Complex Biologist Scherr in order to formalize refuge objectives and the direction of the complex biological program.

Darold and Mark participated in many meetings regarding water management and planning on the refuge. Meetings were conducted by the BR and the Arrowwood Study team and dealt with mitigation issues and a draft environmental impact statement being prepared by the bureau.

4. Compliance with Environmental and Cultural Resource Mandates

Environmental assessments, compatibility determinations and many other documents were completed and submitted to the RO as a result

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of the lawsuit filed by various private environmental organizations. Nothing out of the ordinary was discovered within the complex and we plan on continuing essentially as we have been.

Section 404 permit applications were approved by the US Army Corps of Engineers for the Mud Lake dike rehabilitation project and the Mud Lake channel cleanout. The majority of the funding for the project will be provided by the US Bureau of Reclamation. Construction is slated to begin as soon as conditions allow.

5 . Research and Investicrations

62510-9301 - Effects of Spring and Fall Burning on Released Flea Beetles. Principle researcher: Dave Fellows, NBS. Study designed to determine if flea beetles released to control leafy spurge can survive prescribed fire and to determine if fire can be used prior to release to enhance survival of the beetles.

E. ADMINISTRATION

1. Personnel

Dan attended the new employee orientation training in Denver in March.

Darold Walls, complex manager since 1991, opted for the early buyout after nearly 30 years of service. His last day was April 30 .

The 1994 fire crew began their terms in March and April. Rich Madson and Lee Blaschke were selected to fill the positions which ran through September.

Thomas Remmick was hired for our seasonal technician position and EOD 04/04/94.

Collin Stangeland of Valley City was rehired to run the YCC program. Collin reported for work on May 31.

YCC enrollees Missy Nieland, Cara Gregar and Brent Neys began their eight week appointments on June 6.

Mark was promoted to GS-12, effective June 14.

Mark and Carmen attended a retirement seminar hosted by Devils Lake WMD in July.

•

Doris was selected to fill the vacant Office Automation Clerk position, effective February 20. Doris previously occupied the tractor operator position but accepted the downgrade to achieve PFT status. The PD was amended to allow us to sparingly use her talents in the field in addition to her clerical duties.

NR94-03 CRL Mark Vaniman, Refuge Manager, GS-12 PFT

NR94-04 MV Carmen R. Luna, Refuge Operations Specialist, GS-9 PFT

NR94-05 ^ Daniel C. Dearborn, General Biologist (FMO), n.q -11 PFT

Mary K Liberda, Administrative Support Assistant, GS-7 PFT Doris D. Messmer, Office Automation Clerk, GS-5 PFT

MV

NR94-07 K1V-Jerald H. Wolsky, Engineering Equipment Operator, WL-10 PET

NR94-08 wv James R. Somsen, Maintenance Worker, WG-8 PET

NR94-09 MV

Tractor Operator, WG-6 PPT, Vacant

NR94-10 ^ Lee Blaschke, Range Technician, GS-5 TFT.

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NR94-11 LB Richard Madson, Range Technician, GS-5 TFT

2. Youth Programs

The Arrowwood NWR Youth Conservation Corps program began on June 5 and ran through July 28. The crew consisted of work leader Collin Stangeland and three enrollees. Missy Nieland of Pingree, Brent Neys of Edmunds and Cara Gregar of Juanita were the lucky three selected for this year's program. Utilizing area youth provides the refuge with an avenue for spreading knowledge about our mission and wildlife programs. As usual safety was stressed and correct procedures for performing tasks were discussed prior to each assignment. Personal protective gear was provided to each enrollee with the understanding that its use was mandatory. Lyme disease tests were also given to the enrollees at the beginning and the end of the camp. The YCC crew participated in regular monthly staff safety meetings throughout the summer. No lost time accidents occurred.

NR94-12 CRL 1994 YCC (L-R) Cara Greger, Missy Nieland, Brent Neys

In addition to a busy work schedule, environmental education is a major part of the program. As jobs are undertaken, the reasons for the task and the benefits to our mission are explained. Enrollees were also treated to several field trips over the summer. These included visits to the Cross Ranch, The Falkirk Mine, Coal Creek Power Station and a tour of the Garrison Dam.

The YCC crew finished the following work projects;

-HQ landscape maintenance. -Rehabbed flood damaged picnic area. -Hiking trail upkeep. -Relocated Kiosk at Chase Lake. -Construct HQ parking area at Chase Lake. -Removed old weather station at Chase Lake. -Nest Searches. -Installed new gates at DePuy Marsh access roads. -Assisted with general office work. -Rehabbed WPA signs for Valley City. -Etc. Etc. Etc.

The crew was rewarded with a picnic/award ceremony on the last day of the camp. Refuge staff supplied the libation and several humorous awards.

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1994 Youth Conservation Corps

1. Collin Stangeland, Work Leader 2. Missy Nieland 3. Brent Neys 4. Cara Gregar

4. Volunteer Program

One of the pleasures of being stationed at Arrowwood is its distance from major communities. This distance, however, does cause some problems with recruiting volunteers but they are used whenever possible. Volunteers contributed over 550 hours in 1994 assisting with neotropical surveys, environmental education, wildlife surveys, deer feeding and public relations. Specialists were also called in to assist with butterfly surveys and other special projects.

A concrete pad was poured near the shop area and will be plumbed and wired early in 1995. The pad will be used as a site for a travel trailer transferred from the FWS Habitat and Planning Evaluation Team to provide housing for volunteers. Housing w^ll hopefully increase our marketability as a volunteer site.

5. Funding

Funding is not broken down by individual substation within the complex although certain fund targets may be station specific. The five year funding history for the complex is presented in Table 2.

Table 2. Five Year Funding History Arrowwood NWR Complex

FY (K) Fund 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994

1261* 4 3 0 . 0 3 0 2 . 5 3 0 4 . 6 3 4 7 . 2 3 7 0 . 9 1262** 272.0 252 .0 367.0 413 .4 302 .8 1120 7 5 . 0 5 5 . 0 4 2 . 5 1230 62 .0 70.6 30.0 10.0 27.0 6 8 6 0 1 3 . 0 1 3 . 0 1 3 . 0 1 3 . 0 7 . 4 8610 8.5 7.4 2.9 3.2 6.0 91XX 4 6 . 6 141.1 5 2 . 3 9 3 . 0 111.2 GDU 1.2 1.0 2.5 6.0 3.0 WDA 4 . 8 3 3 . 0 3 8 . 5 3 8 . 4 4 9 . 4 Total 83a.i 820.6 885.8 979.2 920 .2

*Includes YCC **Includes MMS

Mark and Harris Hoistad represented the complex at the Ecoteam Budget Inquisition held in Bismarck in October.

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6. Safety

One lost time accident occurred on the refuge in 1994. Seasonal Bio-aid Tom Remmick was thrown from an ATV when he encountered a less than obvious ditch while signing on a WPA. The fall resulted in a lower back injury which laid him up for about two weeks. The injury was reaggravated later in the season and the matter was turned over to Workman's Comp.

Staff safety meetings were held at least quarterly with responsibility for topics and presentation rotated among the staff. Topics covered included; -Anti lock brakes. -Defensive driving. -Teenage drivers. -R6 Safety and Health Policy Review. -Radon gas. -Frostbite and Hypothermia. -Fire extinguisher inspection.

Staff members also participated in various training over the year including First aid and CPR certification, Pesticide Applicator Certification, fire training and aviation safety training.

7. Technical Assistance

The fire crew assisted the manager of the National Audubon Society's Alkali Lake Sanctuary with the preparation and execution of several burn plans.

Refuge staff continued to assist nearby landowners with deer depredation problems. Food bales grown on the refuge and provided by local wildlife clubs were distributed as needed.

8. Other

Carmen, Mark and Mary attended a one day seminar entitled "How to Handle Difficult People."

A refuge inspection was conducted April 20-22 by Ron Shupe and Linda Stevens.

Uniform replacement allowances were reduced to $150.00 for each employee.

Mark and Carmen attended a team management seminar in Boulder, CO in August.

With the retirement of the complex manager and A1 Gore's reinvention of government, Arrowwood Complex was selected by the RO as a pilot refuge for the implementation of a self directed management team. Several training sessions were attended by staff

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members to aid in the transition. The complex manager position will remain vacant while the new approach is attempted. Team members are utilizing the advice of experts and the knowledge gained by other agencies using this approach to management. Associate manager Ron Shupe will be acting as coach for at least the first year. As of this writing we appear to be following the path described to us by nearly all of the literature and trainers. The new management approach will need at least three years to pass through expected phases. The system will be reviewed annually by staff from various departments in the RO. We remain optimistic. GO TEAM!

F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

1. General

Paulette finalized a refuge and WPA database for management and mapping use.

Paulette and Mark served as coaches for a 4H Wildlife Habitat Judging Team in 1994. The team won at the state level and plaged respectably in the national contest.

NR94-13 Anon. 1994 Wildlife Habitat Judging Team

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1. Jeff Lee 2. Joe Tillman 3. Chris Ragan 4. Amy Thu 5. Kacey Tweeten 6. Paulette Scherr, Wildlife Biologist, GS-9 PFT 7. Bret Abner, Volunteer

2. Wetlands

Flooding occurred on the refuge for the second year in a row although to a lesser degree than 1993. Sago production in Arrowwood and Jim lakes was excellent going into the fall but a late September rise in elevation reduced the availability of the plants. Virtually every wetland on the refuge held water through the summer and into the fall and the large impoundments were still high at freeze-up. Virtually no water management took place on the refuge for the entire year with the exception of the DePuy Marsh. Boards were pulled in DePuy in July to dewater the unit to allow for dike repairs in the winter (see section X.x).

Operation of refuge impoundments is influenced by a variety of uncontrollable factors; '

-Unpredictable or variable water supply in quantity, timing and duration.

-Flood control operation of Jamestown Reservoir which requires refuge impoundments to store flood flows from 1430.4 to 1454.0 MSL during flood years.

-The joint use pool in Jamestown Reservoir which delays water evacuation below 1432,67 MSL until after September some years and after November most years.

-Limited water evacuation capability due to under designed water control structures, a flat gradient in the river valley, and siltation and vegetation in channels which reduces water flows through the impoundments.

-Migration of rough fish upstream from Jamestown Reservoir, altering the character of the lakes and requiring specific water regimes to reduce and/or eliminate populations.

The above listed factors often alter planned management of refuge impoundments. The following habitat types are sought and will be present following successful management efforts;

-Dense, open water Sago Pondweed stands which are home to a variety of aquatic invertebrates. Sago is encouraged by maintaining depths of 3-5 feet during May and June. This allows for optimum warming and light penetration during critical sago germination periods.

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-Seasonally flooded feathered edge with emergent vegetation. Created by exposing a 3-5 foot band of shoreline around impoundments for most of the growing season allowing emergent plants to become established. Vegetation can then be reflooded to provide nesting and brood cover.

-Moist soil areas to encourage seed producing plants such as smartweed. Certain seed producing plants can be encouraged by a complete controlled drawdown of pools in the spring and early summer. Areas are then reflooded in the fall to make seeds and vegetation available to migrating waterfowl.

-Spring and fall mudflats and shallow water. Shallow water and mudflats are created by timed drawdowns to expose shoreline and concentrate invertebrates. Feeding and loafing areas created will attract and maintain large numbers of waterfowl and shorebirds.

Refuge impoundments are managed to provide an ideal mix of habitats to provide for the needs of nesting and migrating birds. Many of the above scenarios are attained in the same pools due to water level manipulations. ,

Plans to manage the DePuy Marsh area as a moist soil unit were completed by Carmen late last year. Pools in the marsh will be filled and drawn down on a three year rotation to provide for nesting waterfowl and migrating shorebirds and allow for mechanical manipulations as necessary. Construction plans developed by the BR provide for several more moist soil units and increased water management capability on the Refuge. Scott McLeod of the Gaylord Lab spent two days on the refuge visiting sites planned for moist soil management to benefit shorebirds and waterfowl.

Refuge staff participated in several meetings over the year concerning the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for the Arrowwood Refuge Water Management Capability Study. The Bureau of Reclamation (BR) is taking the lead in the study and the preparation of the document. The DEIS analyzes the need to provide Arrowwood NWR with water management capability to mitigate for past restrictions on water management capability imposed by the Jamestown Reservoir. Jamestown Dam and Reservoir affects the Refuge in several ways. During flood years, water from Jamestown reservoir backs into the Refuge and eliminates or severely reduces water management capability. After water in the reservoir recedes, excess water often remains in the refuge because of poor pool drainage and channel obstructions between the lowermost Refuge pool (DePuy Marsh) and the reservoir. During normal years, the difference in elevation between Jamestown Reservoir and the Refuge pools is too small to allow the Refuge to draw down pools in a timely manner. The Refuge has experienced flooding and water management problems since Jamestown Reservoir filled in 1965. Jamestown Reservoir also supports rough fish such as carp and

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extensive damage to aquatic resources.

Alternatives were developed by the DEIS Team using public input, technical information, interdisciplinary and interagency discussion and professional judgement. Alternatives were screened using the following criteria;

o Improve habitat management capability o Meet refuge compatibility requirements based on enabling legislation

o Meet purpose and at least partially satisfy the need ^o Meet economic feasibility requirements *o Comply with the Endangered Species Act o Meet requirements of the Garrison diversion Unit 1986 Reformulation Act which directed Reclamation to mitigate for impacts to National Wildlife Refuges

o Comply with requirements for State water permits o Will not degrade water quality downstream from the Refuge below state standards or no action conditions

o Be implementable by fiscal year 1999

The EIS team developed several options to improve water management based on the above listed criteria. Refer to the purpose and alternatives factsheet enclosed in the information packet at the back of this document for a detailed explanation.

Refuge staff assisted local SCS offices with many minimal effect agreements throughout the year.

Paulette attended a wetland plant ID course sponsored by the EPA in July and a Prairie Wetland Ecolsystem workshop in October.

4. Cropland

Cooperative farming agreements with five cooperators were finalized in late April. The program is virtually chemical independent due to the use of rotations designed to eliminate the need for any undesirable inputs. Cooperators have been more than willing to accommodate our chemical free goals and the program is being called a success. Farming rotations are used to provide fall browse, winter food and nesting cover.

5. Grasslands

Grasslands on the refuge are managed by fire, mower or animal. Details on management can be found in the respective sections dealing with those topics.

A 25 acre crop field was removed from production and planted to a native grass mix early in May. A mix of western wheatgrass, side-oats grama, green needle grass and an experimental ND variety of little bluestem was sown. The little bluestem seed was provided by

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little bluestem was sown. The little bluestem seed was provided by the Stutsman County SCS at no cost.

An additional 20 acres of retired farm field was planted with a 'clean out the grass bin' mix consisting of big bluestem, switchgrass and side-oats grama. A nurse crop of oats was planted with the grass.

Paulette attended a Grassland Ecology Workshop at Valentine in August.

NR94-14 JS Collin Stangeland, YCC Crew Leader, GS-5 TFT (L)

Collin and Jerry Preparing to Seed Retired Crop Field to Grass

7. Grazing

Sheep were utilized again this year in an effort to control leafy spurge. No cows were used for the second year in a row.

8. Haying

Four haying permits were issued on the refuge in addition to the normal right of way haying performed by cooperators. Haying was delayed until August 1 in deference to late nesting activity by local waterfowl. Several farm cooperators also incorporate haying into their alfalfa rotations.

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9. Fire Management

Wildfire: The wildfire season in the State of North Dakota was about average. The North Dakota Forest Service documented 436 fires which burned 15,597 acres. This number and the acres burned are about average for the state (FWS fires included). North Dakota refuges reported 20 wildfires which burned a total of 7,396 acres, of which 3,680 acres were FWS land.

Rich Madson and Lee Blaschke returned for their third year on the Complex fire crew. Rich spent approximately 9 weeks on 3 western fire details, Lee was gone for 5 weeks on two details, Dearborn was gone for 7 weeks on 3 details. When they weren't busy with wildfires the fire crew kept busy with the prescribed fire program. Rich and Dearborn shared burn boss duties and Lee obtained several burn boss trainee assignments.

NR94-15 RM Arrowwood Engines Travelled as far as Montana to Support Suppression Efforts on 1994 Wildfires.

The Arrowwood Complex had four wildfires all of which occurred on the Chase Lake PP/WMD.

- Bower WPA fire. 4/12. 53 acres. Human caused by adjacent neighbor burning bales. Fire # 6617.

- Chicago Lake fire. 4/16-17. 4,690 acres of public and private land. Human caused, probably arson. Fire # 6619.

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- Sorenson WPA fire. 5/12. 140 acres. Human caused by neighbors stubble burn. Fire # 6732.

- Bales fire. 11/5. Woodworth WPA. .1 acres. Human caused, arson. Fire # 6883.

Wildfire Season Highlights * 4 fires on the Complex burned 4,883 acres

# the Chicago Lake fire burned 4,690 acres and was suppressed by 3 refuge engines, approximately 12 cooperator engines, and a single engine spray plane.

# 2 arson investigators were ordered through the interagency dispatch system to work on the Chicago Lake fire.

* Assisted Salyer NWR with firefighters, overhead, and an engine during a 1,640 acre wildfire.

* Assisted other refuges and land management agencies in 4 states totaling 206 staff days and 17 engine days. # firefighter detailed to Buenos Aires NWR under a fire

severity account # one law enforcement officer detailed to Bison Range NWR # refuge and fire staff served in positions ranging from

firefighter to task force leader # Arrowwood's type 6 engine went to Montana wildfires

including one in Glacier National Park.

Prescribed Fire

Arrowwood Complex has been using prescribed fire as a management tool since 1967. Prescribed fire is used to: 1. manage native prairie

- decrease non native grasses - decrease invasion of woody plant species

2. manage vegetation for waterfowl production 3. facilitate control of noxious weeds 4. manage fuel accumulations to protect human safety, property, sensitive species and biological communities, and cultural resources. 5. manage cattail choked wetlands

FIREPRO analysis of the Complex prescribed fire history from 1984-1993: normal RX fire season = 22 burns and 3,208 acres. Staff commitment to the severe wildfire season in the western states limited the prescribed burning season this year. The following 14 burns were accomplished (1,804 acres total):

Arrowwood NWR: - Headquarters (training burn) 3/1, 4/8. 144 acres - Arrowwood Lake East 4/11. 304 acres - Mud Lake East 4/22. 375 acres - Mud Lake North 5/26. 144 acres - West Tour 9/22, 9/28. 79 acres - Predator Fence 9/19. 25 acres

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Arrowwood WMD; none

Valley City WMD: - Elken WPA 4/12. - Erickson WPA 5/2 - Thompson WPA 5/11

120 acres 80 acres 163 acres

Chase Lake PP/WMD: - Schaur WPA 5/5 - Barnes Lake 5/12 - Lake Louise Island 9/28

80 acres 240 acres 34 acres

Other: - Alkali Lake Sanctuary - Alkali Lake Sanctuary - Audubon NWR

9/26 9/29 6 / 6

55 acres 60 acres

2 burns acres unknown

Monitoring

Photo points were continued on several Arrowwood Refuge sites. Neotropical bird surveys and candidate species butterfly surveys were initiated by the Complex biologist. No vegetative transects were established this year. Burn objectives were evaluated based on % dead fuel consumed and % woody vegetation scorched. All burns achieved approximately 75-90% dead fuel reduction and 75-90% scorch of invading woody species. Objectives were achieved under burn day weather and fuel conditions in the following ranges:

Relative humidity: 20-50% Mid flame windspeed: 2-15 mph Fine fuel moisture: 3-9%

An exception to the above ranges occurred on the Thompson WPA burn. Mid flame windspeeds of 30+ mph were required to sustain a headfire in dense cattails standing over water.

Fire Research

Dave Fellows from Northern Prairie Science Center continued with his study of Effects of Prescribed Fire on Control of Leafy Spurge by Aohthona. Several plots throughout the Complex have been treated with fire and insects. Fall 1994 burns were re-scheduled in order to verify that beetles successfully established on the plots before burning. FMO Dearborn needed to remind Fellows that contacting the appropriate manager and mop up were required elements of his* burn plan.

Arrowwood Complex hosted two sessions of S-130 Basic Firefighter, S-190 Fire Behavior, and Standards for Survival in April and May.

Training

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Approximately 55 trainees from several different state, federal, and local agencies attended.

Arrowwood Complex hosted S-211 Portable Pumps, and S-214 Engines in June. Approximately 45 trainees attended. Many of the folks who attended this training put their knowledge to use on wildfires later in the summer.

FMO Dearborn instructed S-200 Initial Attack Incident Commander to the staff at Des Lacs Complex in December.

Kresl, Vaniman, and Hoistad attended Fire Management for Line Officers in Minnesota. Brockman attended S-290 Intermediate Fire Behavior in Riverton WY. Luna, Messmer, Pabian, Brockman, Albright, King, Blaschke, and Madson attended S-211 and S-214. Vaniman attended Fire in Ecosystem Management at Marana.

Dearborn attended FMO Workshops in Tuscon and Missoula, and the Interior West Fire Council Meeting in Idaho.

NR94-16 RM S130-S190 Training - Field Exercise Held at Arrowwood.

Equipment

The three Complex slip in pumps and trucks were converted to flat bed type 6 engines. MMS and fire funds were used to cost share radio antenna repairs at Chase Lake PP/WMD. Complex staff framed, sheathed, insulated, and installed heat in 2 bays of the 6 stall

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garage to be used as a fire cache at Chase Lake PP/WMD headquarters. A 1500 gallon water tender and Dodge 4 wheel drive pickup were obtained from surplus property at Grand Forks and Minot AFB's. Several more portable radios were purchased in order to get rid of some antiques and ensure all personnel on fires or prescribed burns have a radio. Transferred Jeep to FMO at CMR NWR; received Ford pickup.

Planning

Dearborn completed a draft Fire Management Plan for the Complex. FIREPRO information was entered for all units within the Complex and numerous FIREPRO "runs" were made in order to evaluate this new "objective funding analysis" computer program. Hoistad, Vaniman, and Kresl completed the environmental assessment for upland management at Arrowwood Complex. The use of prescribed fire as a management tool was included in the EA. Dearborn updated fire qualifications of all Complex staff.

Dearborn negotiated new agreements or renewed existing cooperative fire agreements with the following Fire Protection Districts; Medina, Alice, Pingree, Woodworth, Pettibone, and Bowden.

North Dakota Refuges Fire Season Highlights

* 20 wildfires on FWS lands burned 7,396 acres # 3 natural out for 350 acres # 2 large wildfires: Salyer NWR 1,640 acres, Arrowwood

Complex 4,690 acres * 67 prescribed burns for 5,814 acres * Assisted other refuges and land management agencies outside ND. # assisted FWS, NPS, USFS, BLM, State in 5 states totaling

401 staff days and 34 engine days # 13 permanent and temporary, refuge and fire personnel were

involved # staff served in positions ranging from firefighter to task

force leader # refuges involved; Arrowwood Complex, Des Lacs Complex,

Devils Lake WMD, Tewaukon NWR.

The FMO position at Arrowwood functions as a zone FMO, serving all Refuges in North Dakota. During the course of the year Dearborn made site visits to most of the refuges; Devils Lake WMD (3), Des Lacs (2) , Salyer (4) , Tewaukon (2) , Kulm (1) , Audubon (2) . Considerable time was spent trying to orient Regional and National office fire staff to North Dakota refuge fire program needs, especially at Salyer NWR. Efforts included informal fire program reviews and site visits to Salyer, Upper Souris, and Des Lacs by the regional fire coordinator, regional fire ecologist, and NIFC fire planning specialist.

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North Dakota FIREPRO refuges (Salyer, Des Lacs, Devils Lake, Arrowwood, Tewaukon) gathered FIREPRO information and Dearborn entered it and made numerous "runs" on the FIREPRO computer system. Major issues discussed with ND Refuges were; fire policy interpretation, fire training and qualifications, burn plan writing, FIREPRO, equipment purchase, and prescribed fire planning.

Dearborn represented ND Refuges at various meetings including; State Air Quality, National Weather Service, and the ND Fire Council. The ND Fire Council was created in 1993, members include BIA, FWS, NPS, USFS, BOR, COE, and the State. The Fire Council will serve as an avenue to accomplish mutual training needs, ecosystem burning, and interagency agreements.

10. Pest Control

Pest control on the refuge and within the complex is focused on noxious weed control. The biggest problem is leafy spurge and control efforts, mandated by state law, are attempted within the limits set by personnel and funding. The chemical of choice for most areas is 2-4d Amine and spraying is conducted in the spring as the plants are beginning their growth cycle and in the late sumn>er prior to seed set. We seem to receive our share of calls from 'concerned' citizens during the growing season who would like to know what we are doing with our spurge.

Alternative control methods are also being explored on the refuge. Grazing is a method that seems to be promising and the refuge used sheep in one unit this year. Goats, used in previous years, became very scarce as government subsidies were removed. Results are not instantaneous and local experts believe the weed can be effectively controlled after 4-5 years of grazing with the animals. By using sheep on the refuge we are also hopefully demonstrating to local landowners that they don't need to run to the spray truck every time they see a weed. Some areas grazed by sheep were burned early in the year to give the spurge a head start on grasses and convince the sheep to eat more of the weed.

The Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center is conducting experiments with flea beetle releases, several sites of which are on the refuge. In addition, flea beetles supplied by local SCS offices were liberated on 5 sites within the refuge. The areas will be monitored in the spring of 95 to determine the success (or lack thereof) of the release.

No insecticides are used on the refuge.

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NR94-17 MV Carmen Releasing Flea Beetles on Spurge Site.

11. Water Rights

Arrowwood NWR holds water rights, filed September 1, 1934 which provide 16,000 acre feet annually or as much thereof to fill impoundments to spillway elevations. An additional 10,000 acre feet is allowed to maintain these levels throughout the year.

Refuge impoundments are managed to produce aquatic foods for waterfowl and other wildlife using the areas. A summary of volumes, acreage and spillway elevations follows;

Impoundment Arrowwood Lake Mud Lake Jim Lake DePuy Marsh

TOTALS

Volume (AF) 7, 762 2,157 5,508 1, 109

16,536

Surface Acres 1,586 719 859 377

3, 541

Spillway (MSL) 1436.66 1436.00 1436.00 1436.80

High water conditions on the Refuge and in Jamestown Reservoir eliminated all water management efforts this year.

The 94 water use report and 95 operating plan were submitted to the RO in February.

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13. WPA Easement Monitoring

Mark and Jim assisted Carmen in monitoring easements in the Arrowwood WMD during April. Assistance was also provided to the Valley City WMD.

G. WILDLIFE

1. Wildlife Diversity

Wildlife uge of the northern prairie is dynamic. A diversity of wildlife is attracted to the wetland/grassland habitat. Both resident and migratory species depend on the prairie ecosystem for feeding, resting and breeding areas. Habitat management programs that emphasize waterfowl production and maintenance also provide a wide variety of habitats for a diversity of wildlife species. The most common projects that have enhanced the wildlife diversity of the refuge are construction, placement and maintenance of nesting structures and foodplots. Most wildlife observations are incidental during other staff activity.

2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species

There is one Federally endangered, two threatened and five Federal Category 2 candidate species that are known to occur on the refuge. A sixth candidate species, the Dakota skipper butterfly, may occur, but no surveys conducted. The Federally endangered peregrine falcon is observed sporadically, usually during migration periods. In 1994, one peregrine falcon was observed on the refuge on 2 8 July.

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FEDERALLY LISTED SPECIES

SCIENTIFIC NAME

LISTING STATUS

Peregrine falcon

Falco peregrinus Endangered

Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Threatened

Piping plover

Charadrius melodus Threatened

Ferruginous hawk

Buteo regalis Category 2

Northern goshawk

Accipiter gentilis

Category 2

Loggerhead shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

Category 2

Baird's sparrow

Ammodramus bairdii

Category 2

Black Tern Chlidonias niger

Category 2

Dakota skipper butterfly

Hesperia dacotae

Category 2

The bald eagle has been recently downlisted to threatened status. Bald Eagles are observed regularly during spring and fall migrations. Spring concentrations are normally higher during years of winter fish kills in refuge impoundments. 1994 did not result in a fish kill, but rather a large influx of buffalo carp similar to the spring of 1993. As in 1993, spring flood conditions provided upstream movement into refuge impoundments.

The large numbers of carp, combined with deer mortality due to heavy snow cover, most likely influenced the large increase in numbers of eagles observed on the refuge. The following observations were noted on or near the vicinity of the refuge:

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SPRING MIGRATION FALL MIGRATION Date 1/01 1/28 2/18 3/17 3/21 3/28 3/28 3/29 3/29 3/30 4/04 4/05 4/06 4/06

Number 1 adult 1 immature 2 adults 1 adult 1 adult 4 adults 3 immatures 6 adults 1 adult 5 adults 5 adults 1 immature 1 adult & 1 immature 5 adults

Date 10/13 11/07 11/14 11/20 11/20 11/22 11/28 11/29 12/01

Number 1 adult 1 adult 1 adult 1 adult 2 adults 2 adults & 1 immature 1 adult 1 adult 1 adult

Observation of golden eagles are less common. Golden eagles were observed on five occasions, 3/15-1 adult, 3/18-1 immature, 8/30-1 adult, 11/19-1 immature and 12/8-2 adults.

No piping plover use was observed on Jim Lake islands since all islands were inundated following spring runoff and remained inundated throughout the nesting season. Piping plovers were first observed in 1990 when a total of seven adults were observed with one pair successfully raising four young. In 1991, no nesting activity was observed, but a total of 12 adults, with three pairs, were observed. No piping plovers have been observed on the refuge since 1991.

Ferruginous hawks are regularly observed on or in the vicinity of the refuge. Occasionally, a nest is observed in the Complex. No nesting has been reported on the refuge in many years. A single ferruginous hawk was observed on six occasions, 8 April, 6 & 19 May, 26 September, 11 August and 18 December,

Northern goshawk and loggerhead shrikes are rarely observed on the refuge. Baird's sparrows are listed as common and nesting on the refuge Bird List. Baird's sparrows were identified several times during the 1993 breeding season. In 1994 an Area Search Survey was initiated on the refuge. No Baird's sparrows were heard or observed during the survey.

Black terns are commonly observed on and near the refuge. No surveys are conducted. During a July waterfowl brood count 25 adults with 40 young were counted in the dead cattail zone at the north end of Arrowwood Lake.

The Dakota skipper butterfly has been proposed for listing as a threatened species. Arrowwood NWR has several sites which provide the habitat needs of this butterfly. Several afternoons were spent

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trying to survey, or collect as many different species of skippers as possible, with the assistance and knowledge of volunteer, Jean Legge, who has collected and identified many butterflies, including the Dakota skipper. The summer of 1994 was quite wet and windy during the 'peak' Dakota skipper flying period. Few butterflies, and no Dakota skippers were collected. All skippers collected, and several other specimens were mailed to Dr. Ron Royer at Minot State University for official identification and record keeping.

3. Waterfowl

Spring migration began almost two weeks earlier than the previous year, which appears to be closer to the average date. First observations are recorded by all staff for sightings on and near the refuge and within the districts. Below is a listing of those first 'recorded' observation dates for various waterfowl species:

1994 1993 1992 1990 1989

Canada Geese 3/13 3/25 2/27 3/11 3/25 Snow & Blue Geese 3/21 3/27 2/28 3/27 3/31 White-frented Geese 3/24 3/27 3/17 nr nr Swans 4/07 3/26 4/06 nr nr Mallards 3/16 3/26 3/03 3/13 3/26 Pintail 3/21 3/28 3/03 3/11 3/26 Gadwalls 3/24 4/16 3/26 3/28 4/02 American Wigeon 3/31 3/25 3/25 3/28 3/30 Shoveler 3/22 4/16 nr nr nr Bluewing Teal 4/13 4/20 4/13 4/08 4/14 Green-wing Teal 3/31 4/01 3/25 4/03 4/02 Woodducks 3/25 4/01 3/16 4/03 4/10 Canvasbacks 4/04 4/12 4/22 3/30 4/07 Redhead 4/12 4/20 3/21 3/30 4/10 L. Scaup 3/24 4/08 nr nr nr Ringnecks 4/01 4/01 3/17 nr nr Buffleheads 3/17 4/01 nr 3/30 3/27 Common Goldeneye 3/16 3/16 3/03 3/12 3/27 Ruddy Ducks 4/07 4/19 4/17 4/01 4/27 Common Merganser 3/23 3/28 3/03 3/30 3/25 Hooded Merganser 3/24 3/29 nr 3/31 4/05 Common Loon 4/20

* no data available for 1991. nr- no observation recorded, but most likely present during migration.

On the morning of 13 March, the first Canada goose was observed on Arrowwood Lake. The first formations of migrating Canada geese were not observed until the 20th. The following day the first snow and blue geese were observed migrating over the refuge. Three drake Common goldeneyes and one drake mallard were observed on 16

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March, The first major movement of ducks was observed on 21 March with 124 mallards.

On 30 March, Arrowwood Lake was 10% open water, Mud Lake 50% and both Jim Lake and Depuy Marsh 25% open water. Open water areas were holding 900 Canada geese and 1600 mallards. 13 April Arrowwood Lake was 40% open water and holding 1700 scaup and canvasbacks. Diver numbers peaked on 20 April at about 3900 birds.

Bi-weekly waterfowl censuses were conducted on all four units of the refuge in April, May, September, October and November. In addition to the bi-weekly survey, an aerial migration survey was conducted on 28 September and 12 October.

The first indication of fall waterfowl migration came on 13 September when 130 Canada geese, two snow geese and one White-fronted goose were observed on the refuge. Most duck species, except the mallard, peaked in mid-October. Mallard numbers did not peak until mid-November. The warm fall weather appeared to result in an extended and uneventful migration. No large numbers of geese or swans were observed until 19 November when large numbers of snow and blue geese were observed migrating through the area. Peak waterfowl populations during spring and fall migration are presented in the table below.

PEAK WATERFOWL POPULATION

1994 1993 SPECIES SPRING FALL SPRING FALL Canada Geese 500 368 107 395 Snow & Blue Geese 302 18 nr 400 W-F Geese 100 2 600 600 Swans 52 40 2 65 Mallards 1500 7892 434 1394 Gadwall 156 1200 168 243 Wigeon 93 2142 114 240 Pintail 41 1310 130 68 GW Teal 5 3 71 nr BW Teal 141 509 203 174 Shoveler 111 61 103 65 Redhead 30 nr 302 68 Ring-neck 24 nr 108 80 Canvasbacks 853 1930 2545 80 Scaup 3382 908 5561 86 Goldeneye nr nr 16 nr Bufflehead 35 97 7 19 Ruddy 113 399 403 132 Wood Duck 14 nr 12 3 Hd Merganser 31 113 16 103 Cm Merganser nr 3 154 20 Coot 856 4550 981 680 nr- no record of sightings, but most likely present.

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According to the 1994 Waterfowl Breeding Population Survey for South Dakota and North Dakota pair habitat (May ponds) and total duck breeding population increased 64% and 162%, respectively, over last year and 87% and 109%, respectively, over the 10-year mean for North Dakota. In Stratum 46, which Arrowwood NWR lies, May ponds increased 69% over last year and 121% over the 10-year mean. Comparisons for waterfowl are not separated by stratum.

"Total ducks were the highest of record and includes a new high mallard index..., Pintails slightly exceeded the long-term average. All species posted significant gains since 1993," It is thought that the Dakotas short-stopped the birds with the excellent breeding habitat available.

Pair count estimates have not been conducted on Arrowwood NWR since 1981. It was determined that the old method of calculating production, using pair counts and brood counts, did not provide a reliable method of production.

In 1982, the Cowardin Model was used to estimate waterfowl populations. Three four-square mile plots were censused for waterfowl breeding pairs, water conditions and upland land use. From 1982 through 1984 all wetlands were counted during pair counts. In 1985, funding came through to expand the Production Estimates Pilot Program (Four Square Mile Survey) using the Cowardin Model. Additional plots were chosen to include more of the Wetland Management District (WMD), and a sample of wetlands were computer generated from which to estimate production. Since only portions of three plots included refuge wetlands, this method does not accurately determine production on the refuge. Because of the time required to complete all the counts within the Arrowwood Complex, detailed refuge pair surveys are not conducted. A total of 54 plots are surveyed each year within the Complex.

In 1992, the HAPET office discontinued estimates of 'recruits', pending updated CRP data. Without recruit estimates from the Four Square Mile Survey, no production estimates are available for 1992 through 1994.

In 1994, due to other higher priority projects, the HAPET office was not able to produce the estimates of breeding pairs for the 1994 survey data. The table below summarizes the data from the previous years, using the estimates of breeding pairs by species from the pairs per square mile for federal lands and extrapolating for the refuge,

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Estimates of Breeding Pairs on Arrowwood NWR

1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 Species Mallard 245 255 69 (23)* 420 (244) 380 (233) 308(170) Gadwall 275 203 58(20) 736 ( 513) 462 (331) 139 ( 88) B-W Teal 335 152 47 ( 13) 402 (240) 522 ( 322) 546(310) Shoveler 185 55 14 ( 3) 92 ( 59) 135 ( 89) 57 ( 33) Pintail 120 47 9( 2) 19 ( 6) 20 ( 11) 51 ( 15) Wigeon 10 3 5 23 47 10 G-W Teal 4 12 7 19 39 5 Redhead 126 57 11 301 187 274 'Canvasback 19 24 2 58 69 65 L. Scaup 59 43 7 162 124 157 Ringneck 00 00 9 35 27 23 Ruddy 23 46 2 24 151 134 Wood Duck** 12 41 18 88 (136) 323 (162) 39(104) Hooded Merganser** 283 (136) 828 (301) 74(150)

* The figures in ( ) are the number of estimated recruits.

** 1989 and 1990 pairs were determined from number of nests initiated determined from the Wood duck nest structures on Arrowwood NWR. Recruits are based on survival rates suggested by Bellrose in Ducks. Geese and Swans of North America. 1981.

Upland nest dragging on the refuge is conducted in a 38 acre predator exclosure in the Mud Lake Unit. The exclosure was searched four times with final nest checks following estimated hatch date. All Nest Record cards are submitted to Northern Prairie Science Center for inclusion in the Nest Record Database and for estimating mayfield success. Below is a summary of the results of the nesting study within the predator exclosure:

1994 PREDATOR EXCLOSURE NESTING SUMMARY

APPARENT MAYFIELD SPECIES # NESTS # HATCH DESTROY SUCCESS SUCCESS Mallard 16 8 8 50.0 28.4 BWTeal 4 4 0 100.0 100.0 Gadwall 3 2 1 66.7 39.9 Shoveler 5 3 2 60.0 22 .4

TOTAL 28 * 17 11 60.7 36.0

Search dates were 5/03, 5/25, 6/13, & 6/28.

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During the first nest search, one possible fox den with two empty mallard eggshells was located. It did not appear to be active. On further investigation, several other possible dens were located within the fence, along with one hole dug under the fence. All 'dens7 were filled in and observed for further activity. On May 20, a hole was discovered in the mesh of the fence, approximately 200 feet south of the hole dug under the fence. The hole was repaired and the local APHIS trapper, Mark Zaun, was called in for his expert opinion. On May 26, 12 snares were set by Zaun. Nothing was ever caught in the snares or the cubby boxes. Nest depredations continued throughout the nesting season but slowed down considerably about mid-June. Plans are to prescribe burn this fall to rejuvenate the cover and hopefully, locate possible points of entry by predators.

In addition to the duck nests four sharp-tail grouse nests were located and successfully hatched.

One successful northern harrier hatched four young inside the fence.

Summary of Waterfowl Nesting Success , Mud Lake Predator Exclosure

1994 1993 1992 1986

Total Nests 28 42 21 25 No. Successful 17 40 16 22 Apparent Success 60.7 95.2 76.2 88.0 Mayfield Success 37.0 90.0 58 .2 100 Nests/Acre 0.74 1.11 53 .8 0.66

No data is available for the years 1987 through 1991.

The two man-made islands in Arrowwood Lake were checked for waterfowl use. No nests were located on either island. The islands in Jim Lake were inundated throughout the nesting season.

Artificial Nesting Structures

All duck baskets, goose tubs, and concrete culvert nesting structures are relined with flax straw prior to ice-out and monitored for nesting use and success throughout the summer. Fourteen of the 20 useable structures were used by Canada Geese. Three of the four useable duck baskets and eleven of the sixteen goose tubs were used. All fourteen nests successfully hatched off a brood. All but one culvert and four of the goose tubs were underwater until late May. No waterfowl were observed nesting in any of the duck baskets or the one useable concrete culvert.

In addition, six goose nest were located on the Depuy and Jim Lake dikes. All six were destroyed. One nest located on top of the

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beaver lodge in Arrowwood Lake successfully hatched off a brood. We estimate that a minimum of 110 giant Canada geese were produced in Arrowwood Lake in 1994.

Due to the lack of personnel and other higher priorities no woodduck structures were checked in 1994. A complete check of all woodduck nest structures has not been conducted since 1990.

NR-18 PRS A Common Spring Sight

The first Canada goose brood, 7 young, was seen on Arrowwood Lake on May 11. The first duck brood was observed on May 25, a mallard with seven young. Twenty-four Canada goose broods recorded on the "Wildlife Observation" form. Some of these broods were most likely recorded more than once. Sixteen duck broods were recorded.

Brood surveys have not been conducted since 1981, when the Cowardin Model was introduced in 1982 and used to estimate production based on the breeding pairs. An attempt was made to do a preliminary brood survey on the Arrowwood Lake and Mud Lake units in 1994. Both units had good production of sago pondweed and other submergent vegetation. The Mud Lake unit has good emergent vegetation interspersion throughout the unit. Arrowwood Lake unit has areas of good vegetation interspersion.

On July 28 and 29, a total of 54 duck broods were counted, 20 on Arrowwood Lake with an average brood size of 5.0 young per brood and 34 on Mud Lake with an average brood size of 7.5 young per brood. Brood size ranged from 1 to 13, within all age classes.

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The first brood observed was a mallard hen with 7 Class la young, on May 25. The earliest estimated hatch date from nest dragging data was May 19. This late July brood survey missed those broods that hatched before June. It is also highly likely that a large number of broods were missed on the Mud Lake unit due to good vegetation cover.

According to the 1994 Waterfowl Production Survey for South Dakota and North Dakota the North Dakota July wetland counts decreased 47% from the May counts and 34% from the 1993 July counts, which is still an increase of 48% higher than the 10-year average. Stratum 46 data showed a 43% decrease since May, but only 10% decrease over the 1993 July counts._ The 1994 July ponds are still 105% above the 10-year average.

The 1994 Duck Brood Index (BDI) for North Dakota was 85.3 which is the second highest index on record. This index is an increase of 191% over 1993 and 87% over the 10-year average. The average brood size decreased 7% since 1993, it remained 16% above the 10-year average.

Paulette participated in an overwater nesting symposium in August.

4. Marsh and Water Birds

Western grebes are the primary overwater nesting species on Arrowwood NWR. The first grebe return on April 17. On May 4, a peak of 269 western grebes, 46 eared grebes and 19 pied-billed grebes were observed during the Bi-weekly Waterfowl Migration Survey. One brood of eared grebes with two young was observed on June 2 7 and one brood of western grebes with two young was observed on June 28. During the July 28 and 29 Waterfowl Brood Survey of Arrowwood and Mud Lakes 22 active western grebe nests and 15 family groups with an average of two young, were observed on Arrowwood Lake and zero active nests, but 25 nesting platforms, and 22 family groups were observed on Mud Lake. Only one pair of eared grebes with two young were observed. Two red-necked grebe was observed using the refuge on May 4. Two pair of horned grebes were observed east of the refuge on May 9.

Three double-crested cormorants were first observed on April 12. On May 23, 39 double-crested cormorants were observed during the spring migration survey. Less than a dozen cormorants were observed throughout the summer. No nesting was observed on or in the vicinity of the refuge. On September 28, 915 birds were using the refuge.

White pelicans from the breeding colony at Chase Lake NWR, are commonly seen feeding in refuge waters. The first 25 birds were observed on April 7 just south of the Depuy Marsh structure where large numbers of carp were attempting to migrate upstream into the

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refuge. On September 28 120 pelicans were feeding in refuge waters. The last three pelicans were observed on November 20.

Numbers of great blue herons, great egrets and black-crown night herons were up considerably compared to the last two years. It has been estimated only 20 great blue herons, zero great egrets and 10 black-crown night herons utilize refuge marshes throughout the summer and fall. The first great egret was observed on April 7, great blue heron on April 19 and black-crown night heron on April 11. Only four great blue herons and 10 black-crown night herons were observed during spring migration surveys. During the late July brood survey 24 great blue herons, 15 great egrets and 23 black crown night herons were observed. Fall migration surveys counted a peak of 71 great blue herons and 57 great egrets. No black-crown night heron observations were recorded during the migration survey.

Sora and Virginia rails, coots and bitterns are commonly seen on the refuge. A single coot returned to the refuge on April 1. Coot numbers peaked at 856 birds on April 20. During the brood survey only 12 coots were counted and none had young. The September 28 survey estimated 4,550 coots using the refuge impoundments. /

Sandhill cranes were not observed on the refuge. Most observation are of migrating birds. The first spring migrants were observed on April 1,passing through. On two occasions, 9/17 and 10/5, five and 17 birds, respectively, were recorded within several miles of the boundary during mid-September. On November 14 approximately 500 crane were observed migrating over the refuge.

5. Shorebirds. Gulls. Terns, and Allied Species

Refuge impoundments provided very poor spring migration habitat for migrating shorebirds with very little shallow water and exposed mudflats. The Depuy diked area was in drawdown, but spring snowmelt diminished the shorebird habitat, even to the point that the small "island" was inundated and not available for avocet nesting as in the past three years. No large concentrations of shorebirds were observed.

Upland plovers are observed frequently, although in low numbers. The first upland plover was observed on 3 May on one of the sharp-tail grouse leks. No nest checks were conducted or young observed. Single birds were observed throughout the refuge.

Marbled godwits, willets, avocets, yellowlegs, sanderlings, spotted sandpipers, and "golden plovers were observed on or in the vicinity of the refuge during spring migration. All species were observed in groups of less than ten individuals. Wilson's phalaropes, lesser yellowlegs, willets, western sandpipers, marbled godwits, semipalmated plovers and avocets were observed during fall migration. On 18 July the first migrants were observed, 15

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phalaropes, eight western sandpipers and six yellowlegs, all just east of the refuge. Migration numbers peaked on 18 August with 103 yellowlegs, 101 short-billed dowitchers, 75 marbled godwits, 52 avocets, 50 least sandpipers, 20 sanderlings, and ten semi-palmated sandpipers, three willets, three semi-palmated plovers and one ruddy turnstone using the Depuy Marsh diked area. On 14 September 29 avocets were still using the Depuy Marsh drawdown area. No avocet nesting was observed on the refuge. The last shorebirds were observed on 12 October, six avocets and 20 yellowlegs.

California and ring-billed gulls are usually among the earliest migrants to the refuge each spring. During the spring thaw, these gulls concentrate on refuge impoundments. In 1994, the first two California gulls were observed on March 17. Four Franklin's were observed on April 15 followed by approximately 1000 on May 5. These migrants used the refuge for less than two days.

On May 4 two common terns were sighted. Approximately 50 black terns were sighted on May 16. During the brood survey 25 adult terns and at least 40 young were observed in the cattail area at the north end of Arrowwood Lake.

6. Raptors

The riparian woodland habitat of Arrowwood NWR attracts a variety of raptor species. Nests of Swainson's hawks, northern harriers, red-tailed hawks, great-horned owls, and short-eared owls are observed regularly but usually not recorded. Kestrel and screech owl nests are commonly observed during woodduck nest structure checks. Since no structures were checked, actual use is unknown. Sightings of other raptors included bald and golden eagles, ferruginous hawks (Section G.2), one single prairie falcon on 9/20, one Cooper's Hawk on 7/7, one merlin on 3/17, rough-legged hawks-two on 3/15 and one on 3/19, single snowy owls on 2/24, 4/6, 4/14, 12/5 and 12/20 and one northern saw-whet owl on 2/9. Saw-whet owls are rarely observed on the refuge.

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Mark and Carmen attended a raptor rehabilitation demonstration at the annual eco-ed camp near Valley City.

7. Other Migratory Birds

General wildlife observations are recorded by all staff, with special emphasize on first arrivals and peak or large numbers during migration periods, and unusual sightings.

Quarterly bird observation reports are complied and mailed to Mr. David Lambeth in Grand Forks, ND, who compiles the reports for eastern ND for the Northern Great Plains Regional Report to the National Audubon Society. He also publishes the results in the ND Natural Science Society Newsletter.

Refuge personnel participate in one mourning dove coo count route. The Foster County route is about 30 miles from headquarters. The Wells County route handled by refuge personnel since 1982 was transferred to a newly established ND Game and Fish Department field station near Harvey.

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Results of the Mourning Dove Coo counts are listed below:

Year # Individuals HARVEY CARRINGTON

1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994

47 67 37 72 44 46 68 57 57 76 20 40

54 22 27 48 40 52 78 77 69 76 45 33 24 * •

** No data is available. New observer had some difficulty and data was not useable.

The refuge began monitoring nootropics in 1994. An Area Seapch Survey was conducted in three habitats during the breeding season. Volunteer Jean Legge provided the expertise for identifying by sound and sight. A total of 22 different avian species were counted in Tame Grass fields, 25 species in the Native Prairie fields and 21 species in the Riparian fields. A total of 40 species were recorded for all three habitat types.

Thirty-four bluebird nest boxes were constructed by the YCC crew and 31 were erected throughout the refuge on a newly established bluebird trail. No bluebird use was recorded although the birds are known to occur on the refuge. The boxes did not go unused however. Twenty tree swallows fledged 112 young and 15 house wrens fledged 83 young. Two wren nests were destroyed.

The 1994 Christmas Bird Count was conducted on December 20, 1994. Two refuge staff observed 26 species, for a total of 1284 individual birds. This was an increase of more than 62% of the number of bird species and over 100% the individuals observed during the 1993 survey. This increase was most likely due to the more pleasant winter weather as compared to the previous year, as well as the fact the more roads and trails were open to vehicle travel.

8. Game Mammals

The winter of 1993/1994 was one of the toughest winters most refuge neighbors remember. Due to the early heavy snows, near record snowfall, and bitter windchill, large herds of deer were observed across the refuge and adjacent lands as well as across the state.

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Refuge personnel conducted a major winter feeding operation, distributing over 50 tons of food bales on the refuge. Over 600 deer were estimated to be using the feed bales on Arrowwood Lake and Mud Lake units.

Due to budget shortfalls, no aerial survey was conducted in early 1994 or 1995, to assess the number deer wintering on the refuge. ND Game and Fish personnel annually fly aerial deer surveys across the state and agree to share the data they collect for Arrowwood NWR. Data will not be comparable, since their transects do not cover 100% of the refuge. The data from NDGFD winter survey counted 644 deer on February 7, 1994.

The first fawn was observed on June 7. No twins were recorded.

The winter of 1994/1995 began very mild in comparison to the previous winter. A significant warming trend in late December melted the snow pack and opened a majority of the stubble fields. Small herds of 20 to 50 deer were observed feeding in sunflower stubble fields adjacent to the refuge. An informal survey on December 20 estimated the refuge deer population at about 500 head. Early 1995 brought much colder temperature and more snow. Herds/Of deer over 100 in number were common on and adjacent to the refuge.

Occasionally, moose, usually a cow or cow and calf, are observed on or in the vicinity of the refuge. On 30 September one bull moose was reported observed in the Mud Lake unit by a bow hunter and on 2 9 October a bull moose was observed one mile northwest of the headquarters area.

Coyote, red fox, striped skunk, raccoon and badger are all common residents on the refuge. Excluding the coyote, all are major nest predators of ground nesting birds, especially the duck. No surveys are conducted to assess population levels.

Low fur prices over the past several years has resulted in less hunting and population increases. In response to high predator populations across the state, state regulations allow year around hunting or trapping of red fox, gray fox, coyote, raccoon and badger. Fox hunting is allowed on the refuge during the deer gun season and the late upland game season. All other hunting or trapping of predators is done on a permit basis, either force account trapping during the waterfowl nesting season or by SUP.

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•

NR94-20 PRS Beaver Populations Responded to Increasing Water Levels

The only trapping conducted on the refuge was force account within the predator exclosure. No target species were taken. Several thirteen-lined ground squirrels were taken in large mouse traps to reduce the amount of bait taken from cubby boxes.

Mink, muskrat and beaver sightings decreased significantly during the drought. A winter 1994/1995 survey tallied 28 muskrat houses, four beaver lodges, and increased signs of new beaver activity. The previous winter only 19 muskrat houses were observed. No muskrat houses were observed on impoundments during a casual survey during late winter 1992/93, although some beaver activity was noted in the McKenzie creek area.

A black-tailed prairie dog town was established on the refuge in the 1960's. The population remains fairly stable with mid-teens to low twenty individuals. Seventeen dogs were counted on June 3.

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NR94-21 CRL Prairie Dog Town on Auto Tour Offers Close-Up Wildlife Observation Opportunities.

10. Other Resident Wildlife

A. Upland Game Birds

Sharptail grouse are the most abundant gamebird on the refuge. Grouse populations are monitored using listening runs to locate active leks, followed by counts of dancing males and total birds per lek. A total of 158 dancing males were counted on 16 refuge dancing grounds in 1994. The refuge grouse population declined over 31.3% compared to 1993. On a statewide basis the grouse population declined 25%. According to data recorded since 1956 when the population was 198 birds on 18 leks, The refuge grouse population has bounce around from a low of 93 dancing males on nine leks in 1969, to a high of 301 birds on 19 leks in 1991,

Summary of sharp-tail grouse lek surveys:

1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 # dancing 158/4 230/2 257/5 301/4 217/2 135/0 (grouse/chickens*) # active leks 16 16 15* 19 14 11

# In 1992, the Depuy Marsh unit was not surveyed, which had three active leks the previous year.

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In addition, four male prairie chickens were located on three of the dancing grounds. This compares to only two in 1993. The four birds may actually be only two birds as the two males observed on lek #10 may have been the same birds observed earlier on the other two leks. Prairie chicken observations are most likely a result from reintroduction efforts conducted from 1988 through 1993. It is also quite likely that additional prairie chickens are present, but not observed unless grounds are checked early, weeks before peak grouse activity. Paul Van Ningen, Refuge Manager prior to 1992, thinks the chickens are harassed considerably more than most grouse and pushed off the leks prior to peak sharptail dancing activity. Early ground checks are difficult to accomplish since most refuge trails are still snow covered. When Arrowwood NWR was established, prairie chickens were listed as one of the species identified for protection. For this reason attempts will continue to monitor the prairie chicken population by initiating the lek surveys as early as possible each spring.

According to NDGFD reports sharptail grouse produced well in 1994, following two years of below average production on a statewide basis. Only three broods were recorded observed on the refuge in addition to the four successfully hatched nest within the predator exclosure.

Ring-necked pheasants and Hungarian partridge nest on the refuge. No formal surveys are conducted to assess breeding populations. Incidental Upland Game Brood Reports are submitted to NFGFD. Only three pheasant broods were recorded. The NDGFD fall population index was very similar to the previous year figure for pheasants, but the second lowest since 1976. Partridge production much improved over the previous two breeding seasons across the state. The breeding population was very low, thus the fall population was far below normal. No broods were observed on or near the refuge. In fact only one pair was recorded observed all summer and fall.

No wild turkeys were observed in 1994. A lone male and female were observed in 1993.

11. Fishery Resources

Game fish populations were virtually nonexistent over the past few years of drought conditions. With the return of water, recreational fishing returned to the refuge. It was common to observe several fisherman fishing off the Highway 9 bridge throughout the summer.

Again as in 1993, high water conditions facilitated the northward migration of buffalo carp from the Jamestown Reservoir, A commercial fisherman was contracted to trap and remove the carp. The extreme high water made it difficult to set and handle the full nets. No carp were removed in 1994.

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ND Game and Fish biologist Gene VanEeckhout sampled refuge lakes for fish populations in July. The nets produced lots of northerns, a few perch, one crappie and no walleye.

NR94-22 MV Winter Fish Kill - Arrowwood Lake

15. Animal Control

Predator control was conducted within the 38 acre predator exclosure. Seven cubby boxes with 220 conibear traps were set on 28 April, maintained throughout the nesting season, and removed on 25 July. No animals were removed. During the first nest search, one possible fox den with two empty mallard eggshells was located. It did not appear to be active. On further investigation, several other possible dens were located within the fence, along with one hole dug under the fence. All 'dens' were filled in and observed for further activity. On May 20, a hole was discovered in the mesh of the fence, approximately 200 feet south of the hole dug under the fence. The hole was repaired and the local APHIS trapper, Mark Zaun, was called in for his expert opinion. On May 26, 12 snares were set by Zaun. Nothing was ever caught in the snares or the cubby boxes.

No depredation complaints were received in 1994. Past depredation complaints usually involved coyotes and sheep, both on refuge and on adjacent private lands. The on refuge complaints were in conjunction with the refuge sheep grazing program. Since the permittee has purchased two great Pyrenees as guard dogs, no depredation problems have occurred. All livestock depredation complaints are referred to local APHIS agent Mark Zaun.

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16. Marking and Banding

No marking or banding activities took place in 1994.

From 1990 through 1993, NDGFD and UND Institute of Ecological Studies conducted a study to determine habitat use patterns of giant Canada geese to help assess the size of hunting closures necessary to protect them from over harvest. Each summer NDGFD used a department fixed wing aircraft to locate birds and charters a helicopter to drive the flightless birds into traps. Adult birds were leg banded and collared with green and white neck collars. In addition, the adult females, usually with brood patches, were radioed to monitor movement through the late summer/fall period. The past four years, birds have been trapped and collared on Arrowwood NWR, Pipestern Dam, Spiritwood Lake and the Alkali Lake Sanctuary. The final report has not been published.

It is common to see several Canada geese with a green collar. Attempts are made to read the complete collar and record the sighting. Ten different collars were recorded in 1994, of which three were observed more than once. No other collar colors were observed. >

17. Disease Prevention and Control

Since the Newcastle disease breakout at Chase Lake NWR in 1992, all staff are alerted to possible die-offs and are to report all dead birds immediately. No disease outbreaks or dead specimens were reported in 1994.

Tom Remmick was detailed to Kulm WMD for several days to assist with cleanup of a botulism die-off.

Dan, wearing his complex hanta-virus coordinator hat, attended respirator fit training sponsored by the Northern Prairie Science Center in March.

H. PUBLIC USE

1. General

The refuge provides a variety of recreational opportunities to the public such as wildlife observation, photography, picnicking, canoeing, cross-country skiing, fishing, hunting of deer, upland gamebirds, and fox, and berry picking. Camping by youth groups is allowed in the picnic area by special use permit. Wildlife observation and big game hunting account for the majority of the visits.

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2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students

Environmental education programs are presented by the staff as requested by local groups and schools. Most requests are from local school grades K-12. Presentations, tailored to teacher's needs, included career days, wetland values, predator/prey relationships, waterfowl ID and endangered species.

Ninety students from the Jamestown College Biology Program learned about the refuge system and management techniques on Arrowwood in April.

Carmen and volunteer Susan Vaniman gave an environmental education presentation to 65 students, grades K-6, from the Buchanen Elementary School. Topics covered included wetlands and predator/prey relationships.

Carmen conducted an environmental education tour in August for students attending the Kensal School summer session.

Carmen served as an environmental education instructor at the 1994 Foster County Conservation Tour for 100 Carrington 6th graders/

Twenty Kensal 5th and 6th graders participated in a waterfowl identification tour led by Carmen in October.

NR94-23 MV Kensal 5th/6th Graders Visiting Refuge

Mark and Carmen hosted 60 Carrington 3rd graders for a little environmental education in October.

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Staff members also assist local groups with science fairs and other organized activities. Staff members were judges and instructors for several of these functions over the year.

4. Interpretive Foot Trails

A short interpretive hiking trail is located in the picnic area of the refuge. A brief brochure and signs placed along the trail explain such topics as prairie uplands, nesting cover, predator/prey relationships, wetlands, native plants, and tree cavity nesting. The trail passes through nearly every habitat type present on the refuge.

5. Interpretive Tour Routes

Arrowwood's 5.5 mile interpretive auto tour route is a favorite attraction for local and out of state visitors. The interpretive route covers topics on management activities, habitat types, cooperative farming programs, nesting structures, and wildlife viewing. An electric predator exclosure fence built by the FWS and Ducks Unlimited, Inc. serves both as a management and educational tool. /

Changes made in the tour route this year were incorporated into a new leaflet. The addition of two stops and accessible areas were added as well as the accessibility information. Carmen, assisted by Chad DeVore of the RO, redeveloped the leaflet resulting in an up-to-date, accurate and sometimes entertaining end product. We are also nearing completion of an audio tape for use along the auto tour.

7. Other Interpretive Programs

Mark spent about four hours with a student from Carrington Junior High School on a career day project in March.

Chad DeVore (PUE-RO) spent two days on the refuge in August working with Carmen on the audio narration for our auto tour route. The pair also travelled to Sand Lake NWR to view the visitor center and interpretive facilities for future ideas for Arrowwood.

Carmen attended a Becoming an Outdoors Women workshop in Rhinelander, Wisconsin in September and was instrumental in getting the program started in North Dakota. The program is designed to offer women the opportunity to learn skills in hunting, fishing and other outdoor related activities. Over 20 states are currently participating in* the program and a 2 day workshop will be offered in ND in 1995. Carmen will teach the Waterfowl ID class along with John Ann Shearer of Upper Souris Refuge. Other classes to be offered are Introduction to Firearms, Basic Fishing Skills, Introduction to Bowhunting, Handling and Cooking Game, Orienteering, Canoeing, Camping and Backpacking.

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8. Hunting

Hunting for deer, upland gamebirds and fox is allowed on the refuge. Changes in the hunt program, implemented in 1993, have not caused any problems to date. Local hunters took the time to learn the new regs, assisted by an aggressive public information campaign and a helpful staff and no major problems were encountered.

A) Archery Deer Hunting

Archery deer hunting on the refuge opened at noon on September 2nd and closed on December 31st. The season is closed during the regular firearms season. The archery season on Arrowwood always generates a fair amount of interest in the local area. Hunters are present nearly every day yet not in numbers high enough to cause conflicts yet.

B) Firearm Deer Hunting

The state firearm deer season opened at noon on November 4th and closed November 21st. Refuge deer permits, increased from 125 permits to 200 in 1993 were quickly issued via the state lottery. The refuge was open only to those hunters with a special refuge permit for the first one and one-half days of the season. Thereafter, all unit permit holders were permitted to hunt the refuge.

Deer retrieval times, implemented in 1993, were used again this year. Hunters are allowed to enter the refuge with vehicles from 9:30 - 10:00, 1:30 - 2:00 and from the end of legal shooting hours for one hour to retrieve deer. Feedback was positive again this year and it kept the doorbell quieter at the residences.

Special use permits are issued as requested to hunters with special needs. Two such permits were issued in 1994.

Hunters pursuing deer with smokepoles are able to hunt the refuge for two weekends after the regular firearms season. Several hunters took advantage of the late season.

1994 was the year of the first ever youth deer hunt in North Dakota. The hunt was open to first time permit holders ages 14 and 15. The entire east side of the refuge south of county highway 44 was opened to the hunt and many area youth participated. One lucky hunter bagged a nice 4X4 on his first deer hunt.

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NR94-24 MV Successful (and happy) Hunter Who Participated in First Ever Youth Hunt on Refuge

C) Upland Gamebirds

The refuge was open to upland gamebird hunting from December 1 to January 2. The daily bag limit for late season pheasants was four, hungarian partridge was five, and sharp-tailed grouse was four. Poor recruitment for the second year in a row resulted in low interest and low harvest on the refuge. Those willing to put the time and effort in were able to harvest some birds.

ROS Luna revamped the hunting brochure with the assistance of PU&E in Denver and the reprint was completed this year.

9. Fishing

High water for the second year in a row kept the northern fishery alive and local interest responded accordingly. Fishing was good throughout the summer for pike, although a 24 inch fish could be considered a trophy for Arrowwood Lake. Ice fishing is permitted but there aren't many willing to brave the elements for the sporadic winter catch.

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10. Trapping

Interest in trapping on the refuge by private parties was very low again this year. One permit was issued and the permittee chose not to use it.

11. Wildlife Observation

Wildlife observation is easily the most popular activity on the Arrowwood NWR. The grouse observation blind is reserved on every day of the dancing season and it is a rare day when there isn't a car traveling the tour route or other refuge roads. In addition to the above mentioned blind the refuge offers many opportunities to observe resident and transient wildlife in natural settings, including an active prairie dog town along the auto tour.

12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation

Many visitors to the refuge enjoy hiking, berry picking/ photography, wildlife oriented picnicking, and cross country skiing. The refuge has something to offer the public during all seasons. A compatibility determination for ski-jouring was completed and submitted although no such activity has been observed.

13. Camping

Camping is not permitted on the refuge. Special use permits are issued for groups such as the Boy Scouts who wish to camp on the area.

14. Picnicking

The refuge maintains a picnic area on the east shore of Arrowwood Lake. The area receives extensive use during the summer months by local residents and other visitors. A new accessible pit toilet was installed in the spring.

17. Law Enforcement

LE patrols were conducted during the waterfowl and big game seasons. All officers worked opening weekends and the remaining weekends were worked by at least one officer.

Refuge officers were involved in several cases this year but only issued one NOV for an overbag of pintails. An investigation into another overbag and wanton waste case was turned over to the special agent. Cases turned over to State Officers included hunting without a certificate, vehicle off trail and illegal take of big game.

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Refuge officers attended the annual in-service in January and requalified with their firearms in August.

Refuge Officers Vaniman, Luna and Dearborn submitted paperwork for the background investigations in August. As expected all were certified employable by the Federal Personnel Investigative Service.

I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

1. New Construction

Construction this year on Arrowwood consisted mainly of reducing grass mowing responsibilities by covering it with concrete. An apron was poured in front of the six-stall garage with concrete and labor provided by a local partner. A concrete pad, designed for our travel trailer, was poured along with a patio at quarters 73. Accessibility projects included pouring a sidewalk connecting our accessible picnic site to the newly installed accessible toilet in the picnic area. /

Jerry and Jim spent a week at Tewaukon NWR assisting with concrete work on 504 and MMS projects in August.

2. Rehabilitation

Jerry and Jim spent several days at Chase Lake and in the Valley City District repairing roads and installing culverts. Much time was spent on the refuge repairing and regravelling washouts on roads and trails.

Bids were solicited, contracts let and the removal of our underground fuel storage tanks was completed this year. No leaks have ever been detected in our tanks and soil around the tanks did not indicate that any spills had occurred. Finish work on the gravel pads was completed by refuge staff and the new above-ground storage tanks were installed on the 19th of September.

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NR94-25 JW Placing New Above Ground Fuel Storage Tanks

Jim spent several days in the Chase Lake District cleaning up junk piles on WPA's.

High water coupled with high winds severely eroded hundreds of yards of the Jim Lake drawdown channel dike over the summer. The area was visited by officials from the BR and the DePuy Marsh was drawn down in July. BR prepared specifications and solicited bids hoping to repair the dike during the winter freeze-up. However, the weather did not cooperate and the contract was not awarded until early in 1995. The completion date was extended in hopes of a drier summer in which the work could be completed. The way things are looking this seems unlikely also.

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NR94-26 MV Wind/Water Erosion - Depuy Dike

3. Major Maintenance

Staff was kept busy over the year with basic maintenance chores and trying to keep equipment up and running during the busy field season. Major equipment repairs included replacing a motor in a pickup, replacing a transmission in another pickup and the conversion of a surplus military rig into a prairie fire truck. Conversion efforts included painting the interior and exterior, tuning and tweaking the power plant, minor body modification and installation of a pumper unit. In addition, a Cat D-7, picked up surplus from the military, received a new coat of paint.

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FMO Dearborn purchased a pager to increase his locatability in the event of another wildfire incident.

6. Computer Systems

The administrative assistant and complex biologist upgraded to bigger and faster machines during the year. The complexity of some tasks (budget, mapping) necessitated the increased speed and memory of the machines. The entire staff is now running 486's, all received just in time to go obsolete with the coming of the pentium chip. Computers are playing an increasingly important role. Staff is becoming much more comfortable with their use and new software coming in does not cause the nervous reaction it once did. Battery backup systems were installed on all machines dealing with our most sensitive data. An HP Deskjet 560C was also added to our inventory over the year.

Several obsolete computer systems from this and other stations were donated to the local school district for use in their classrooms.

J. OTHER ITEMS

1. Cooperative Programs

A special use permit was issued to the Fort Seward Wagon Train in June. The annual two week trip originates in Jamestown and follows a different route each year. The train spent two nights on the refuge and travelled the trails around Jim Lake. Mark visited with the entourage at one of their overnight campsites.

NR94-28 MV Wooden Wheels and Hooves Plied the Prairies Once Again

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Refuge staff collected weather data for the National Weather Service.

2. Items of Interest

Several members of the staff attended the annual meetings of the ND Chapter of the Wildlife Society in Jamestown in February. Mark acted as moderator for one of the presentation segments.

Carmen was interviewed by Bismarck NPR on the signs of spring on the prairie in March. Rich prepared news releases on grouse and eagles for area papers which resulted in television and radio interviews of Paulette and Carmen.

Carmen was a judge for the first ND Junior Duck Stamp contest held at Tewaukon NWR in March.

Mark attended a meeting of the Foster County Commissioners regarding the Carrington Creek Drain Project.

Tours of the refuge were given to visitors from Germany and a delegation of biologists from China.

Paulette and Mark served as coaches for a 4H wildlife habitat judging team in 1994. The team took first place in the state contest. Paulette and Bret Abner (Valley City WMD) chaperoned the team on the trip to the National Contest in Cedar City, UT in August. The team posted a respectable finish in the competition.

Mark assisted the Kensal School with the Bike Safety Rodeo in September.

Paulette judged the 1994 Dakota Wildlife Trust Food and Habitat Plot Contest. The two plots in her area ranked 1st and 2nd in the state earning the participants $1000.00 and $500.00 savings bonds respectively.

Doris attended the RO sponsored Verbal Judo/Gender Issues training in Bismarck in December.

3. Credits

The 1994 Annual Narrative Report was a collaborative effort by the entire staff. Section credits are as follows:

Dan - Section F.9 Mary - Section E'l & 4 Paulette - Section G Mark - The rest

Photo Credits;

DCD - Dan CRL - Carmen RM - Rich PS - Paulette MLV - Mark JW - Jerry

Editing and proofreading was completed by the entire staff.

Typing and final construction was completed by Doris.

K. FEEDBACK

Arrowwood Refuge Water Management Capability Study

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Purpose and Alternatives Factsheet

December 1994

*

United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation

Arrowwood Refuge Water Management Capability Study

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Purpose and Alternatives Factsheet

What is the Arrowwood EIS About?

Several Federal and State agencies are working with the public to evaluate various options to improve water management at Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge). These improvements would mitigate both historic and future impacts to water management capabilities that have and would continue to result from operation of Jamestown Dam and Reservoir. A public decisionmaking process outlined in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) will be followed and a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS), describing and comparing alternatives, will be released early next year. Representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), and North Dakota Game and Fish Department have formed an Environmental Impact Statement team (EIS team) designed to satisfy refuge compatibility and NEPA requirements.

f

Jamestown Dam and Reservoir affects the Refuge in several ways. During floofl years, water from Jamestown Reservoir backs into the Refuge and eliminates or severely reduces water management capability. After water in the reservoir recedes, excess water often remains in the Refuge because of poor pool drainage and channel obstructions between the lowermost Refuge pool (Depuy Marsh) and the reservoir. During normal years, the difference in elevation between Jamestown Reservoir and the Refuge pools is too small to allow the Refuge to draw down their pools in a timely manner. The Refuge has experienced flooding and water management problems since Jamestown Reservoir filled in 1965. Jamestown Reservoir also supports rough fish such as carp and buffalo that invade the Refuge during high water periods. Rough fish can cause extensive damage to aquatic resources important for migratory and nesting waterfowl.

The DEIS will describe various alternatives to address the habitat losses that have occurred on the Refuge. Alternatives will be compared in terms of their positive and negative effects on resources both within and outside the Refuge. Once completed, the DEIS will be distributed and public comments will be encouraged.

Arrowwood Factsheet

What Might Change as a Result of This NEPA Process?

Changes at Arrowwood Refuge

Arrowwood Refuge was established in 1935 as a refuge and breeding ground for migrating birds and other wildlife. The Refuge provides, protects, and manages habitat for resident species, waterfowl, and other migratory species, as well as Federal listed endangered and threatened species. The Refuge is especially important as a major North Dakota staging area for diving ducks, particularly for fall populations of canvasbacks. The Refuge also provides opportunities for public use, education, and interpretation activities compatible with its mission.

Improved water management would improve opportunities to meet these goals. As a result, wildlife habitat as well as opportunities for wildlife-oriented recreation would be enhanced.

Changes at Jamestown Reservoir

Jamestown Dam and Reservoir, authorized as part of the 1944 Flood Control Act and constructed as an early feature of the Garrison Diversion Unit in 1953, reregulates water for flood control; provides water for authorized Garrison Diversion Unit irrigation areas, potential municipal, rural, and industrial needs; and provides recreation and fish and wildlife habitat. The reservoir gradually filled from 1953 until 1965 when water levels reached the normal summer operating level.

The reservoir's joint use pool lies between elevations 1429.8 feet and 1432.67 feet. During spring runoff, Reclamation fills this pool for irrigation, recreation, and fish and wildlife. The joint use pool must be drawn down before November 15th of each year to free up flood control storage for spring runoff.

As discussed later in this factsheet, lowering Jamestown Reservoir elevations 1 to 2 feet may be needed to adequately manage water levels in the Refuge pools and mitigate impacts associated with reservoir operations. The DEIS would attempt to maintain a similar amount of water in the joint use pool to address downstream uses. Lower reservoir levels provide an opportunity to improve spawning and nursery habitat for the sport fishery. This, in conjunction with possible fishery enhancement techniques, such as establishing emergent vegetation and improved upland management, could benefit the recreational fishery. The DEIS would address any potential impacts of reservoir operations on recreational values, including public recreation and private cabin sites.

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Arrowwood Factsheet

How Is the NEPA Process Generating Alternatives?

Alternatives are formulated through a systematic process using public input, technical information, interdisciplinary and interagency discussions, and professional judgment. The EIS team has formulated criteria to screen the alternatives. These criteria consider what would be necessary in an alternative to solve the problem effectively and in a timely manner. If a suggestion fails to meet one or more of the criteria, it is dropped from further consideration.

Solutions that meet the screening criteria are then used to form alternatives. These alternatives are screened again, using the same criteria. Suggestions eliminated from further analysis are discussed at the end of this document.

Screening criteria are:

Improve habitat management capability *

• Meet refuge compatibility requirements based on enabling legislation (e.g.. National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act)

• Meet purpose and at least partially satisfy the need

• Meet economic feasibility requirements (based on best professional judgment)

• Comply with Endangered Species Act

• Meet requirements of Garrison Diversion Unit 1986 Reformulation Act which directed Reclamation to mitigate for impacts to National Wildlife Refuges

• Comply with requirements for State water permits

• Will not degrade water quality downstream from the Refuge below State standards or no action conditions

• Be implementable by fiscal year 1999

In addition, the interagency EIS team strove to minimize the need to acquire and manage additional land.

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Arrowwood Factsheet

What Are the Alternatives Considered in Detail?

The EIS team has developed several options to improve water management. To help decisionmakers determine which combination of solutions would be most effective, alternatives present incremental features; i.e., each alternative builds on the features included in the previous alternative. Thus, each incremental feature will be compared as alternatives are compared. The alternatives are listed from the simplest to the most complex. The figures attached at the end of this fact sheet show these incremental features for each alternative.

DEIS Alternatives

Alternative Features

No Action No Federal action. Arrowwood Refuge would continue historic operations and management with current features (Jim Lake Drawdown Channel, existing pool structures) in place

Control Structures Alternative

This alternative consists of only the common elements for all alternatives: operations, downstream channel improvement, structures improvement, fish barriers, and box culvert

Mud Lake Bypass Alternative

Build 7-mile channel around Mud Lake, Stony Brook Dike/ subimpoundments in Mud Lake, and Jim Lake

Mud and Jim Lakes Bypass Alternative

Build 4.5-mile channel around Jim Lake Build 7-mile channel around Mud Lake Stony Brook Dike/subimpoundments in Mud Lake and Jim Lake

Mud and Jim Lakes Bypass and Dikes Alternative

Raise dikes at Depuy Marsh and Arrowwood Lake from 1440.0 to 1442.0 feet Build 4.5-mile channel around Jim Lake Build 7-mile channel around Mud Lake Stony Brook Dike/subimpoundments in Mud Lake and Jim Lake

Refuge Bypass Alternative

Build 5-mile channel around Arrowwood Lake Build 4.5-mile channel around Jim Lake Build 7-mile channel around Mud Lake Stony Brook Dike/subimpoundments in Mud Lake and Jim Lake

Note; Channels would circumnavigate the Refuge pools and dikes, thereby allowing more efficient flows and improving water management at the Refuge. Channels would be 30 feet wide at the bottom and 50 feet wide at the top. The top of the embankment would be 12 feet wide with a 3-inch gravel cap. At the current summer targets for Jim Lake (1433.0 feet) and Jamestown Reservoir (1432.7 feet), channel capacity below Jim Lake would be about 130 cubic feet per second (cfs). With Jim Lake at 1433.0 feet and Jamestown Reservoir at 1429.8 feet, capacity would be about 240 cfs. The capacity would be about 830 cfs with Jim Lake at 1436.0 feet and Jamestown Reservoir at 1429.8 feet. Material dredged from the channel would form an embankment (85 feet wide at the bottom) on the west side of the channel. The bottom of the channel would be 1429.0 feet to 1430.0 feet, depending on location. Erosion control would be placed on the west side of the embankment.

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Arrowwood Factsheet

What Else Would All the Alternatives Include?

The DEIS is examining other actions that may need to be considered along with any channel configurations.

At Arrowwood Refuge

• Arrowwood Operations.—The DEIS assumes that Arrowwood Refuge would operate as outlined under the existing long-range operating plan developed by FWS for managing the Refuge pools.

• Structures Improvement.—Water control structures on all of the Refuge's pools would be improved to provide more water management capability. Low level outlets would be placed at elevation 1430.0 feet at all four pools. Spillway elevations would remain the same as under the No Action Alternative, but the spillways would be 100 feet wide to accommodate flows up to 200 cfs.

• Fish Barriers.—Fish barriers would be installed to make it more difficult for rough fish to enter the Refuge. A three-basin box culvert would be built to replace the current low level crossing (Texas Crossing) 2 miles downstream from Depuy Dike. In this box culvert, an electric fish barrier would serve as the primary fish deterrent. As a backup system, physical barriers would be placed on the existing Jim Lake Drawdown Channel and on the Depuy Marsh structure.

Near and at Jamestown Reservoir

• Channel Improvement Downstream From Refuge.—A 3.1-mile extension of the existing Jim Lake Drawdown Channel would remove natural and manmade downstream flow impediments below Depuy Dike.

• Flood Control Operations.—Flood operating criteria at Jamestown and Pipestem Reservoirs would continue as outlined in Reclamation's 1975 agreement with the Corps of Engineers (Corps).

• Lower Jamestown Reservoir Operating Levels.—Depuy Marsh (the lowermost pool in Arrowwood Refuge) currently has a low level outlet structure with an invert elevation of 1430.58 feet. The proposed new low level outlet structure would be set at 1430.0 feet. The current summer operating target of Jamestown Reservoir is 1432.67 feet—well above these invert elevations, which restricts the Refuge's ability to manage water levels and provide optimum wildlife habitat.

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Arrowwood Factsheet

Modeling studies indicate that Jamestown Reservoir elevations above 1431.0 feet cause impacts from backwater that decrease the ability of the FWS to manage water levels on the Refuge. To achieve complete drawdown of the Refuge pools, Jamestown Reservoir elevations must be below 1429.8 feet.

Currently, Jamestown Reservoir's joint use pool begins to draw down in September. While there are no requirements for September 30th levels, current elevations are specified as 1432.67 feet in the summer and 1429.8 feet by November 15th.

Lower operating levels for Jamestown Reservoir are being evaluated. If the top of the joint use pool was lowered from 1432.67 feet to 1431.0 feet, the bottom would have to be lowered from 1429.8 feet to 1428.0 feet to maintain approximately the same volume of water in the joint use pool. Drawdown of Jamestown Reservoir to 1430.0 feet by September 30th, and 1428.0 feet by November 1st, would allow the Refuge to meet their winter targets.

A component of lowering the joint use pool to these elevations may be to implement ' measures to enhance fisheries management. For example, measures may include establishing emergent vegetation to provide spawning and nursery habitat and improving management of land adjacent to the reservoir.

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Arrowwood Factsheet

Are These Alternatives Complete?

All alternatives must meet refuge compatibility requirements. The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act requires that all uses of a refuge must be compatible with the purpose for which the refuge was established. Current Jamestown Reservoir operations adversely impact Arrowwood Refuge's ability to manage water levels to achieve its purpose.

The Garrison Diversion Unit Reformulation Act and the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act require Reclamation to mitigate refuge impacts (habitat losses and reduced management capabilities) caused by project development. The alternative selected for implementation must fully offset the impacts associated with project development to meet refuge compatibility requirements.

The alternatives that have been developed focus on improvements that can be implemented on the Refuge and within Jamestown Reservoir. The principal advantage of this approach is that the necessary improvements can be made on property which is currently in Federal ownership, thus avoiding the need to acquire additional lands. The EIS team is endeavoririg to avoid acquiring lands. However, some channel constmction alternatives do not provide enough water management capability by themselves to meet refuge compatibility. If selected for implementation, these alternatives would have to incorporate offsite mitigation to supplement the water management improvements. After the main features of the alternatives are analyzed, specific acreage amounts required to meet refuge compatibility requirements (if any) will be determined for each alternative. Depending on which alternative is selected, the EIS team will determine if any additional lands are needed.

7

Arrowwood Factsheet

What About the No Action Alternative?

Developing a yardstick to compare possible alternatives is an important part of comparing alternatives. In the NEPA process, a No Action Alternative is developed as the basis, or mark on the yardstick, to compare all other alternatives. The No Action Alternative for this DEIS will project what would happen if Reclamation did not take any actions at Jamestown Reservoir or at Arrowwood Refuge. By comparing what would happen under various alternative actions that Reclamation could take with what would happen if Reclamation did nothing, the EIS team can assess the relative costs and benefits of the alternatives.

The No Action Alternative is based on a set of operating assumptions; that the Refuge would continue past patterns of water management operations, and that Jamestown Reservoir operations would conform to existing operating criteria. This alternative forms the baseline from which all effects are measured.

8

Arrowwood Factsheet

What Other Alternatives Were Considered But Eliminated from Detailed Analysis?

During the scoping process, various alternatives and concepts that could have been added to alternatives or combined to form other alternatives were considered. After preliminary analysis, some of these alternatives and concepts did not meet the screening criteria and were eliminated from detailed analysis:

• Recharge Ground Water.—Under this concept, pumps would maintain Refuge pools during droughts and recharge water during high water years. Ground-water recharge would probably not increase water management capability. Also, the nearest ground­water sources of any significance are located 20 to 25 miles away at the New Rockford or Spiritwood aquifers, and these aquifers cannot provide the amount of water needed to supply the pools during a drought. In-channel losses or construction of an adequate pipeline from these distances also make this alternative impractical.

• Build West Side Channels.—Under this concept, channels (or levels of channels) would be built on the west side of the pools, rather than the east. FWS originally d;d not want the channel on the west side because channels on the west side could interfere with the James River flows and many of the control structures are on the west side. The Jim Lake Channel was constructed on the east side; thus, west side channels would be inefficient.

• Raise Joint Use Pool.—Various alternatives were suggested to raise the joint use pool or enlarge Jamestown Reservoir. However, these alternatives would not fulfill the purpose of the project. They failed screening criteria since they would neither improve habitat management capability, nor meet refuge compatibility requirements, the project purpose, or Reformulation Act requirements. Also, piping plover habitat might be damaged, thus violating the Endangered Species Act.

• Build Another Refuge.—Under this concept, another refuge would be built elsewhere. Arrowwood Refuge would either be managed for other purposes, such as recreation, or would still be managed for wildlife to the extent possible. However, this alternative would not fulfill the purpose of the project, might negate the established purposes of Arrowwood Refuge, and might violate the Endangered Species Act. This would require purchasing 10,000 to 25,000 acres of land, which may not be feasible. This could not be implemented in the screening criteria time frame (implementable by fiscal year 1999).

• Purchase Water Rights.—Under this concept, negotiations with downstream water users would be conducted to purchase water rights, possibly allowing more flexible releases from Jamestown Reservoir. This alternative was not needed, because Reclamation has the authority to manage releases without consulting downstream water right holders.

9

Arrowwood Factsheet

• Lower Pools One at a Time.—Under this concept, pools would be lowered one at a time, either one per year or one per season. This concept would encroach upon FWS management capabilities and might affect endangered species habitat.

Build Dikes Below Depuy.—Building other dikes below the present site of Depuy Dike would pose additional problems with construction off the Refuge (e.g., property acquisitions, water rights, or habitat impacts) and would not offer additional advantages.

• Lower Flood Control Releases.—In 1994, 750-cfs floodflows were released from Jamestown Reservoir without local reaction. As a result, it was decided that lowering the maximum releases specified in the 1975 agreement with the Corps (750 cfs) to prevent homeowner damage was unnecessary. Further, lower releases would have additional adverse impacts on Axrowwood Refuge.

• Assure Upstream Drainage is Occurring According to Permit.—Legal, permitted drains are under the jurisdiction of the North Dakota State Water Commission. Le^al opportunities were reviewed—and opportunities to address incoming flows were limited. These limited opportunities could be looked at with the State Water Commission. Reclamation has no authority to enforce or cite illegal drainage and thus cannot assure that upstream drainage is occurring according to permit.

• Remove Jamestown Dam.—This alternative would result in periodic severe flood impacts in the city of Jamestown and downstream. It would eliminate all recreation associated with the reservoir, would be very costly, and could not be implemented in the time needed.

• Dredge Jamestown Reservoir.— This alternative would neither improve habitat management capability, nor meet Refuge compatibility requirements, the project purpose, or Reformulation Act requirements. Also, piping plover habitat might be damaged, thus violating the Endangered Species Act. Further, it would be too costly and time consuming.

• Dredge the Refuge Pools.— This alternative would neither improve habitat management capability, nor meet refuge compatibility requirements, the project purpose, or Reformulation Act requirements. Creating deeper Refuge pools would create severe short- and long-term environmental impacts. Also, piping plover habitat might be damaged, thus violating the Endangered Species Act Further, it would be too costly and time consuming.

*

• Build a Retention Pool Above Arrowwood Refuge.—This alternative would build a 5,000-acre-foot retention pool above Arrowwood Refuge and channels around all of the Refuge pools. The land required to implement this option is in private ownership. This alternative would cause environmental impacts above the Refuge.

10

FIGURES

(Note: Each of these figures shows the conceptual features of each alternative, as listed in the table on page 4 of the factsheet)

SCALE OF MILES

Control Structures Alternative

FOSTER COUNTY

STUTSMAN COUNTY

ARROWWOOD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

ARROWWOOD LAKE.

Arrowwood Dike

281

MUD LAKE

yMud Lake Dike

JIM LAKE

PINGREE

EXPLANATION

Jim Lake Dike

Structure Improvement

Subimpoundment

SCALE OF MILES

Existing Jim Lake Drawdown Channel

and fish barrier

DEPUY MARSH

Depuy Dike

Low Water Crossing

Downstream channel improvements

^ Box culvert and 3* fish barriers

Buchanan Bridge^ cc

Mud Lake Bypass Alternative

FOSTER COUNTY

STUTSMAN COUNTY

ARROWWOOD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

ARROWWOOD LAKE-

Arrowwood Dike

281

MUD LAKE

.Mud Lake Dike

JIM LAKE-

PINGREE

EXPLANATION

Jim Lake Dike

Structure Improvement

Subimpoundment

SCALE OF MILES

Existing Jim Lake Drawdown Channel

and fish barrier

DEPUY MARSH

Depuy Dike

Low Water Crossing

Downstream channel improvements

< Box culvert and ^ ^ish barriers

Buchanan Bridge^ a

Mud and Jim Lakes Bypass Alternative

STUTSMAN COUNTY

ARROWWOOD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

ARROWWOOD LAKE-

Raise Arrowwood Dike

Arrowwood Dike

281

Stony Brook Arm

Stony Brook Dike

MUD LAKE

,Mud Lake Dike

JIM LAKE

PINGREE

EXPLANATION

Jim Lake Dike

Structure Improvement

Subimpoundment

SCALE OF MILES

FOSTER COUNTY

Existing Jim Lake Drawdown Channel

and fish barrier

DEPUY MARSH-

Depuy Dike

Low Water Crossing

Raise Depuy Dike

Downstream channel improvements

< Box culvert and 3* fish barriers

Buchanan Bridge,

Mud and Jim Lakes Bypass and Dikes Alternative

-dy FOSTER COUNTY

ARROWWOOD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

STUTSMAN COUNTY

ARROWWOOD LAKE. Arrowwood Lake —— Channel

281

Arrowwood Dike

MUD LAKE- H-

.Mud Lake Dike

JIM LAKE—

PINGREE

EXPLANATION

Jim Lake Dike

Stony Brook Arm

Stony Brook Dike

Mud Lake Channel

Jim Lake Channel

Structure Improvement

Subimpoundment

9 W-

Existing Jim Lake Drawdown Channel

and fish barrier

DEPUY MARSH

Depuy Dike

Low Water Crossing

Downstream channe improvements

^ Box culvert and ^ fish barriers

SCALE OF MILES Buchanan Bridge.

Refuge Bypass Alternative

•t L

>

73 0 S

1 s 3 D

ARROWWOOD WETLAND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT PINGREE, NORTH DAKOTA

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1994

U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service

National Wildlife Refuge System

REVIEW AND APPROVALS

ARROWWOOD WETLAND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT PINGREE, NORTH DAKOTA

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1994

*

Regional Office Approval bate

INTRODUCTION

The Arrowwood Wetland Management District (WMD) is located in east central North Dakota and includes Eddy and Foster Counties. The WMD consists of 28 Waterfowl Production Areas totalling 6,133 acres, 312 individual wetland easements protecting 18,375 wetland acres, and 9 FmHA conservation easements covering 2,584 acres. One easement refuge, Johnson Lake is also administered through the WMD.

(CRL)

The District is characterized as mostly drift prairie. There is very little native prairie left in the district. Of the 6,133 fee acres, 1,360 acres are native prairie. The remaining grasslands are either tame grasses or seeded natives. With the development of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), large acreages of highly erodible lands have been put back into cover with many of these acres plated to a Dense Nesting Cover (DNC) mixture. Currently there are 58,525 acres of CRP in Eddy County and 24,207 acres in Foster County.

CRP constitutes an important new habitat for nesting waterfowl, neotropical migrants and upland prairie species. Areas with high wetland density and adjoining CRP fields provide secure nesting habitat for upland nesting ducks as evidenced this year by the vast number of duck broods found virtually in every wetland. Without the CRP program many of these lands will be converted back to cropland. The first CRP contracts expire in 1995. Many of these private lands are producing more wildlife than many of our federal areas and measures should be taken in Congress to continue the CRP program.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. HIGHLIGHTS

B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

C. LAND ACQUISITION

1. 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8 . 9 . 10 11 12 13

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 .

Fee Title 3 Easements 3 Other 4

D. PLANNING

Master Plan Nothing to Report Management Plan Nothing to Report Public Participation Nothing to Report Compliance with Environmental and Cultural Resouce Mandates.4 Research and Investigations 4 Other Nothing to Report

E. ADMINISTRATION

Personnel '5 Youth Programs Nothing to Report Other Manpower Programs Nothing to Report Volunteer Program Nothing to Report Funding 9 Safety 9 Technical Assistance Nothing to Report Other Nothing to Report

F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

General 9 Wetlands 10 Woodlands Nothing to Report Croplands Nothing to Report Grasslands 11 Other Habitats Nothing to Report Grazing 12 Haying 12 Fire Management 12 Pest Control 12 Water Rights Nothing to Report Wilderness and Special Areas Nothing to Report WPA Easement Monitoring 13

G. WILDLIFE

Wildlife Diversity 15 Endangered and/or Threatened Species 15 Waterfowl 15 Marsh and Water Birds 17 Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species 17 Raptors 18 Other Migratory Birds Nothing to Report

8 . Game Mammals 18 9. Marine Mammals Nothing to Report 10. Other Resident Wildlife 19 11. Fishery Resources Nothing to Report 12 . Wildlife Propagation and Stocking Nothing to Report 13. Surplus Animal Disposal Nothing to Report 14. Scientific Collections Nothing to Report 15. Animal Control 19 16. Marking and Banding Nothing to Report 17. Disease Prevention and Control Nothing to Report

H. PUBLIC USE

1. General 19 2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students 19 3. Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers Nothing to Report 4. Interpretive Foot Trails Nothing to Report 5. Interpretive Tour Routes Nothing to Report 6. Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations . . . Nothing to Report 7. Other Interpretive Programs Nothing to Report 8. Hunting 19 9. Fishing Nothing to Report 10. Trapping 20 11. Wildlife Observation Nothing to Report 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 20 18. Cooperating Associations Nothing to Report 19. Concessions Nothing to Report

I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

1. New Construction Nothing to Report 2. Rehabilitation Nothing to Report 3. Major Maintenance Nothing to Report 4 . Equipment Utilization & Replacement .... Nothing to Report 5. Communications Systems Nothing to Report 6. Computer Systems Nothing to Report 7. Other Nothing to Report

J. OTHER ITEMS

Credits .

•

20

K. FEEDBACK

2

A. HIGHLIGHTS Darold Walls takes an early buy out. Arrowwood Complex becomes a self directed management team.

B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

The winter of 1993-1994 produce almost three times the average precipitation. Total precipitation for the December-February period was 4.03 inches, normal precipitation for the same period is 1.28 inches.

April, Foster County (CRL)

Wetland conditions were excellent with most seasonal and semi-permanent wetlands overflowing , causing flooding and damage of township roads. Although we had4 a wet summer, temperatures were warm unlike the previous year. Warm summer temperatures allowed excellent brood production of waterfowl through August. Next year should be another great production year for our flat-face fowl. All wetlands were in good water condition at freeze up.

3

Wet conditions were not good for upland game birds. The wet spring/summer conditions had adverse effect on upland game bird recruitment. Few upland broods were observed during the summer and fall months also.

WEATHER DATA FOR ARROWWOOD NWR, 1994

Precipitation (in.) Temperature (0F^ Month 1994 Averaae Max. Min. Averaae January .57 .41 32 -34 23.6 February 2.68 .46 39 -39 21.1 March T .68 58 4 32.9 April .52 1.52 82 17 43.3 May 2.00 2.37 86 28 53.4 June 3.78 3.44 89 48 65. 3 July 5.75 2.76 87 47 68.2 August 2.71 2.52 93 40 68.3 September 4.65 1.88 91 35 60.4 October 2.96 1.32 68 28 45.8 November .27 .59 57 5 31.1 December T .41 49 -13 14.3 TOTALS 25.89 18.36 831 56 527.7 AVERAGES 2.16 1.53 69.3 4.7 44.0

0. LAND ACQUISITION

1. F^e Title

No tracts were acquired in the Arrowwood WMD in 1994. The current status of fee title lands in the Arrowwood WMD follow;

County Number of Units Acres Eddy 19 4,655 Foster _9 1.482 TotaLS 28 6,137

2. Easements

No tracts were inspected or acquired in 1994. The current status of easement lands in the Arrowwood WMD follow;

County Number of Easements Wetland Acres Eddy 194 11,721 Foster . 118 6.654 Totals 312 18,375

4

3. Qttier

Six FmHA conservation easements have been acquired in the WMD.

County Eddy

Number of Tracts 7 2 9

Acres 1,014 lr570 2,584

Foster Totals

D. PLANNING

4. Compliance with Environmental Mandates

Pesticide use proposals and reports were submitted.

A Special Use Permit was issued to Dakota Central Telecom Cooperative for installation of a new telephone cable along right-of-way of easements in Eddy and Foster Counties.

5. Research and Investigation /

Work Unit 153.01 Progress Report, 14 October 1994. "Effects of Prescribed Fire on Control of Leafy Spurge by Aphthona". by Dr. Dave Fellows, Northern Prairie Science Center (NPSC).

Burns were completed on the plots designated for pre-release spring burning and their paired control plots during the period 5/5-12/94. Maximum height of leafy spurge on the burn plots at time of burn varied from a low of 5 cm on Thiesen WPA (Stutsman County) to nearly 36 cm on Zink WPA (Foster County). Burns generally achieved the goal of removing all standing vegetation and litter, though on a few plots some small portions of the litter mat survived the burn. Burning killed virtually all leafy spurge shoots on all of the plots.

One hundred-fifty A, niariscutis were released on each of five plots per block on all study sites on 6/27-29/94. All beetles were obtained from a single insectary. The beetles were collected, counted, and delivered to NPSC.

Vegetation was evaluated in July on the unburned control and the fall burn (1993) and spring burn (1994) plots to determine fire effects during the first growing season. The data have not been analyzed.

A decision was made to delay the post-release burning schedule for a full year. Originally, the post-release burns were scheduled for fall 1994 and spring 1995. Rescheduling the burns to fall 1995 and spring 1996 will give us opportunity to verify that beetles successfully established on the plots before burning.

5

E. ADMINISTRATION

1. Personnel

Darold Walls took the early buyout on 4/30/94 and went fishing indefinetly. Mark Vaniman became acting project leader during Darold's absence. The RO decided not to fill the Project leaders position and on October 1, 1994 the Arrowwood Complex began its journey as a self directed management team.

Mark Vaniman and Darold Walls (CRL) Thirty years of service

Permanent Staff

1. Darold T. Walls, Project Leader, GM-13 PFT, retired on 4/30/94 2. Mark L. Vaniman, Refuge Manager, GS-12 PFT 3. Carmen R. Luna, Ref. Oper. Spec., GS-9 PFT 4. Dan C. Dearborn, General Biologist, GS-11 PFT 5. Paulette R. Scherr, Wildlife Biologist, GS-9 PFT, not pictured 6. Mary K. Liberda, Admin. Support Asst., GS-7 PFT 7. Doris Messraer, Office Auto. Clerk, GS-5 PFT 8. Jerald H. Wolsky, Eng. Equip. Oper. Train. Leader, WL-10 PFT 9. James R. Somsen, Maintenance Worker, WG-8 PFT, not pictured

Jim Somsen and Mark Vaniman during easement flights (CRL)

Temporary Staff

1. Thomas Remmick, Biological Aid GS-3 (CRL)

1994 Youth Conservation Corps Staff (CRL)

From Left to right: 2. Cara Greger, YCC Enrollee 3. Missy Nieland, YCC Enrollee 4. Brent Neys, YCC Enrollee 5. Collin Stangeland, YCC Work Leader, INT NTE 180 days, EOD

Year PFT FY94 1.0 FY 9 3 1.0 FY92 3.1* FY91 3.1* FY90 3.1*

WMD Staff

Temporary 1 none 1 (private lands) 1 (private lands) 1 (private lands)

*The WMD staff consisted of two PFT employees with the remainder shared within the Arrowwood Complex.

9

2. Funding

Funding is not broken down by individual substation within the Complex. Totals for the past five years were:

3. Safety

There was one lost time accident in 1994. Seasonal employee Thomas Remmick was thrown from an ATV when the front tires fell into a grass covered ditch, hurting his lower back upon impact with the ground.

Monthly safety meetings covering a variety of topics were held during the year:

-Frostbite and hypothermia - symptoms, prevention and treatment -Film: Radon In Perspective -Discussed RD Memo on R 6 Safety and Health Policy -Film: When Teenagers Drive -Defensive Driving presentation by State Trooper, Scott King. -Fire Pumper Use -Fire Management Needs -Adult CPR Certification -Film: Antilocks Make Sense

Other safety training included First Aid Certification, and S-130 and S-190 Basic Fire Training.

1. General

The goal of habitat management in the Arrowwood WMD is to maintain cover in the best possible condition. Primary management tools used for habitat rehabilitation are fire, grazing, and haying.

Native grasses respond well to fire and grazing and will never be farmed. DNC stands respond well to interseeding and scarification and are broken out once they have climaxed. Restoration of large stands of DNC includes break out, farming for two years and reseeding. Life expectancy of a DNC field is approximately six years.

The 28 WPAs are made up of approximately 1,384 acres of native grass, 1,755 acres of tame grass, 41 acres of brush/woodland, and 2,443 acres of wetlands.

Year FY94 FY 9 3 FY92 FY91 FY90

Available Funds $913,800 $944,800 $851,200 $804,100 $832,100

F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

10

Midgley WPA, Foster County, looking east (CRL)

2. Wetlands

There was no lack of runoff and precipitation in early spring. Wetlands were full at the onset of spring season and remained so throughout the summer, fall and into freeze up. Rainy and warm conditions also produce excellent stands of upland nesting cover. Excellent conditions for canvasback production.

11

L. scaup (CRL)

Record numbers of waterfowl were produced throughout the prairie. Species such as pintails, mallards and green-winged teal were more numerous in 1994 since the beginning of the drought in 1988.

5. Grasslands

There are four cover types in the Arrowwood WMD: native grassland, seeded natives, DNC, and other tame grasses/legumes.

A. Native Grasslands

There are approximately 1,360 acres of native grassland in the WMD. Fire and grazing are the primary tools used to manage native grasslands in the WMD. A 160 acre Foster County unit was grazed for two periods, July 15 to August 15, and September 15 to October 15, with a total of 55 AUMs used during a 60 day period.

12

B. Seeded Natives

There are 24 acres of seeded natives in the WMD. No natives were seeded in the district in 1993.

C. Dense Nesting Cover

There are 582 acres of dense nesting cover in the WMD. No DNC was seeded in the district in 1993.

D. Other Grass/Legume Cover

There are 1,173 acres of tame grasses in the WMD.

One unit was grazed in the district this year.

County Acres Grazed AUMs Foster 160 55

This particular grazing unit was one agreed to in the 1970#s^ upon the purchase of this land. Original ownership of the land was by the State of ND, which leased the land for grazing to a local landowner. The state agreed to sell the land to the FWS with the understanding that the current lessee would be given perpetual grazing rights until the time of his death. The lessee is still alive and kicking and has been grazing under a FWS grazing rotation ever since.

8. Haying

One special use permit for haying was issued in 1994 for weed control.

County Number of Permits Number of Units Acres Hayed Foster 1 1 HQ

9. Fire Management

Although four prescribed burn plans were written for the district none of the units were burned in 1993 or 1994. Hopefully all other priorities in the Complex have been taken care of and some burning will be accomplished in the Arrowwood WMD in 1995.

10. Pest Control

The leafy spurge battle continues to grow. Due to the extremely wet conditions in the field very few acres of leafy spurge were sprayed. Doris spent much of her time getting stuck and un-stuck in her attempts to get to spurge infested areas. Spurge was sprayed once in the spring with two quarts of 2-4D amine/acre.

13

The breakdown of leafy spurge sites treated are as follow;

County Number of Sites Acres Sprayed Units Mowed/Haved Acres Eddy 5 120.0 2 16 Foster 3 14.0 1 30 Total 9 100.6 3 46

In addition to spraying, 3 flea beetle release sites were established in the District. Carmen received 2500 Aphthona niariscults from the Bismarck APHIS office. One addition site was also added in 1994 as a NPSC research study plot.

Aphthona niariscutis (CRL)

County WPA Number of Beetles Released Eddy Ziebart 500 Foster Okert 1000

Barlow 1000 *Zink 150 - research project

2650

13. WPA. Easement Monitoring

Two drained wetlands and one fill violation were discovered during our flights. In addition, a 1993 compliance date was not met by a landowner. The individual was given two separate compliance dates during 1994 because he was unable to remove fill material in wetland due to high water conditions. Twelve staff days and $2,500 were spent flying, checking files, ground checking, conducting landowner contacts, writing letters, and making compliance checks.

Fill, Eddy County (CRL)

15

G. WILDLIFE

1. Wildlife Diversity

The diverse habitat base found in the district includes a small outcropping of the Missouri Coteau in eastern Eddy County and the rest of the district is characterized as Drift Prairie. A large diversity of wetlands ranging from small Type I to large Type V fresh and alkaline lakes are characteristic of the WMD. Wildlife populations are diverse with both game and non-game species common throughout the district.

2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species

Piping plovers were heard but not observed on Lake Coe in Eddy County. High water conditions inundated the sandy beaches of the peninsula necessary for plovers to nest. Piping plovers are opportunistic nesters and will return to Lake Coe once again when the waters recede.

3. Waterfowl

Lake Coe is an alkaline wetland with a 10 acre peninsula. The peninsula is privately owned. In 1985 the USFWS and Ducks Unlimited signed a cooperative agreement with the landowner to construct a predator barrier across the base of the peninsula and monitor waterfowl use during the nesting season. A total of 48 duck nest and 5 Canada Goose nests were produced on Lake Coe peninsula in 1994.

Cara Greger and Collin Stangeland treading water(CRL)

16

Water levels on Lake Coe at the start of the nesting season were very good, making accessibility to the peninsula by most land predators difficult.

The peninsula was trapped for predators by a local landowner. One skunk, one red fox and 8 raccoons were removed from the peninsula. Half a dozen hens were predated by avian predators while on their nest. A break down of nesting species follows:

LAKE COE PENINSULA, WATERFOWL PRODUCTION, 1994

Species Totaj Nests Successful Nests Mallard 5 2 BWT 2 2 Gadwall 7 2 Pintail 3 2 Shoveler 1 1 L. Scaup 30 18 Canada Goose 5 5 Totals 53 32(60%)

Waterfowl production on Lake Coe peninsula since 1985 is presented below. Lake Coe was not monitored in 1991 because of lack of personnel (one transfer and one FLETC student).

LAKE COE PENINSULA Waterfowl Production

85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94

Year

17

4. Marsh and Water Birds

Numerous species of water birds can be found throughout the WMD during the spring-fall seasons. Small numbers of lesser sandhill cranes can be found in eastern Eddy County during the fall. White pelicans and double-crested cormorants from the breeding colony at Chase Lake NWR are seen frequently throughout the district during the spring/summer months. Sora and Virginia rails, American coots and bitterns, black-crowned night herons, great blue herons, and western, eared, and pied-billed grebes nest in the WMD.

Eared grebes, Foster County (CRL)

5. Shorebirds, Gulls. Terns and Allied Species

American avocets, Wilson's phalaropes, and piping plovers nest on Lake Coe peninsula (when conditions are right) and other parts of the WMD. Killdeer, marbled godwits, willets, upland sandpipers, spotted sandpipers, and common snipe also nest in the WMD.

•

Spring and fall migrants to the area include lesser golden, black-bellied and semipalmated plovers, Hudsonian godwits, greater and lesser yellowlegs, solitary, least, semipalmated, pectoral, and baird's sandpipers, and sanderlings.

18

Rare or uncommon migrants are buff-breasted sandpipers, stilt sandpipers, red-necked phalaropes, and white-rumped sandpipers.

Ring-billed gulls nest in the district. Presently, there are no known nesting colonies of Franklin's gulls in the WMD although they do nest here. One nesting colony of black terns was discovered in Foster County.

6. Raptors

Red-tailed and Swainson's hawks. Northern harriers, and American kestrels are common nesting species in the district. Ferruginous hawks nest in the WMD but are not considered common.

Coopers's and sharp-shinned hawks are seen occasionally in the WMD as well as goshawks, prairie falcons and an occasional peregrine falcon.

Bald and golden eagles are seen during spring and fall migration periods of waterfowl. Golden eagles are sighted occasionally during the winter.

The most common owl in North Dakota is the great-horned owl. Tree shelterbelts around farmsteads and cropland have provided nesting habitat for these owls which at one time were virtually non-existent in the prairies. The expansion of their range into the prairies has had a negative impact on upland nesting birds and amongst hunters. Local sportsmen are not shy about voicing their opinion on shooting great-horned owls or any raptor, for the sake of helping game birds. Sportsmen feel the FWS should be "managing" raptors because they kill "too many" nesting waterfowl and upland game birds.

Short-eared and burrowing owls nest here but are not considered common. In 1994, one burrowing owl site was located in a pasture in Foster County. Eastern screech owls can be found along the wooded banks of the Sheyenne River in Eddy County.

A winter resident is the snowy owl. Magnificent in appearance and in motion. Snowy owls are easily observed perching on fence posts or telephone poles during daylight hours.

8. Qcqne Mammals

White-tailed deer are common throughout the district and are the most sought after game mammal in the state. Gun hunters are more numerous than bow hunters. No formal population surveys are conducted in the district but winter counts of selected areas are made when snow cover and time permits.

*

Red fox, striped skunk and raccoon are all common throughout the district and are major nest predators. Low fur prices over the past few years has created little interest from local trappers and has resulted in population increases of these predators. Badgers, coyote, and mink are also fairly common.

19

The coyote population is doing well in North Dakota. Coyotes are not the nest predator that red fox are. Studies have shown that coyotes will exclude and kill red fox from their territory, and where there are coyotes and no fox, waterfowl recruitment is higher.

Thirteen lined, Richardson's and Franklin's ground squirrels are very common with the Franklin's being the most serious nest predator. Beaver, short-tailed and least weasels are also common.

10. Other Resident Wildlife

Hungarian partridge, ring-necked pheasants, and sharp-tailed grouse are common in the district. Sharp-tailed grouse dancing ground counts are conducted during the first two weeks in April as time permits. No partridge surveys are conducted.

15. Anjm^l Contrpj

Food bales and grain are provided to local landowners with deer depredation complaints upon request, by the FWS and the ND Game and Fish Department. A mild winter allowed deer to breeze through the winter without a significant die off like the previous year. /

No waterfowl depredation complaints were received this year.

H. PUBLIC USE

1. General

North Dakota is a rural state and the people that live here are use to seeing wildlife wherever they go on a regular basis. There is very little wildlife observation activity on WPAs by local people. Most of the observations are by out of state visitors. Most of the use of WPAs by local people is done during the various hunting and trapping seasons.

2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students

Local schools (K-12) regularly contact the refuge and request environmental education presentations. This year Carmen made presentations to the Carrington and Kensal Elementary Schools in Foster County, and was a presenter at the 1994 Foster County Conservation Education Tour at Juanita Lake Park.

8- Huntj.pg

Waterfowl Production Areas in the district are open to hunting and are used extensively by resident and non-resident waterfowl, upland and big game hunters. Heaviest hunting pressure is during the opening weekend of any season, except the deer gun season, where pressure continues throughout the entire two week period.

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10. Trapping

Waterfowl Production Areas are open to public trapping in accordance with state regulations and no special permits are needed.

17. Law Fofoircenient

LE patrols are conducted during the waterfowl, upland game and big game seasons. Most hunting pressure is evident during the opening weekend of all seasons and slacks off thereafter except this year. The first couple of weeks of the waterfowl season was slow but picked up afterwards as large flocks of mallards and pintails migrated south from Canada. During most years, wetlands begin to freeze up by the end of October and early November and by then most waterfowl have moved on. This year, the majority of our wetlands were still open by the close of the waterfowl season in mid November, keeping birds around and waterfowlers afield. The highly sought after green-head was the most common species found during bag limit checks.

Two citations were issued in the district in 1994. One citation was a pintail overbag and the second citation was a 5 bird overbag (1 drake mallard, 2 hen mallards, 1 drake pintail and 1 hen pintail). ̂

J. OTHER ITEMS

4. Credits

Photographs and narrative by Carmen R. Luna - CRL.

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JOHNSON LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Johnson Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a 2,007 acre easement refuge located 29 miles east of New Rockford in Nelson and Eddy Counties of North Dakota. The US Fish and Wildlife Service owns 4.5 acres and has perpetual flowage and refuge rights. These include restrictions on access, trapping, and hunting. An 800 acre Type 5 wetland is found on the area.

In 1971, management of the Nelson County portion of Johnson Lake was transferred from the Devils Lake WMD to the Arrowwood WMD. No special management problems have been encountered. The boundaries are checked once a year.

One Special Use Permit was issued this year for trapping furbearers.

Snow geese, Canada geese, and tundra swans use the refuge during migration. Giant Canada geese also nest on the refuge.

Large numbers of white-tailed deer use the refuge during the winter.

The refuge is checked by WMD staff during the waterfowl and deer seasons, but visits during other times of the year are rare.

(CRL)