DETROIT LAKES WETLAND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1980

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM Fish and Wildlife Service

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

JUN 2 5 1981

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Review and Approvals

Date

Wetland Management District Regio^l Office Date

esota Wetland Complex

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DETROIT LAKES WETLAND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

PERMANENT PERSONNEL

Eldon L. McLaury

A. Wayne Stanley

Wendell Olson

Larry E. Lewis

Richard Deike

Larry B. Hanson

James Stutzman

Wetland Manager

Assistant Wetland Manager

Range Conservationist

Assistant Manager Trainee

Maintenance Worker

Biological Technician

Biological Aid

GS-12 PFT

GS-11 PFT

GS-9 PFT

GS-7 PFT

WG-7 (Seasonal)

^ GS-5 (Seasonal)

GS-4 (Seasonal) EOD-11/30/80

Darlene M. Christen Administrative Technician GS-5 (Seasonal)

Back Row: L to R - J. Webster, E. McLaury, J. Stutzman, L. Lewis; Front Row: L to R - L. Hanson, R. Deike, D. Christen, W. Olson Not Pictured: W. Stanley

TEMPORARY PERSONNEL

F rom To

Jeffrey A. Axton Tractor Operator WG-6 4/27/80 10/31/80

Daria 0. Carle Biological Technician GS-5 5/25/80 12/26/80

Bruce Daker Tractor Operator WG-6 5/04/80 9/28/80

Lynn M. Gordon Biological Technician GS-5 5/25/80 9/26/80

Gary Heimark Biological Technician GS-5 4/13/80 8/22/80

Rebecca Heimark Biological Technician GS-5 4/13/80 9/26/80

Thomas P. Legeret Biological Technician GS-5 3/30/80 9/05/80

Dennis Leland Work Study 5/05/80' 8/31/80

Franz F. Lynch Tractor Operator WG-6 3/30/80 9/26/80

Steven J. Lenz Biological Technician GS-5 3/30/80 9/26/80

James Stutzman Biological Technician GS-5 5/04/80 11/29/80

YACC PERSONNEL

Jerome Webster Group Leader GS-7 PET

1 1980 ENROLLEES

F rom To

JoAnn Lange 1/01/80 9/22/80

Marsha Rardin 1/01/80 9/26/80

Jeffrey Axton 1/01/80 4/26/80

Bruce Daker 1/01/80 _ 5/4/80

Kevin Benson 2/01/80 4/01/80

John Bergstrora 4/01/80 8/30/80

Steve Blauert 5/01/80 9/01/80

Mary Ann Erickson 4/01/80 8/15/80

Brad Hoglum 2/01/80

Bill Johnson 7/01/80 8/01/80

Ronald Kertscher 5/01/80

Keith Kuehne 3/01/80

Gene Lane 4/01/80 8/15/80

Robin Lane 1/01/80 6/01/80

Marlene Littler 2/01/80

Tim Lund 4/01/80 8/15/80

Cindy Markey 1/01/80 5/15/80

Carol Martinson 3/01/80 8/30/80

Greg Peck 2/01/80 4/15/80

Karen Riggle 7/01/80 9/15/80

Larry Voltz 7/01/80 9/15/80

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. GENERAL Page

A. Introduction 1 B. Climatic and Habitat Conditions 1 C. Land Acquisition 3 D. System Status 5

II. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

A. Construction 7 B. Maintenance -r 11 C. Wildfire 14 D. Energy 15

III. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

A. Croplands 16 B. Grassland 17 C. Wetlands i. • 27 D. Forestlands 34 E. Other Habitat 34 F. Wilderness and Special Areas 34 G. Easements for Waterfowl Management 34

IV. WILDLIFE

A. Endangered and/or Threatened Species 36 B. Migratory Birds 36 C. Mammals, Non-Migratory Birds and Others 38

V. INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION

A. Information and Interpretation 40 B. Recreation 41 C. Enforcement 41

VI. OTHER ITEMS

A. Field Investigations 43 B. Cooperative Programs 43 C. Items of Interest 44 D. Safety 46 E. Environmental Assessments 47 F. Credits 47

1

I. GENERAL

A. Introduct ion

The Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District is comprised of the five northwestern Minnesota Counties of Becker, Clay, Mahnomen, Norman and Polk. However, the Service owns no fee or easements in Norman County. The district is bordered on the east by hardwood forests and on the west by the Red River Valley floodplain. The majority of Waterfowl Production Areas and easements are located in the rolling hills between Glacial Lake Agassiz's beachline and the timbered zones. Intensive agricultural activities (small grain production) and tourism are the principal industries within the district.

B. Climatic and Habitat Conditions

Climatic conditions in 1980 were some of the driest in history, especially during spring. Although the average annual temperature of 38.9 F was near normal, the annual precipitation on 19.3 inches was 4.7 inches below normal. Precipitation for the months of April and May equaled .07" and .73" respectively and these figures represent the lowest April - May total in 85 years of weather record keeping. Rainfall for these two months is normally five inches, April was not only dry, but also warm. A reading of 98 F on April 21 was the highest temperature recorded in 1980, the lowest, -36 F was observed on January 29.

The lack of precipitation resulted in poor wetland water conditions and most of the Type I and III marshes were dry before midsummer.

2

CLIMATOLOGICAL DATA FOR DETROIT LAKES WMD - 1980

(Precipitation - Inches; Temperature - 0F)

Month

Temperature

High Low Ave. Prec ip. Normal Prec ip.

Departure from

Normal

January 39 -36 5 1.38 .63 + .75

F ebruary 33 -31 9 .70 .66 + .04

March 51 -33 19 .76 .89 - .13

April 98 18 46 .07 2.17 -2.10

May 89 21 57 .73 2.70 -1.97

June 84 30 59 2.72 4.34 -1.62

July 96 38 67 1.95 3.69 -1.74

August 89 36 64 5.36 3.90 + 1.46

September 88 26 54 1.45 2.33 - .88

October 83 15 43 2.33 1.23 + 1.10

November , 60 5 32 .96 .81 + .15

December 42 -21 13 .86 .62 + .24

Totals Av< B . Temp.

38.9 19.27 23.97 -4.70

3

C. Land Acquisition

1. Fee Title

Four presentations on four fee tracts for purchase were made to County Commissioners in FY80. These efforts were successful in obtaining approval of all four tracts totalling 473.25 acres, bringing the total District fee lands to 30,723.25 acres. The 1980 acquisitions brings the three-year total to 2,954.32 acres acquired since January 1, 1978.

ACQUISITION - 1980

County Former Owner Acres Tract Number

C lay Haslerud, Wayne 119.0 143

Becker Clark, Elvin Arneson, Inc. Wolden

190.25 133.00 31.00

101 102 103 '

354.25

Mahnomen ' 0

Polk Total

0 473.25

Each presentation contained its usual thrill, concern and challenge. The 119.0 acre Haslerud Tract in Clay County was approved at the second presentation following a request by the Board to present the tract a second time. Congressional and local pressures do wonders relative to obtaining purchase approval. It seems the denial of the Haslerud Tract at the first presentation created economic concerns to the local banker who had made a loan to the owner based on the sale. The banker and local residents apparently contacted local powers and we were invited back to present the tract to the Board a second time. The sale was approved in approximately three minutes, by a Board who earlier indicated no more approvals until county revenue sharing payments are 100% of the amount due from the revenue sharing program.

Becker County Commissioners approved by three to two vote sale of a three tract package sale totalling 354.25 acres. Approval followed denial of purchase on two earlier presentations, and shattered a County Board resolution and 1976 moratorium on approving sale of lands to the U.S. FWS. Heated comments flowed freely and following sale approval, two dissenting Board members chastized a third member for "going along". Community support for the sale proved to be the key. This included SCS and local sportsmen groups as well as neighbors to the selling landowners.

Future acquisitions of fee lands will be limited, since funds for fee acquisition were gone by mid-summer. Hope for increased funding at the close of the period appeared doubtful.

4

2. Easements

Four easement options on 380.381 acres were taken this year, to bring the total area under easement to 27,100.16 acres. Each easement was presented to the County Commissioners for their approval as a matter of courtesy.

3. Exchanges

One 33.0 acre exchange was completed during the year on the Rushfeldt WPA, with Curtis Burg, Eglon Township, Clay County. The exchange allowed restoration of two drained wetlands, and acquisition of two additional wetlands, approximately 330 feet of marshy shoreline on a Type V wetland, and 5.2 acres of virgin native prairie. Although the exchange took over a year, we gained favor with-County Commissioners, a staunch supporter of the program by the individual making the exchange, and made a significant contribution to the wildlife resource potential on the WPA.

5

D. Systein Status

The following table displays the WMD1s funding over the past five years:

(Dollars in Thousands)

FY-77 FY-78 FY-79 FY-80 FY-81

1210 79.3 99.0 191.0 1 215.0 360.0 5

1220 1.7 3.0 3.8 3

30.0 - 5.0

1240 4.0 7.0 10.0 10.0 16.0

3110 2.25 4.0 5.0 10.0 10.0

9380 - - - -

MARS 27.0 - - ' - • -

BLHP - 129.2 430.5 2 4

350.7 -

Totals 114.25 242.2 640.3 615.7 391.0

1) Total includes 10.0 addition in pay act money which was used to purchase fence materials as directed by the Area Office.

2) Includes 3.75 received from Litchfield WMD and 14.5 transferred to Fergus Falls WMD to cover overrun on a new shop building.

3) Total includes 28.0 which was to have been utilized for the Minnesota Prairie's Unique Ecosystem Program - the program was subsequently cut

but the monies remained.

4) This project originally totalled 460.0 - cuts were made to accommodate projects at other WMD' s (10.0) and a contingency fund for the R.O. (99.0).

5) Includes 65.0 revolving rehab, monies - 6.0 for building site clean up and 59.0 for Headquarters Office Rehab.

Note: During FY-79 and FY-80, 119.75 (thousand) in BLHP monies were lost by the WMD in order to fund projects at other stations.

6

WMD funding and manpower have nearly tripled since 1911. However, inflation and the loss of BLHP funds to other stations have forced curtailment of habitat development proiects funded by BLHP. When BLHP expires, it is hoped this station will receive adequate O&M funds not only to offset the station's present 80% fixed costs and inflation, but also to maintain the habitat, facilities and equipment BLHP provided.

WMD permanent manpower increased during the year with the addition of a Biological Aid (30 wk. seasonal) to the staff in November. We were to have added an Enforcement Biologist to the staff as well, but that position failed to materialize. Instead, the WMD now receives \ man year services from the Enforcement Specialist stationed at Fergus Falls WMD. At the close of 1980 the WMD had eight permanent employees on board - four PFT and four 50-wk. seasonals. The following table displays the WMD1s available manpower over the past five years.

WMD A"* mailable M; anpower 1977 - 1981

1977 1978 1979 1980 1981

PFT's MD's 625 354 • 1010 1170 1170

Seasonal MD's 240 324 580 740 960

Temp. MD's 373 924 1453 1105 504*

Total MD's 1238 1802 3043 3015 2534

WMD objectives are in need of revision. Hopefully, the new guidelines for objective setting will be forthcoming in 1981.

WPA land use/development planning continued during the year with the draft plans being completed for 22% of the District's acreage. Base and historical data were also gathered for an additional 7,700 acres on which plans will be completed during 1981. To date, development plans have been approved on five WPAs. The development planning process is geared toward the "standardization" of WPA development and land use within the Minnesota Wetlands Complex. In the past, planning and development was basically a shotgun approach. Once completed, the development plans will identify and prioritize all development necessary to achieve "objective level outputs" in the District.

Since the onset of BLHP, the WMD has come a long way with the nearly one million dollars provided by the program. It is estimated the WMD will need an additional 7-8 million dollars to complete habitat restoration projects within the District and institute viable biological monitoring and effective I&R programs.

^Includes temporary MD from October 1 to December 26, 1980 and planned MD for the summer work season 1981.

7

II. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

A. Construct ion

Due to the large number of WMD employees and YACC personnel working out of the Headquarters Area for maintenance area safety, employee restrooms were constructed in the WMD shop. The project was completed by force account and YACC personnel. A new water well and septic system for the facilities were installed under contract.

A rodent proof seed storage facility to accommodate the WMD1s inventory of purchased and harvested native grass seed was constructed in an unused quonset at the old Job Corps Center on Tamarac NWR. Construction of the facility was done by force account and YACC.

New boundary fence was constructed on WPAs with histories of agricultural and vehicle trespass, requests from neighboring landowners, and to complete fencing of partially fenced units.

1980 Boundary Fence Construction

County Unit Length (Rods )• Method

Becker Davis 140 YACC

Becker Dunham 80 F/A

Becker Haugrud 32 YACC

Becker Jacob son 80 YACC

Becker Helliksen Prairie 240 F/A

Becker Lake Park 80 YACC

Becker Syverson 448 YACC

Becker Severson Lake 240 YACC

Becker Stumbo 192 YACC

Becker Lee Marshes 320 YACC

C lay Christiansen 80 YACC

C lay Kenyon 376 F/A

Clay Lee Lake 560 YACC

Clay Rushfeldt 640 YACC

Mahnomen Nelson Prairie 880 YACC

Mahnomen Stalboerger 352 YACC

Polk Lengby 512 YACC

Polk Opgrand 240 YACC

Totals 18 WPAs 5692 (17.J ] mi 1 e s)

8

Fencing requests from neighboring landowners were accommodated on first come first served basis. Requests were handled with the WMD constructing the fence and the neighboring landowner agreeing to maintain the fence in the future in most instances. Two formal complaints regarding our boundary fencing program were received.

On WPAs where slight agricultural trespass was evident or where we acquired new land with no use lines between the WPA and adjoining private land, we used on-line-markers (OLM) in lieu of constructing a boundary fence.

1980 On-Line-Marker Construct ion

County Unit Length (Rods) ^ Method

Becker Shay 160 F/A

Clay Haugvedt 192 F/A

Clay Noreen 160 YACC

Mahnomen Little Oak Lake 480 F/A

Mahnomen Wolbeck 352 F/A

Polk Clarke 240 F/A

Totals 6 WPAs 1384 Rods (4.95 miles)

In most cases the on-line-markers have served to deter agricultural trespass. The markers are an economical alternative to a complete fence, especially on irregular boundaries and short distances.

Agricultural trespass before OLM placement Flickertail Prairie WPA - Clay County Hanson 8/78

Trespass problem resolved after OLM placement Flickertail Prairie WPA -Clay County Hanson 8/78

WPA parking lot construction was again limited in 1980. The year ended with no formal approval of a parking lot design to be used on WPAs. The WMD did construct six new parking lots on five WPAs in conjunction with boundary fence construction. The lots were placed on units with histories of'vehicle trespass.

1980 Parking Lot Construction

County Unit Number of Lots Method

Becker S t umb o 1 YACC

Becker Syverson 1 ^ YACC

Clay Rush feldt 2 YACC

Mahnomen Stalboerger 1 YACC

Polk Lengby 1 YACC

10

New equipment purchased during the period included a boom sprayer, rock picker, front end loader, tiltbed truck, water wagon, Honda 3-wheel ATV, three mobile radios, two hand held portable radios, survey level, two compact 4X4 vehicles, IBM selectric typewriter, Xerox photo copy machine, metal detector and tractor mounted snow blower. Most of the equipment was purchased with BLHP monies.

Folding side-wings were added to tiltbed truck enabling

transport of over-width equipment. McLaury 3/80

In an effort to deter vehicle trespass on WPAs, pole gates were constructed on approaches to units with repeated histories of vehicle trespass -primarily by hunters. A total of 13 gates was constructed on 12 WPAs by

YACC.

The WMD received $59,000 in revolving rehab, money for FY-81 to remodel the Headquarters office. The project will encompass the addition of sufficient office space onto the existing farmhouse/office to accommodate the WMD's increased permanent staff. The site plan and design for the project was completed with the assistance of Dave Schaeffer - Landscape Architect,

Minnesota Valley NWR.

11

In conjunction with the WMD's BLHP habitat development project in 1980, a heavy equipment rental contract totalling $26,300 was issued for con­struction of ditch plugs, abandoned building site clean-up and junk pile clean-up throughout the WMD. A total of 276 ditch plugs were constructed, 29 building sites restored, and 33 junk piles buried. In addition, seven field crossings and approaches were also constructed.

Maintenance

New boundary posting and re-posting were major thrusts during 1980. Re-posting was accomplished on 66 WPAs totalling 203.9 miles of boundary using standard WPA boundary signs and posts at 0.1 mile intervals. Along some of this boundary, this was the first re-posting effort since the mid-bO's and on many of the WPAs only the corners were originally posted.

1980 Boundary Re-Posting

County //WPAs Length (Miles)

Becker 20 '56.15

Clay 7 27.50

Mahnomen 14 49.95

Polk 25 70.30

Totals 66 WPAs 203.90 miles

A total of 27. .95 miles of boundary on new WPAs was also posted.

1980 New Boundary Posting

County #WPAs Length (Miles)

Becker 3 4.0

Clay 10 14.65

Mahnomen 2 3.0

Polk 2 6.3

Totals 17 WPAs 27.95 miles

12

A number of recently acquired WPAs contained extensive amounts of old interior fences. A total of 16 miles of interior fence was removed from 14 WPAs. In addition, 4.4 miles of old fallen down boundary fence was removed from four WPAs. The fence removal projects were accomplished by YACC.

Unneeded buildings were disposed of on two WPAs. The buildings acquired upon FWS purchase were sold via public sale administered by CGS. The majority of the buildings were sold and removed. The remaining unwanted structures and debris were cleaned-up and burned by force account and YACC, and the sites reclaimed under the heavy equipment contract. The building sites reclaimed included those on the Lee Marshes WPA and the Korrel WPA. At the close of the year, the WMD had four additional building sites in need of building disposal and restoration. Progress on these has been delayed by the historical/ archaeological review for significance since 1979. Due to their remote locations, vandalism to the sites continues despite efforts to impede access with fences and gates.

Building site prior to reclamation. Korrel WPA -

Clay County Hanson 7/80

13

Building foundations were buried - Korrel WPA -Clay County Hanson 7/80

Building site following reclamation and beginning to revegetate. Korrel WPA - Clay County Hanson 9/80

14

The last of the overhead power lines at the headquarters area was removed during the year, when the line servicing the shop/maintenance building was placed underground. Security lights were installed on the shop/storage building. The entire project was completed by contrac t.

Due to energy considerations, the WMD1s 41 public parking lots were not mowed during the year. In previous years, the lots were mowed prior to the opening of hunting seasons in order to facilitate hunter use of the lots.

C. Wild fire

Although wildfires were a problem throughout Minnesota this year, only five occurred on WPAs in the District. All but one of these occurred in April. The WMD was billed $260 by the Mahnomen Fire Department for their fire suppression efforts on the Nelson Prairie WPA on which six acres burned. It appeared the fire had been delib­erately set. During their efforts to put out the fire, the Fire Department's pumper became stuck and in the process of freeing the pumper, approximately one acre of native prairie was torn up. The following is a list of WPAs with wildfires in 1980:

County Unit Acres Burned

Becker Helliksen Prairie 80

Mahnomen Nelson Prairie 6

Mahnomen Downing 560

Polk Smith 160

Polk Aasen 4 Totals 5 WPAs 810 acres

While District personnel were conducting a prescribed burn on the Helliksen Prairie WPA, a neighbor's "prescribed burn" got away from him and burned 80 acres of the WPA we had not,intended to burn. Although it did make our burning crew a little nervous in having to keep an eye on two fires, the 80 acres that burned responded nicely with native grass appearing where they were not noticed previously.

15

D. Energy

Activities at the WMD came to a screeching halt on February 12 when we were directed to reduce fuel consumption by 80%. This meant we had to operate on a fuel allocation of 15 gallons per week. We met the goal by parking all but one of our vehicles and designated its use for acquisition and easement enforcement only. The reduction was in effect until mid-March.

During the year, heating oil consumption in the Headquarters Office was reduced nearly 50% compared with 1979. This was accomplished by holding thermostat settings at 65 daily and 55 evenings and week­ends, along with a mild, early spring and mild fall. Fuel consumption in vehicles and equipment nearly doubled over 1979, with increased emphasis on boundary posting, seed bed preparation, weed control and other activities of an expanded program. During the heavy work season, the WMD utilized gasohol whenever possible.

16

III. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

Croplands

The district has phased out its only food plot. The cooperator on Helliksen Prairie WPA in Becker County no longer wishes to participate in the program. The 27 acre plot was summer fallowed in 1980 and will be seeded into locally harvested native grasses next year.

The district continued to make use of the cash rent program, with 564 acres rented in 1980 for seeding in 1982 and 1983. The program allows a permittee farmer to crop the land for a one or two year period in exchange for a fair market value rent. The program is designed to leave a stubble seed bed for native grass plantings the last year of the agree­ment. Native grass seeding into stubble has been recommended by SCS as one method of seedbed preparation. In 1979, permits were written to allow a last year stubble of barley, oats, flax or soybeans. In 1980, permits were written to allow planting only flax or soybeans on the last year. The change resulted when we found that barley and oats stubble are subject to excessive greenup because of the early harvest dates. Greenup of volunteer grain produces an excessive amount of litter for the following year's seeding. When this occurs, barley and oats stubble must be disced and/or pulvi-mulched to provide a satisfactory seedbed. Flax and soybeans, because of their late harvest date, provide excellent seedbeds.

The district has cash rented 2,461 acres in coordination with the habitat restoration program for seedbed preparation. The following table summarizes cash rental activities since 1979.

Cash Rent Summary

Use Period Acres Rent

Becker 1981 296 $1,368

Clay 1981 87 $ 678

Mahnomen 1981 46., $ 230 1981-82 135 $2,700

181 $2,930

1980 Totals 564 $4,976

1979 Totals 1,897 $36,774 Grand Total 2,461 $41,750

17

Grassland

1. Prescribed Burning

Because of a State imposed burning ban, we accomplished only 400 acres of prescribed burning last spring. The ban was lifted on June 2 and on June 3 we burned on Helliksen Prairie WPA.

-.*3»

»7 ' v,- y ~ f

Plant phenology was advanced at the time of burning in preparation for seed harvest. Helliksen Prairie WPA - Becker County McLaury 6/80

Plant phenology was advanced at the time of the burn. The warm season grasses had begun growth and the small white ladyslipper was in bloom. Still the prairie was badly in need of a burn and was a potential harvest site for native grass seed (discussed in another section). Vegetative response to the burn was excellent for a record drought year. Much of the big bluestem grew to six feet tall. Of the many hundreds of acres of State prairies that were burned by wildfire in April, none of them looked as good this fall as Helliksen Prairie.

2. Haying

Due to the severe drought, the Governor of Minnesota declared 15 counties in Northwestern Minnesota a drought disaster area. Lands managed by the Detroit Lakes District were included in the disaster area and the District was directed by the area office to participate and permit emergency haying and grazing on WPAs.

18

The program's guidelines were designed to be compatible with needs of both nesting waterfowl and farmer/ranchers. Applicants were limited to one permit of 25 acres or less and haying had to be done between July 15 and August 15. Weedy areas and old growth stands received top haying priority. The cost was $10.00 per acre for haying

and $3.00 per AUM for grazing.

Applicants had to furnish proof of having a legitimate livestock operation. This was verified through local ASCS offices. Former landowners and tenants of WPA land were given priority with neighbors next. Hay is not to be sold by permittees under program guidelines.

A total of 98 hay permits were issued involving 2,138 acres on 45 WPAs. A total of 255 AUMs were grazed by four permittees on four WPAs. In all, $21,815.00 were collected and this money returned to

the Revenue Sharing Fund. —

Portions of 45 WPAs were hayed under a drought disaster

declaration program. Westbury WPA - Becker County Hanson 8/80

There were approximately 320 man hours spent on the emergency hay program. Most time was spent in meetings with the farmers and writing, processing and typing special use pemits.

Some problems developed early in the program. Most of these involved organizing permits, maps and photos. A tort claim was filed when a permit was issued to hay 14 acres of a WPA where the use reservation had not expired. The claim resulted in a $325.00 payment.

19

3. Noxious Weed Control

The WMD met early in the year with various County Agricultural Inspectors and Township Board members at their Annual Township Weed Meetings in order to outline the WMD1s noxious weed control program for 1980. At the meetings, the WMD received 21 formal Form 41 Weed Control Requests and during the year an additional four supplemental weed control requests were received. A total of 660.4 acres of noxious weeds was treated during the year on 30 WPAs. The total cost to the WMD was $11,844 and 55 man days. Of the acreage treated, 40.4 acres involved leafy spurge and the remainder Plumeless and Canada thistle.

1980 NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL SURVEY

41,s Supp. Complaints County Received Received #WPAs Acres Manhours Cost

Becker 0 2 7 147.5 77 $1,039

Clay 9 1 20 275.9 212 $3,805

Mahnomen 5 1 5 217.0 • 90 $1,100

Polk 7 0 7 20.0 61 $1,900

TOTALS 21 4 39 660.4 440 $7,844*

"Other WMD expenses incurred totalled $4,000 included tractor rental, mower repair and administrative costs bringing the total to $11,844.

Methods used included mowing (382.0 acres), haying (238.0 acres) and application of Tordon Beads and liquid Tordon to leafy spurge areas (40.4 acres).

The cost per acre in 1980 was $17.93/acre as compared to $25.13/acre in 1979. The WMD has cash rented approximately 200 acres of the 660 acre total for a period of two years with plans to seed the areas to native grass DNC in 1982.

4. Native Grass Seedings

The WMD continued with its BLHP funded native grass seeding program. A total of 949 acres were seeded into various mixtures including: all Nebraska origin warm seasons and/or mostly Nebraska origin warm season with Forestburg (SD origin) switchgrass (690 acres), North and South Dakota origin cool season grasses with North Dakota origin warm seasons (131 acres), locally harvested warm seasons with North Dakota origin switchgrass (63 acres), a solid stand of North Dakota origin (DNG-965-98) switchgrass (20 acres), a solid stand of South Dakota origin (SD-149 or Forestburg) switchgrass (20 acres - switchgrass seed was furnished by the SCS plant materials center, Bismarck and will be used for harvest pur­poses), and other small miscellaneous mixtures (25 acres). In addition, several test plot areas were set up to compare northern and southern varieties of warm season natives.

20

Becker County

Axberg Lake Boyer Lake

Quick Anderson Lake Park Larson Severson Lake Ulrich

Total

Clay County

Haugtvedt Stangeland Noreen Rushfeldt Korrel

Kenyon Christianson Doran Lake Carlson Resell Total

Mahnomen County

Chief Lake Stalboerger

Polk County

Vaa Opgrand

Total

GRAND TOTAL

1980 Native Grass Seedings

Acres

24 16

24 96 30 3 6

10 211

Seed Mix #

2 la 'v(cross seeded

approx. 13 lbs./ acre PLS)

3a la 3a 7

3a 3a

144 4 24 2 2 5 3 a 3 b * 35 3a, 3b 53 la 20 ' ' 5 20 6 44 6 62 la 50 3a 19 8 4 2

500

68 la 23 la (cross seeded

approx. 15 lbs,/ acre PLS)

79 2 68 lb (cross seeded

147

949

approx. 13 lbs./ acre PLS)

* a = NB28

b = Forestburg

21

1980 GRASS SEED MIXES

Nebraska Mix 1980 - 386 acres

Big Bluestem (Pawnee) Indiangrass (Holt) Little Bluestem (Camper) Side-oats Grama (Butte) Switchgrass

(NB28(a) or Forestburg (b) (SD-149)

TOTAL

Lbs. PLS/Acre 3.3 2.2 1.4 .4

1.7

8.8

Seeds/Ft.

13.3 8.8 8.3 1.8 15.1

47.3

Combination Mix 1980 - 131 acres

Lbs. PLS/Acre Green needlegrass 2.6

(SD origin) Western Wheatgrass 3.5

(SD origin) Slender Wheatgrass 3.5

(MN origin) Side-oats grama .26

(Killdeer) Big Bluestem .09

(NDG4) Switchgrass .5

(NDG-965-98) . Trace of NE-444 Indiangrass and ND-95 prairie sandreed

Seeds/Ft. ToTt

8.8

1 2 . 6

1 . 1

.3

4.4

TOTAL 10.45 37.9

3. Nebraska Mix 1979 - 180 acres

Lbs. PLS/Acre Seeds/Ft,^ Big Bluestem (Pawnee) 2.2 8.4 Indiangrass (Holt) 1.2 4.8 Little Bluestem (Camper) 1.1 6.5 Side-oats grama (Butte) .5 2.2 Switchgrass 1.7 15.1

(NB28(a) or Forestburg (b) (SD-149)

TOTAL 9.2 37.0

22

4. Nebraska Mix 1978 - 144 acres

2 Lbs. PLS/Acre Seeds/Ft.

Big Bluestem 1.1 4.2 (Pawnee and Bonilla)

Indiangrass (Holt) 2.3 10 Little Bluestem (Camper) 1.1 6.5 Side-oats grama (Butte) .6 2.6 Switchgrass (Forestburg SD-149) 1.7 13.1 TOTAL 7.0 38.4

5. Switchgrass - 20 acres

2 Lbs. PLS/Acre Seeds/Ft.

Switchgrass (Forestburg 5.0 — 44.5 (SD-149))

6. Switchgrass - 20 acres

Lbs. PLS/Acre Seeds/Ft.2

Switchgrass (NDG-965-98) 5.0 44.5

7. Larson Mix - 5 acres

Dry Site.

Lbs. PLS/Acre Big Bluestem (NDG-4) 1.9 Prairie Sandreed (PM-ND-95) 1.4 Indiangrass (PM-ND-444) .4 Side-oats grama (Killdeer) .7 Switchgrass (NDG-965-98) 1.0 + Handspread locals Needle and thread 1.0 Porcupine 1.0 6 bags little bluestem - very poor germination 1 bag screenings from local harvest TOTAL 7.4 +

Seeds/Ft.

7.2 8.8 1 . 6 3.1 8.9

2 (approx.) 4 (approx.)

35.6 (approx.)

8. Local Mix - 63 acres (all but Switchgrass harvested locally in 1979)

Lbs. PLS/Acre Seeds/Ft.2

Big Bluestem 4.9 18.6 Indiangrass 1.2 4.8 Prairie Dropseed .2 1.4 Switchgrass (Small amount 1.0 8.9 of MN origin, mostly ND origin) TOTAL 7.3 33.7

23

Prior to seeding, each field was treated with the herbicide "Roundup" (by Mansanto) at the rate of two quarts in 20 gallons of water per acre for grass and weed control. Application was made when quackgrass (Agropyron repens) was at least six inches in height and actively growing.

Most of our 1980 seedings were drilled directly into last year's oats, barley, or soybean stubble. We did have trouble seeding some of these areas because of excessive dead vegetation. Barley and oats stubbles are especially prone to greenup of volunteer grain in the fall. This leaves a thick layer of litter that is difficult for Truax drills to penetrate. Because of the greenup problem, future cash rent agreements will be issued only for late harvested crops such as soybeans, flax, and possibly Sudan-grass. Also, discing and/or pulvi-rnulching excessive litter areas will be completed prior to seeding in 1981.

949 acres were seeded to native grasses using Truax drills. Vaa WPA - Polk County Stutzman 6/80

Germination on 1980 seedings was poor. Only the Doran Lake WPA seeding and half of the switchgrass seedings on Korrel WPA had good or excellent germination. Hopefully, we'll get good second year germination.

Control of weedy competition on 1979 and 1980 seedings varied from none to mowing or spraying with 2,4D (Weedone LV4-4# AI/Gal.) and water mixtures. New seedings (1980) were treated with h pint to one pint of 2,4D in eight gallons of water per acre. The 1979 seedings were treated with one quart of 2,4D in eight gallons of water per acre. Application dates coincided with growth and density of broad leaf weeds with Plumeless thistle continuing to be a major problem. Application was accomplished using boom sprayers on 2,033 acres of new and old seedings and commercial aerial application on 325 acres of 1979 seedings. Cost per acre averaged $3.17 for force account work and $6.50 per acre for commercial application. Commercial application although costing more, releases manpower for other duties and eliminates problems associated with handling chemicals.

Because of concern over winter hardiness of many of thfe varieties of native grasses, several changes were made in varieties planted this year. Pathfinder switchgrass (southern Nebraska origin) was replaced with Nebraska 28 (northern Nebraska origin) and Forestburg (South Dakota origin) switchgrass. The change resulted from concerns against moving the warm season species too far north from their origin. Warm season grasses unlike most cool season grasses, are genetically programmed to respond to a particular photoperiod for their life cycle and that programmed response doesn't change when a particular variety is moved from its origin. As a result, there is some concern that southern varieties of native grass seed being planted on the District may be susceptible to freeze out and/or may not set seed each growing season. This was illustrated with North and South Dakota switchgrass seedings on the Korrel WPA., Both varieties were seeded on June 18. On August 20, much of the North Dakota switchgrass was flowering. Ten days later, the South Dakota origin switchgrass began flowering. The South Dakota variety originated from an area with a longer growing season and was thus programmed to flower with a shorter day length.

Local Native Grass Seed Harvest

Grass seed harvest from local native prairie areas will provide adapted seed for the 1981 grass seed plantings. Thirty-nine acres of State prairies in Mahnomen County were harvested for native grass seed. These areas were burned by wildfire in April and clearly showed the effects of drought. We received a yield of 290 pounds PLS, primarily Big Bluestem. Germination tests are excellent.

25

On September 22 and 26-28 we combined 325 acres on Helliksen Prairie WPA in Becker County. Even though only about half of the big bluestem seed was filled and about 80% of the prairie dropseed was aborted, we still received 2,128 pounds PLS. We would have obtained about 300 pounds PLS more if we hadn't ground up that amount in a grain vacuum that we used to transfer seed from the combine to the pickup. On a good year, the 325 acrea area on Helliksen Prairie should yield over 5,000 pounds PLS. The 1980 harvest efforts provided 2,418 pounds (PLS) of seed for planting in the 1981 planting season. Results of the harvesting operation are shown on the following table.

Harvesting native grass seed from Helliksen Prairie WPA Helliksen WPA - Becker County Olson 9/80

Locally Harvested Seed 1980

Locat ion

Mahnomen County

Hel1iksen Prairie

Species

Big Bluestem

Big Bluestem

Indiangrass

Prairie Dropseed

Little Bluestem

Tall Dropseed

Switchgrass

Bulk wt. lbs. PLS wt. lbs. Germ. % Dormant % Tetrazolium % % PLS

688 290

1,400

369

318

97

219

15

69

64

34

16

56

10

15

2

9

24 70

40

92

10

42.0

38.6

1 0 . 2

8.8

2.7

6.0

.4

TOTAL 4,057 2,418 66.7

ro

27

C. Wet land s

During February, we hydro-axed 37.7 acres of willow on six WPAs in Becker and Clay Counties. Approximately 25 acres of the hydro-axed areas were within partially drained wetland basins that were restored in 1977 and 1979. Our objective was to cut back the dense stands of willow during a low water period so that spring water levels would

"drown" the willow.

i

Hydro-axe mowing willow in wetland basin. Anderson WPA - Becker County Axton 2/80

Wetland basin opened-up after mowing of willows.

Anderson WPA - Becker County Axton 2/80

28

Spring-like weather occurred early and was very dry. In fact, this was the driest spring since the late ISOO's. Although adequate snow cover was present at the onset of mild weather, snow melt was too slow to provide the runoff necessary to fill wetland basins. As a result of abnormally low spring water levels, the hydro-axed willows were not drowned but resprouted and by late August had attained a regrowth height of over eight feet.

Although spring water levels in many basins were low and general habitat conditions for waterfowl considered poor, a number of restored wetland basins exhibited excellent water conditions. A number of basins restored during 1979 had relatively large watersheds in relation to basin size and filled nearly to overflowing.

Wetland restoration is one of the more satisfying management activities accomplished in this area. The following pictoral sequence displays the stages of wetland restoration for a marsh on the Jacobson WPA.

Wetland shortly after restoration. Jacobson WPA - Becker County Hanson 12/79

29

Ready for occupancy!!! Jacob son WPA - Becker County Hanson 7/80

30

Early summer continued dry and by mid-June Type III marshes were nearly dry. Type IV and V wetlands retained adequate water levels through July, with Type I, II and III marshes completely dry. We did receive above normal precipitation during the fall, but early winter has left very little snow cover. Wetlands will be in extremely poor condition next spring, unless large amounts of precipitation occur during the first few months of the year.

Dry conditions encouraged drainage on private land. Hanson 8/80

We took advantage of the dry weather by concentrating our $26,000.00 heavy equipment contract on plugging old ditches on WPAs in the district. By the end of the summer, we had plugged 276 ditches, restoring approximately 325 acres of wetlands. Due to years of wind and water erosion of topsoil, and previous dumping of spoil materials from ditches into basins, many wetland "basins" (especially Type I's) are barely discernable prior to restoration. With the dry summer weather our operators were able to work within the drained wetland basins. Ditches were not only plugged, but often eliminated completely, using fill from within the drained wetland basins. To insure fertility and rapid revegetation of disturbed areas, sod and topsoil layers were removed prior to dozing and replaced after the work was completed. Virtually no uplands were scarred to accomplish our ditch plugging/filling. The added benefits will include deeper basins (especially small Type I's) and no weed problems on the borrow areas which will be under water.

31

SUMMARY OF 1980 MARSH RESTORATION EFFORTS

AT DETROIT LAKES WETLAND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

BECKER COUNTY CLAY COUNTY MAHNOMEN COUNTY POLK COUNTY

Unit Name Wetlands Restored Unit Name

Wet lands Restored Unit Name

Wetlands Restored Unit Name

.Vet lands Restored

Bakken 1 Haugtvedt 1 Waubun 7 Vesledahl 3

Anderson 12 Hoykens 3 Moore Lake 2 Ness 1

Marks 3 Korrel 36 Mai trod Lk. 15

Bay Lake 2 Moe 12 Untion Lake 4

Stumbo 4 Lee Lakes 4 Aasen 1

Shay 4 Rushfeldt 18* Moren 2

Ulrich 3 Erskine 4

Pederson 6 Foot Lake 1

Winger-S. 7

Winger-N.W. 5

Winger-W. 9

Winger-E. 61

Salvhus 18

LePier 11

- Halvorsen 2

Haslie Lake 3

Hagen 4

Opgrand 7

TOTALS 35 74* 9 158

-Includes Structure

GRAND TOTAL =276

275 - Ditch Plugs 1 - Structure

32

Top soil was stripped from ditch plug sites and replaced over the fill to encourage revegetation. Korrel WPA - Clay County Hanson • • 7/80

As part of the BLHP project this year, the WMD completed force account construction of a water control structure on the Rushfeldt WPA in Clay County. The WMD staff designed the structure which was approved by R.O. Engineering and Minnesota DNR. The structure is designed to convert a cattail choked, 22 acre Type III wetland into a productive Type IV wetland attractive to over water nesting species.

The WMD also constructed a flash board riser/structure in the outlet to a small wetland on the Rushfeldt WPA. These two structures represent the first water control structures for the WMD with full draw down capabilities.

Construction of Rushfeldt WPA water control- structure by WMD personnel. Rushfeldt WPA - Clay County Hanson • •; 9/80

This structure will restore a 22-acre Type IV marsh. Rushfeldt WPA - Clay County Hanson 11/80

34

D. Forest lands

Nothing to report.

E. Other Habitat

Nothing to report.

F. Wilderness and Special Areas

Nothing to report.

G. Easements for Waterfowl Management

Detroit Lakes WMD administers easements on 27,100 acj?es with 6,908 wetland acres in four counties.

Progress on easement enforcement and case resolution although seemingly slow is moving forward. The resolution of the Fraser case in Mahnomen County highlighted this year's case activity. On June 4, 1980, U.S. Attorney Cheryl Hvass met with Mr. Clifford Fraser, his attorney, Refuge Agent Will Steffen and Wetland Manager Eldon McLaury in the U.S. Courthouse in St. Paul. The goal was to resolve the extensive ditching violations on Fraser's three easements in Mahnomen County. The result of the meeting was an agreement and stipulation drafted by U.S. Attorney Hvass and signed by Fraser, his attorney and U.S. Attorney Hvass that Fraser would restore six ditches to their natural topography, never maintain two other ditches now or in the future, and no other wetlands would be drained, filled or burned at any time in the future per the original easement agreement. Also, that ditch restoration work would be completed by September 4, 1981. Fraser complied by the established date and the case was closed. Resolution without court action is a remarkable ending to many hours of effort! A case precedent has been set that should prove beneficial in resolving easement violation problems in Mahnomen County.

CY'SO began with 15 open easement cases needing resolution, compared to 17 in 1979 and 56 in 1978. Ten of these 15 cases remain open. Of the ten cases, it is anticipated six will require court action for resolution with case briefs prepared on three of the six'. The dry, late fall of 1980 provided excellent opportunities for easement landowners to drain, fill, and/or burn on easement lands. As a result, the number of open cases at the close of 1980 increased to 26 (fill-4, drain-8, drain/fi11-9, burn-4, and burn/ditch-1). Most new problems detected this past fall were minor and should be easily resolved during 1981.

33

Several easement violations were resolved without court action. This ditch was filled restoring easement wet­lands on Easement 25X - Mahnomen County Lewis ' ' 4/79

Oblique photos which show spring water conditions were taken of all district easements the spring of 1980. This graphic record has already proven valuable in resolving easement problems.

Special credit is due Will Steffen, Fergus Falls WMD, who has provided many hours of valuable law enforcement assistance to the Detroit Lakes WMD staff. Will was assigned part time to the Detroit Lakes WMD in lieu of filling an Enforcement Biologist position at Detroit Lakes. In November, a career Seasonal 50 week Biological Aid position was established to assist with the easement program.

36

IV. WILDLIFE

A. Endangered and/or Threatened Species

Nothing to report.

B . Migratory Birds

1. Waterfowl

Northwestern Minnesota had the driest spring since the late ISOO's. Consequently waterfowl breeding populations in this district were down significantly while other areas in Minnesota showed increases.

This was the second year waterfowl breeding pairs were censused using Quarter Section Surveys. The surveyed area includes 9% of the total WPA acreage. Results showed significant declines in all breeding populations compared with 1979, except mallard (up 54%), redhead (up 56%) and ring-necked ducks (up 75%- see following table). Total estimated production for all WPAs in the district was 4,831 ducks, down 21% from 1979. Estimated waterfowl production on easements was 2657. Although census methods were different from those used in 1976, it would appear waterfowl production in 1980 was as low or lower • than during the drought of 1976.

A comparison of waterfowl production estimates between Minnesota Wetland Districts for the past two years shows the southern districts (Benson and Litchfield) have the highest production per square mile of WPA. Moving northward, Fergus WMD has the next highest and this WMD, the northern most, has the lowest production estimate per square mile of WPA. There may be other explanations, but we believe the following two reasons are partly responsible for the difference. First, small wetland complexes in this part of the state (other than WPAs and State WMAs) are more extensive, thus dispersing waterfowl better. Second, birds raised in northern Minnesota may be subjected to greater hunting pressure than birds from southern Minnesota.

Waterfowl spring arrival dates and fall departure dates were comparable to past years. The spring migration of Canada Geese through this area was a spectacle to behold. It appeared many more Canada Geese migrated north this spring than went south the previous fall I It was a fantastic spring spectacle noticed by many residents of the area. The change may have been the result of drought conditions in N.W. Minnesota and the prairie country of the Dakotas, which moved flight patterns over the numerous lakes in the area.

SUMMARY OF QUARTER SECTION WATERFOWL SURVEYS

AT DETROIT LAKES WETLAND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

Estimated Estimated Estimated Estimated P^irs Per Y^ung Per Total Pairs Total Young mi of WPA mi of WPA District Produced

Species 1979 1980 1979 1980 1979 1980 1979 1980 % Change Mallard 9.9824 14.5790 22.4274 32.8133 454 698 1020 1571 + 54

Pintail 1.9129 .6057 4.2876 1.3785 87 29 195 66 - 66 Green-vinged Teal 1.6931 - 3.8478 - 77 - 175 - -100 Blue-winged Teal 33.2682 22.0983 79.3755 49.7316 1604 1058 3610 2381 - 35 Shoveler 2.5506 .2089 5.7168 .4804 116 10 260 23 - 91 Wood Duck 3.1882 1.8380 7.1460 4.1356 145 88 325 198 - 39

Dabbler Totals 54.5054 39.3299 122.8012 88.5394 2483 1883 5585 4239 - 24

Redhead .8135 1.2323 1.8690 2.7780 37 59 85 133 + 56 Ring Necked Duck 1.4952 2.4438 3.2982 5.4932 68 117 150 263 + 75

Canvasback 1.2753 1.0026 2.8584 2.2558 58 48 130 108 - 17 Ruddy Duck 1.4952 .8146 3.2982 1.8380 68 39 150 88 - 41 Hooded Merganser .2199 - .4398 - 10 - 20 - -100 Diver Totals 5.2991 5.4933 11.7634 12.3650 241 263 535 592 + 11

DUCK TOTALS 59.8944 44.8232 134.5646 100.9044 2714 2146 6120 4831 - 21

Canada Geese .4178 .2089 .7916 .3760 19 10 36 18 - 47 'vCoot 8.7071 11.1536 11.7414 15.0594 396 534 534 721 + 35

'vPied-billed Grebe 2.5506 2.2140 3.4301 3.0077 116 106 156 144 - 9

GRAND TOTALS 71.5699 58.3997 150.5277 119.3475 3255 2796 ^ 6846 5714 - 14

'^Methods of estimating Coot & Pied-billed Grebe populations changed in 1980.

1979 populations should have been much higher.

38

2. Marsh and Water Birds

Unfavorable wetland conditions resulted in a poor production year for coot and pied-billed grebes. Sora and Virginia rails were less abundant. The dry summer did not hamper loons, red-necked grebes or double crested cormorants that utilize the deeper marshes on our WPAs.

3. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species

Shorebirds common to the district include killdeer, marbled godwit, upland plover (sandpiper), spotted and pectoral sandpipers, Wilson's phalarope, greater and lesser yellowlegs, American bittern, great blue heron and common snipe. These species and others were observed during spring migration and breeding periods, but their numbers decreased rapidly as the summer progressed. Herring gulls, ring-billed gulls and Franklin gulls were frequently observed migrating through the district. Black and common terns are common summer residents. An unusual sighting of 75 greater egrets was made at the Audubon WPA in Becker County this summer.

4. Raptors

At least 20 species of raptors utilize Waterfowl Production Areas in this district. Marsh hawks, red-tailed hawk's, rough legged hawks, sparrow hawks, broad-winged hawks, barred owls, great horned owls and short and long eared owls are among the most common. Two unusual sightings of prairie falcons (Erion and Ruona WPAs) and one of a bald eagle (Nelson Prairie WPA) were reported by the staff.

5. Other Migratory Birds

Little information was gathered on the many species of other migratory birds in this district. No significant changes in these populations were noted.

Mammals, Non-Migratory Birds and Others

1. Game Mammals

Deer experienced a mild winter (79-80) and reproduction was good this spring. Fall hunting success was up 55 - 120% in our district according to Minnesota DNR Officials. With only a few inches of snow on the

ground at the end of 1980, it appears the deer will experience another

favorable winter.

For area trappers, this was the year of the muskrat. Muskrats were nearly non-existent during 1976-77, but their numbers began increasing during 1978-79. This year they were very abundant, not just here, but everywhere in Minnesota. With excellent pelt prices ($5.00 - $7.00) muskrat trapping became big business. One area fur buyer bought over

250,000 pelts.

39

While raccoon numbers dipped considerably this year, mink, beaver, rabbit and squirrel populations remained stable. Fox numbers have increased slightly (probably reflecting the drop in the value of their pelts) and coyotes/coyote signs have also been seen more frequently.

2. Other Mammals

No significant increases or declines were noted in moose, small rodent and skunk populations.

3. Resident Birds

Pheasant and gray partridge numbers appeared to be up slightly this year. Ruffed grouse populations were up, but prairie chicken popula­tions appeared to have increased the most. Our staff assisted the Minnesota DNR and Prairie Chicken Society with prairie chicken booming ground counts in Becker and Mahnomen Counties again this year. State­wide, 1,258 males were counted with 156 males found on 16 booming grounds in Becker County and 203 males found on 21 booming grounds in Mahnomen County. That is the highest count in recent history for the state, and a 53% increase for Becker County and 150% increase for Mahnomen County. Many of the prairie chicken populations in this district are associated with large native grassland WPAs or Minnesota DNR owned WMAs.

No changes were observed in populations of smaller birds such as downy, hairy and pileated woodpeckers, chick-a-dees, blue jays, etc.

4. Other Animal Life

Little information is gathered regarding wildlife in this category. However, the leopard frog has made a dramatic come-back after the disease "red-leg" decimated the population a few years ago. No other species of frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, etc. displayed significant increases or declines.

40

V. INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION

Information and Interpretation

1. On - Refuge

A variety of people participated in tours of Waterfowl Production Areas in 1980. County Commissioners, YCC and local school students were among those groups who learned about the values of prairie wetlands. Tours of WPAs will continue to be emphasized in 1981.

2 . Off - Refuge

Detroit Lakes WMD was again invited to participate in the 3th and 7th grade conservation tours in Polk and Becker Counties. Approximately 500 students from Becker County and 150 students from Polk County participated in the tours. Other governmental agencies involved included: SCS, ASCS, DNR and the County Extension Service.

Detroit Lakes WMD personnel gave a number of presentations to local sportsmen clubs and civic organizations. Also, many news releases and features were provided to the media. The harvest of local native grass seed on the Hellikson Prairie WPA was covered by the Becker County Record, Fargo Forum, Emphasis Magazine and WDAY Television of Fargo, North Dakota.

The station System 70 Display was in the field for 90 days at a variety of locations. These included Becker County Fair, schools, libraries and post offices. The System 70 is currently scheduled through March 1981 and will continue to be utilized in the District's I & R Program.

System 70 Display was well received at local schools. J S. 11/80

41

B. Recreation

1. Consumptive Use

Waterfowl hunter use was comparable to a year ago. An aerial count of vehicles parked on or adjacent to WPAs on opening day of waterfowl season showed comparable hunter use to previous years in spite of the fact that the pre-season waterfowl census and production figures were significantly lower. An estimated 493 hunters used WPAs on opening day compared to 470 and 477 in 1979 and 1978 respectively.

Deer hunter use appeared to increase on WPAs this year. No aerial car count was conducted due to inclement weather but deer kill figures supplied by the DNR and personal contacts indicated increased hunter use.

Small game hunting pressure appeared to be average. With both muskrat populations and fur prices high, there was increased trapping on WPAs. Mink, fox, and raccoon trapping pressure appeared average.

Thirty-one WPAs (7,581 acres) within this District are within the White Earth Indian Reservation boundaries. The White Earth Reservation Business Committee (RBC) has set hunting seasons and bag limits within the reservation for tribal members that differ with Minnesota's seasons. For example, the reservation waterfowl season opened Sep­tember 13 versus October 4 for Minnesota and the reservation deer season opened September 20 versus November 8 for Minnesota. Since the reservation seasons affect WPAs within the reservation, management and law enforcement activities have become more complicated. Resolution of the problem is expected in 1981, by agreement between the RBC and Minnesota DNR that will consolidate season dates and bag limits.

2. Non-Consumptive Use

Activities such as picnicking, snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing were seldom observed on WPAs. Birdwatching, especially during spring migration, appears to be gaining in popularity every year.

C. Enforcement

Two citations were issued in 1980, both to the same WPA neighbor. One was for illegal construction of a fire break on FWS lands, and the second was for trespass farming on another boundary of the same unit. He for­feited $100.00 on each count. A warning was also given to a juvenile for motorized vehicle trespass on Spring Creek WPA.

Manager McLaury (4 weeks), Manager Trainee Lewis (4 weeks), and Assistant" Manager Stanley (9 weeks) attended Law Enforcement Training at Glenco, Ga. After 17 weeks and 680 hours of training, we now have three station personnel with law enforcement authority compared to one last year.

42

Officers McLaury and Lewis participated with a team of ten FWS enforce­ment personnel in patrol of the Tamarac NWR, October 26 and 27. The patrol action resulted when officials at the White Earth Indian Reservation designated the portion of refuge inside the reservation boundary open to deer hunting in accordance with reservation regulations. The refuge, however, was officially closed to deer hunting for the 1980 season and therefore, not subject to reservation seasons. The patrol action was effective and no one tried to hunt or cause incident. Shortly after noon of opening day, (October 27), Reservation Officials closed the season on the portion of the refuge within the Reservation.

No violations were observed during the opening weekend of the duck season. All hunters checked were using steel shot, plugged shotguns, and had proper licenses and signed duck stamps!

43

VI. OTHER ITEMS

A. Field Investigations

Nothing to report.

B. Cooperative Programs

!. YACC

The YACC program was invaluable at the WMD during 1980. The year began with ten enrollees employed and closed with five enrollees. During the heavy work season, up to 12 enrollees were employed. The enrollees were divided into two crews of six each with one enrollee from each crew acting as work leader. Dedicated efforts of Group Leader Webster and Work Leaders Rardin and Lange, re­sulted in the following accomplishments: boundary fence construc­tion (18.9 miles), boundary posting (3 miles), interior fence removal (16 miles), building site cleanup (4), seedbed preparation (200 acres), parking lot construction (6), old boundary fence re­moval (4.4 miles), boundary line clearing, brush removal (15 acres), assisted maintenanceman Dieke in construction of shop rest rooms, construction of seed storage facility, construction of emergency exit in office, and seeding native grasses. Enrollees also assisted in a variety of clerical projects preparing mailing lists, land use plans and reports. Enrollees also assisted District personnel with native grass seeddowns. The enrollees performed admirably and without their assistance, the WMD would not have achieved AWP or BLHP goals.

Work Leader JoAnn Lange and Work Leader Marsha Rardin received letters of commendation from the Regional Director for their dedicated effort to the YACC Program.

Group Leader Webster continued to make the YACC program at the WMD a success. His ability to coordinate projects along with his Marine training were instrumental in ensuring projects were completed on a timely manner and according to guidelines. It was especially remarkable considering Mr. Webster also served as an instructor for Camp Tamarac YACC chain saw training and was often called away from the WMD to conduct training sessions.

2. MINNESOTA DNR

The WMD assisted the Minnesota DNR1s Area Hydrologist on a number of wetland drainage projects. The Area Hydrologist requested assis­tance with typing of wetland basins and providing biological data on the basins. Of note is a DNR "public waters law" case in Mahnomen County in which a group of private landowners have drained approximately 283 acres of virtually contiguous Type III Wetlands with nearly 2.9 miles of ditches.

44

Biological Technician Hanson and Range Conservationist Olson spent a considerable number of man days on vegetation cover mapping the area and gathering biological and wildlife use data. Hanson and Olson were called upon to provide testimony at a hearing between the DNR and the landowners involved. The integrity of a 360 acre FWS easement is being threatened by this case. At the close of the year the hearing was still in progress but the current feeling is the DNR will win the case and the landowners required to restore the wetlands.

District Personnel also participated in the NW Minnesota Prairie Chicken survey, completing booming ground counts in Becker and Mahnomen Counties.

C. Items of Interest

Jim Stutzman joined the staff as Biological Aid to work with easement enforcement and public use programs on November 4. Jim is a native Minnesotan, raised in the St. Paul area. His experiences include: U.S. FWS positions at Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Bemidji, MN WEB Office, Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge and Minnesota DNR positions with the Wetland Wildlife Populations Research Group and Public Waters Inventory. He received a Master's Degree in Environmental Education from the University of Minnesota. Jim's assignment to the District culminates many hours of effort and paper work to "green sheet" and select staff members over the past years. We've come a long enjoyable way from a staff of two in May, 1978, to a full staff of eight at the close of the year.

All station personnel except the Wetland Manager participated in the 4 - 1 0 h o u r w o r k d a y w e e k t h i s s u m m e r . T h e m a n a g e r r e m a i n e d o n t h e 5-day 8 - 4:30 schedule per recommendation from the Area Office. The office remained open five days per week under the procedure. Personnel found the long, hot ten-hour work days a bit tough on their system. It was difficult for the manager to coordinate staff and safety meetings, and to maintain rapport with field crews. It also seemed most phone calls for the Administrative Technician occurred on Friday, her day off. We recommend future use of the 4-10 hour work week schedule include all personnel to work the same hours for a more efficient program.

A $600 special achievement award was presented to Wetland Manager McLaury in June. The award was received for resolution of easement violations and effectively working with county commissioners on land acquisition while adminstering the expenditure of BLHP funds and pro­gram to exceed Regional goals. The award was a pleasant surprise, a surprise made possible with a competant, enthusiastic and hard-working staff.

43

A good deal of controversy has developed over allegations of discbarges of dilute herbicide mixtures of 2,4D and "Roundup" on the District this past year. Both herbicides in dilute form are commonly used on the District in the weed control programs and seedbed preparation for native grass seeddowns. On October 31, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency acting on information from "anonymous informants" began an investigation that has been marked with impromptu and misleading press releases and no real attempt to resolve the problem. During the course of events, we did learn that spills or discharges occurred on four occasions this past summer: two of dilute mixtures of "Roundup" and two of dilute mixtures of 2,4D. There were also two incidents of dilute mixtures of Roundup discharges in 1979. All were the result of an unfortunate series of circumstances attributed to equipment breakdown, stuck vehicles, inadequate supervision, or carelessness. MPCA concern over the incidents included possible contamination of ground and surface waters by 2,4D. Water samples taken from the office well and shop well by MPCA showed traces (2.3 parts per billion and less than 1.0 PPB respectively) of 2,4D. (EPA Standards accept marketable milk at 100 PPB.) However, subsequent water samples taken from both wells by the Service and analyzed by two independant labs showed no trace of 2,4D. At the close of the period, the controversy continued with no gesture toward resolution by MPCA. Positive steps have been taken at the station to eliminate the occurrence of spill or discharge incidents occurring in the future.

Staff members participated in the following training and workshops:

Employee

Stanley, Wayne

McLaury, Eldon

Training

Law Enforcement

Law Enforcement, FLETC Synergy Training-

Dates

9/2 - 11/5

3/16 - 4/12

Hours

9 weeks

120

Lewis, Larry Law Enforcement

Christen, Darlene Time Management

2/2 - 2/28 4 weeks

1/21 - 1/23 24

* Citizen Participation/Public Involvement Workshop

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D. Safety

Eleven safety meetings were held at Detroit Lakes WMD during 1980. During the meetings a film was usually shown followed by discussions of the film topic. The discussions often led to safety concerns, problems, or needs in the field and at the headquarters. Solutions included:

1. Acquisition of portable radios for better communication during controlled burns.

2. Purchase of flame retardant clothing and fire tents for use during controlled burns.

3. Installation of a large basement window in the office for an emergency exit.

4. Purchase of fire proof cabinets for storage of flammable 1iquids.

All permanent and four YACC employees participated in an eight hour CPR class held at the office. The class was taught by Minnesota De­partment of Transportation employees.

Two injuries resulting in lost time occurred. Biological Technician Tom Legeret was treated for an injured finger. Biological Technician Jim Stutzman received treatment for a sore back. Our vehicle safety record was extended to nine years, and 323,000 miles driven with no vehicle accidents in 1980.

An emergency exit was constructed in the basement of the Headquarters Office upon advice of the R.O. Safety Officer. An oversized metal frame window was installed in the basement. The window will serve as a second means of exit if necessary, for employees whose office spaces are in the basement. The project was completed by YACC.

Flammable storage cabinets were purchased for storage of oils and paints.

Smoke/fire alarms were installed in the Headquarters Office and shop spaces.

A minor traffic accident occurred in the Headquarters parking lot. A Realty Specialist from the Fergus Falls Wetlands Acquisition Office was backing out of a parking space and backed into a personally owned vehicle driven by one of our YACC enrollees who was leaving for home. Damage was estimated at $200 for the private vehicle while damage to the government vehicle was listed at zero. No personal injuries resulted. The problem was resolved by rearranging employee parking spaces to avoid

congestion and visibility problems in the parking lot.

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Temporary employees were given training sessions on safe operation and maintenance of WMD equipment including fire equipment, tractors, mowers, farming equipment and tiltbed truck.

Maintenance Worker Deike designed and coordinated fabrication of hydraulic folding extension/wings for the bed of the tiltbed truck. The folding extensions have worked well to improve the safe and more efficient loading and unloading of equipment on the tiltbed.

E. Environmental Assessments

Two Environment assessments were prepared, one for the Headquarters Area Rehabilitation project and one for the Rushfeldt WPA Water Control Structure. The Headquarters Area Rehabilitation Project planned for FY81 involves construction of an office addition and associated site development.

Active E.A.'s during 1980 were the Complex BLHP E.A. and the Minnkota Powerline E.A.

Minnkota Power completed transmission line construction across one easement and the Stangeland WPA in Clay County, and Axeburg Lake WPA in Becker County. This action was completed under guidelines of an E.A. written in 1979 and approved in 1980.

F. Credits

McLaury: I, C & D; VI, C

Stanley: I, D; II; III, B, 3, E & F; VI, A, Bl, 2

Lewis: III, G; V, C; VI, E

Olson: III, A, Bl, 4 & 3

Hanson: III, C; IV; VI, D

Stutzman; I, A & B; III, B, 2; V, A & B

Christen & Tinjum: Typing and Assembling thq Report.

Tom Atkins and Eldon McLaury: Editing