RED ROCK LAKES QUARTERLY NARRATIVE REPORTS

FEBRUARY 1940

thru

JANUARY 1941

ROUTING SLIP DIVISION OF WILDLIFE REFUGES DATE; V"-// 19^-/

MR, ELMER

MRS. GARVIN

^ MR,,. DUMONT

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SECTION OP OPERATIONS:

Mr. Ball

yj/ Myorfj&r km's

Mrs, Kricun

y SECTION OF HABITAT BIPROVMENT; litov.. Kubiohe^r

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• Mr. •"Qriffilil

Miuu Cook

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SECTION OF EELl:

Mr. Regan

/ Drjt, Boura--^

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Mrs, Fishinan

v/ SECTION OF IA1TD WUIAGEMENT:

Mr> Earnohaw

STEM OGRi'vPHERS:

Miss Price

SECTION OF STRUCTURES:

ILc Taylor yyy

£ Mr. Gustafson

REMt'iRKS: a L c CS jf

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Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

Narrative Report

November 1, 1940, To January 31, 1941

**************

United States Department Of The Interior

Fish & Wildlife Service

Monida, Montana

1 • GENERAL

Weather Conditions:

Month Snowfall Rainfall Max. Temp, Min. Temp,

November 1940 1.31 40 -8

December 1940 ©69 36 -22

January 1941 ©SS 28 -12

The total precipitation during the three months shown above amounted to 2f83 inches.

In 'comparison Y/ith the corresponding months the previous year are shown below.

November 1939 .10 44 7

December 1939 .80 50 -18

January 1940 1.00 34 -26

The total precipitation during this period amounted to 1.90 inches so that for the current period the precipitation amounted to #93 of an inch more© The snowfall depth has not been has not boon any more for the current period than the previous year, but the snow seemed to contain more water©

During the period of this report there was very little YYind with the result that there are very few deep snow drifts© Usually drifts about headquarters and along the road are from six to ten feet deep Yrhile for the current period the drifts are not over two feet. This may make some difference in the run-off later on.

• Water Conditions:

Although the lakes on the refuge were frozen over during the period of this report they remained up to normal. Due to ice and the staff gage being frozen in it vms impossible to obtain readings© The main streams flov/ing into ^he refuge seemed to be about normal with the exception of 0-dell creek which appeared to be low. 0-dell creek did not appear to be carrying more than seven second feet of v/ater.

The spring-heads at the east end of the refuge and Elk springs creek remained up to normal. These streams are fed by sub-terranean source and do not appear to be diminishing or increasing in flow.

Due to ice blocking the main streams and covering the refuge in general water v/as banked up over many acres of the refuge and with freezing weather large ice fields were left. This is an add to the refuge in that it creates many spring water holes and soaks up the fiMds in general.

The staff gage on the river at the outlet of the lower lake froze in November sixth so that it was impossible to take gage reading afber that date# On November sixth the water stood on the gage at 1.08# The crest of the dam is approximately 0#90. About one inch of water was going over the dam#

There were no fires on the refuge during the period of this report or during the months of November, Deoember and January# It is seldom that any fires would occur during this time due to wet & cold conditions#

A# Waterbirds:'

From November 1st ot 10th the refuge was partially frozen over# Most of the waterfowl had left due to cold weather setting# During this period it was estimated that 2500 ducks and geese were on the refuge# On November the 10th the lakes and most of the streams of the refuge froze over solid# Aftej- this date the only waterfowl remaining on the refuge was a few mallards, American and Barrow's GoIdan-eye and trumpeter sw%i# These birds all moved in to the spring heads at the east end of the refuge# Some mallards remained along the open streams until late in December when the streams were frozen and snowed under#

From 30 to 50 trumpeter swan remained in the spring heads during November and December# During this period a large number of the swan move over to Yellowstone National Park and other open areas close by# From the fact that no real cold weather set in during December several acres of t he spring-heads remained open assuring the swan of sufficient nai: al food to tide them through this month#

B# Swan Feeding:

Feeding of grain to the swan in the spring-heads commenced on January 1st# Some difficulty previous to this was experienced with the owner of the land so that no feeding was done# A total of 3900 pounds of grain was fed to the swan during this month under arrangements with the owner# There were at times less than one half acre of open water during January that the swan could remain in so that the natural food was soon diminished#

C# Groups:

During the period of this report practically all birds had left the refuge with the exception of a few waterfowl and grouse which mze permanent residents# All through November, Deoember and January around two hundred ducks of three species remained on the refjige# These were mostly American and Harrow's polden^-eyo and a few mallards# Several flocks of Columbian Sharp-tailed grouse, S^-ge liens were observed and a few individual Gray Ruffed Grouse# All other species of birds in­cluding the passerine birds had left#

C# Fires

11# WILDLIFE

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D•Waterfowl Hunting:

Although the season for waterfowl closed on November 29 there was no hunting on the op^n portion of the Red Rook Lakes Refuge after November 9th. After this date the lakes wore frozen over solid and practically all waterfowl had left.

For the entire fall season of 1940 a total of 1416'ducks and geese were killed on the lower lake or the open portion in which hunting was permitted. A total of 284^man days of hunting was tabulated. The average kill per man hunting dajF was 4,98 ". This is a good average con­sidering good and poor hunters together. A record was kept of the species of ducks killed and sex. Gadwetll led all ducks killed with a total of 344 of which 139 was males and 205 females. Lesser scaup was second with 230 killed o'f which 114 were males and 116 females. Mallards were third with 150 being killed of which 58 were males and 92 were femaels. A separate report has been submitted showing in detail the other species killed and sex ratio.

Of the 60 hunting days permitted hunters were able to shoot a total of 40 days. 28 days was free of ice and 12 days partial ice existed.

E. Food & Cover:

During the period of this report there was very little natural food available for waterfowl due to the lakes being frozen over. The only available food was in the spring-heads and in the streams entering the refuge. For upland birds which was about the only other group of birds on the refuge there was ample natural food. Heavy snows did not occur until late in January leaving natural food uncovered for these birds. At the east end of the refuge viiioh is mostly inhabited by the upland birds there is a heavy large growth of understudy with numerous wild berry shrubs and plant seeds.

During this period cover on the refuge was very dense. Since there was very little request during the summer for grazing most vegetation was permitted to stand with the result that marsh grasses reached a height of 18 inches and better. Far more cover is available than is really needed for wildlife pruposes.

F. Disease:

During the period of this report there were no out-breaks of botulism or other diseases# All waterfowl including the swan and other bird life remained in a healthy condition.

G. Big Game Animals:

On November 9th two large bull elk were observed on the refuge just below the hdqts site. These two elk remained on the refuge for several days on the area between the two lakes. This is the first time that

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elk have been observed on the lower lands of the refuge. Sino© these elk were very tame and it was possible to approach m thin 100 feet of them it is believed that they were Park elk having migrating west out of the park to the refuge area. Had it not been for the protection of the refuge these elk would no doubt have been shot since reports have come to me that in past years before the refuge was established elk and deer such as these when seen low down were killed by ranchers.

Moose were observed right along on the refuge during the period of this report. The moos© are the most predominate of the big game animals, bince they move back and forth to the timber and lower swampy areas at the east end of the refuge the refuge boundary fence was lowered some 14 to 18 inches to permit them to easily jump the fence. Since the fence was lowered to a four strand wire instead of five the top wire has not been injured by the moos© jumping the fence. They can now readily clear it.

The few head of antelope on the north side of the refuge moved out before November to the lower open areas in the vicinity of Lima and Dell some 30 miles west of the refuge. They only remain in the area of the refuge during the summer months, moving as cold weather sets in to the less snowy areas around Lima and Dell.

H.Fur Bearing Animals:

Of the fur bearing animals the muskrat showed trerandous increase. Since no ice trapping has been permitted the past two years under a rulling of the Montana State Gram© Commission the muskrats have increased three­fold. The muskrat lodges or houses are ten times more numerous than at any time since the establishment of the refuge. With these additional houses it will not be necessary to construct artificail muskrat houses for swan nesting sites since there are now ample nesting sites. With the increase shown in the muskrats it may be necessary to permit a limited amount of trapping later on other-wise they may get to numerous for there own good.

Badgers also showed an increase. With the protection a fforded them on the refuge they have responded very well. Badger diggins are now very numerous over the refuge. The badger was trapped very extensively before the r efuge was established.

Mink and Beaver also seemed to show an increase. Particularly along the streams of the refuge. Many more beaver dams can be seen now that previously did not exist.

I. Predator Control:

Although no regular trapper was employed to trap coyotes on the refuge a considerable number were taken by the^se of snow-sleds around the refuge and adjacent area.s. A total of 127 coyotes were taken all-together by private trappers and with snow-sleds. The air-thrust snow-sled has so far proven the best method of capturing coyotes for during the v/inter months when they frequent the lower lands they can easily be run down and shot with a twnety-two. One snow-sled privately ov/ned took a total of 15 coyotes in one day a few miles west of the refuge.

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J# Fish:

Two out of the three main streams entering the refuge dropped to a low point during the period of this report. This was the lowest these two streams have fallen since the refuge T«as established. The low water seemed to have a tendency to drive somefish in the streams back into the lakes where more water was available. O-dell creek which is inhabited practically by eastern brook and greyling only carried a small ditch full of water. Although it was sufficient to maintain the fish it was far to low to do them any good. The eatern brook did not seem to be as plentiful as in years past, due possibly to the low water and heavy fishing during the summer months.

Considerable activity was noted in the spawning of the eastern brook trout althrough November and December. This is the only false spawning trout on the refuge. The other species including the greyling spawn in the early spring.

During the period of this report no trout were planted in the streams of the refuge. If good fishing is to be had in the future considerable planting should be under-taken.

111. REFUGE DEVELOPMENT & MINTENAUCE

A. Physical Development:

During the period of this report only certain jobs could be under­taken due to winter end cold weather setting in. It was impossible to work on irrigation ditching, telephone line imrpovement and other jobs. About the only wor$ that could be done was jack fencing and the getting out of materials for making up jacks for future jack fence construction.

Jack Fence Construction: During the mont of November it was possible to construct a total of 835 rods of new jack fence. This fence which does not require the posts to be set in the ground was possible because of the mild weather during November and laok of snow. The 835 rods of fence was constructed on the steep mountain slopes at the east end of the refuge and practically completes this fencing in this area until other lands are acquired. The fence was anchored every five panels & has four wires.

Fence Repairs: A total of 1508 rods of fence was gone over and re-pa irelJTTRIIs'^noluTed the removal of the top wire of a considerable stretch of wire fence in the south east part of the refuge so that moos© could readily jump or clear the fence. The posts were cut down to unifrarmity after the top wire was removed. A total of 1508 rods of wire which was removed was coiled up and stored for further use at hdqts.

Jack fence Material: After deep snows set in the main work was confined to cutting and getting out material from the timber for the construction of jacks for jack fence construction. This work included the following: A total of 7917 jack legs and posts were cut in the timber. This amount alone will construot a lot of fence.

A total of 2392 jack legs and posts were skidded several miles out

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of the timber mth a tractor to the hdqts site -where later it will be worked up into jacks.

A total of 2671 rider poles were cut during this period. These rider poles which are about 20 feet in length with a diameter of about four inches will be used between the top forks of the jacks in the construction of the jack fence.

A total of 647 rider poles were hauled out of the timber to the hdqts site during this period. Tractor and bob sled was sued for this work.

Also during this period a total of 160 rods of old six strand fence and posts were removed and hauled to hdqts for storage. A total of 80 rods of old pole fence and corrals were removed. Also a total of 65 rods of old -windbreak was removed.

Regular maintenance work was carried on during the period of this Report. All trucks, tractors and other equipment including light plants were constantly checked over by the refuge mechanic and kept in A1 con­dition. Minor repairs were made to all buildings.

B. Plantings:

No plantings were made during this period since it was the dormant period, however, during this period the following seeds were received.

Species From Received

Crested "'flheat Grass" Malheur Refuge Dec. 3/40

io.it Sagittaria Seed LaCreek Refuge Dec, 11/40

IV. PUBLIC RELATIONS

A. Recreational Uses.

During the period of this report cold and freezing weather had set in with the result that no campers or other persons used the camp and picnic grounds available on the refuge. The roads leading to the refuge were not in the best of shape which also kept people from visiting the refuge•

J B. Fishing:

During November a total of nine man days of fishing was recorded. Due to the fact that roads were bad and cold weather setting in very few fisherman took advantage to fish in the refuge streams. More fishing was done by local residents during this x^eriod than by others.

C. Hunting:

See note under waterfowl hunting, heading II. There was no hunting on the open portion of the r efuge after November 10th.

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D, visitors:

Uo visitors visited the refuge during the period of this report due to winter setting in and bad road conditions.

E. Violations:

During the period of this report no violations came to the atten-ion of refuge personnel. During this period which is part of the winter period there is very little activity in the vicinity of the refuge.

V. ECONOMIC USES

A. Grazing:

During this period from November 1, to January 31, a total of |94.00 was derived from grazing privileges on the refuge. This was received entirely from the grazing of horses by local ranchers. A total of |69.00 was received from grazing at the rate of 50/ per aniaal month or for a total of 138 animal moaths. A total of 25.00 of the $94.00 was received from Mr. H. Flint for grazing on refuge lands jointly with his own lands for the period of January 15, to April 15, 1941. Although Mr. Flint has sufficient land of his own it was impossible to keep his horses from going out on the ice on the upper lake to get around the refuge fence. To keep this continuous trespass down a permit for the period mentioned was issued to Mr. Flint so that the horses graxed a part of a section of refuge lands jointly with his own lands.

B. Haying:

A total of |78.66 was received on Noember 12 from Mr. C. A. Buck, local rancher as representing final payment on 128.66 tons of hay harvested during the summer. Final payment was made at this time before any of the hay was removed for feeding of livestock during the winter months.

VI INVESTIGATIONS, RESEARCH

A. Vegetative Cover Mapping;

Although the field work on the vegetative cover studies was completed by October 31, 1940, considerable work remained to be done in preparing the small vellum section maps of the refuge area. By January 9th three copies of each section map was completed showing the vegetative cover of the refuge. One copy each was sent to the Regional and Y/ashington offices and one copy was retained in the refuge office. Descriptive sheets were also prepared to accompany each section map. This was a worth while peice of work and will be valuable for many years to come.

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B« Swan studies:

Notes v/ere taken right along during the period of this report on the trumpeter swan to be used later in a life histnuy report©

C© Ornithological Studies:

From November until January notes were kept right along on mig­ration records and general observation notes on all bird life frequenting the refuge so that in time a complete list of the bird life of the refuge can be issued© All notes, records and observations were recorded on small field cards and filed away by species for ready reference©

Submitted By A© V© Hull

Refuge Manager.

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ROUTING SLIP DIVISION OF WILDLIFE REFUGES

(7) ^ agBl'"*" W ,"

MS. GARVIN

DATE: /I 'Xl 19

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SECTION OF OPERATIONS:

-ki i "IMfi'Lu*.

Mrs. Watkins

Mrs. Kricun

SECTION OF LAI-ID MNAGEMENT; J '

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SECTION OF HABITAT r

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g^jr. Baum

Mrs, Fishinan

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STEMOGRi'iPHERS:

Miss Price

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y SECTION OF STRUCTURES;

Mr#- Taylor ^6/X//

REfAiRKS J /j £.. sLs ^ r --- r- •' •1^

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Red Rook Lakes national Wildlife Refuge

Narrative Report

February 1, To October 31, 1940.

********

United States Department Of The Interior

Fish & Wildlife Service

Monida, Montana.

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1. GENERAL

?/eather Conditions:

Month Snowfall Rainfall Max, Temp> Min, Temp,

February 1940 1,49 P-40 P-16 mroh " 2,20 .91 P-42 P-16 April " .31 2.22 P-58 P-16 May " 1.11 P-69 P-19 June " 1.67 P-92 P-52 July 11 1.49 P-86 P-32 August " .17 P-90 P-34 Sept. " 2.44 P-82 P-26 October " .85 P-63 P-20

In the abo-ve temperature tables P-represents above 32 degrees \ F, M**represents below 32 degrees F,

A total of 14,86 inches of precipitation fell on the refuge during the nine raonth period shown above. The month of August was an unusually dry month, one of the dryest oh record. Vegetation on the refuge by the latter part of August was brown, dy and parched. I>ue to the fact that heavy rains fell in September the following month green grass again started to grow giving one the impression that spring had again arrived.

The precipitation gs^e on the hdqts site ims installed on October 23, 1939, by the U. S, Weatlior Bureau, Hydrologic section. From October 23, 1939, to October 23, 1940, a total of 16.34 inches of precipitation fell on the refuge. This includes all rain and snowfall and represents a years record. Due to the fact that no precipitation records have ever been kept in the vicinity of the refuge before no records are available for comparison. If any thing this amount is less than the fall the previous year since the winter of 1939 and 1940 was not very bad. Snow was very dry«

. Water Conditions:

From February until the latter part of April the lakes on the refuge were frozen over solid. Ice left the lakes around April 24th. At this time while the spring-runoff was at its height the staff gage at the outlet of the lower lake showed the water standing at 2.10. Approximately 15 inches of water was going over the dam crest. The elevation of the dam crest is approximately 0.90. By the last of April water going over the dam dropped to 1.74 which shows how rapidly the v/ater can drop after most of the ice and snow had melted.

From the 1st of May until the last of May the water going over the dam dropped from about 1.74 to 1,38 showing that the water held up very well during this month.

During the month of June which is considered a warm month the water dropped from about 1,38 to 1.18, The water in the alkes was up to normal.

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During July the water going over the dam crest dropped from 1»18 to 0«94« Approximately 2 inches of water was flowing out of the lower lake and over the dam crest# Lakes remained up to normal during July. There was ample water for wildlife on the refuge. Vegetation was making rapid growth.

During the month of August the water according to the gage dropped from 0.94 at the beggpming to 0.89 at the end of the month. Just a skim of water was passing over the crest of the dam. August was one of the dryest months on record over the entire State. Even with extra dry con­ditions the water on the refuge held up very well. There was not much difference in elevation at the beginning and end of August. This shows very clearly that the flow of water entering the refuge from streams and from surface springs is just about sufficient to take care of evaporation and transpiration.

During the month of September the v/ater in the lakes again started to come up. From a low gage reading of 0.89 the water in the lakes oam© up to 0.90 by September 7th. At the end of September the v/ater stood at 1.00 even. Cold nights and fairly cold days during September out down evaporation and transpiration, also considerable rdin in September helped bring the v/ater level up.

In comparison with September not much rain fell during the month of October. A total of .85 inches fell. At the end of October the water stood on the gage at 1.04 or only 0.04 above that at the beginning of the month. The water in the lakes remained fairly constant during the entire month. Apparently the water after reaching around 1.00 remains constant the inflow-is about equal to the outflow and evaporation. This is about an ideal height for waterfowl and plant growth.

C. Fires:

One small grass and brush fir© occured on the refugo on May 24. This fire was observed by the refuge patrolmen and put out by them before it had gained much headway. As near as could be determined this fir© was carelessly set by a fisherman who trepassed over on the refuge from private property. The fir© was started just inside the refuge fence where a small creek enters. Boot tracks along the creek bank showed that a fisherman had been there the morning of the 24th. ater this fisherman was questioned on the private property where he was fishing, but dinied having been over the refuge boundary. Approximately three quarters of an acre was burned over, mostly in dry understudy. Several patches of willows vrere killed out by the fir© burning in the understudy.

A separate report on this small fire is attached to this report.

11. WILDLIFE

A. Y/aterbirds:

Through February- and the month of %roh approximately 250 ducks remained in the spring heads at the east end of the refuge where the trumpeter swan winter. These were approximately of the following species.

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Americem Golden-eye 126 j Barrov/'s Golden-eye 75; Mallard 50 • These birds remaining on the refuge at this time were feeding on the grain along with the trumpeter swan*

On February 23 one old Scfetyr duck was observed in the spring heads which was the only open water. Tjjiis is the only record of the old Squaw duck to be observed on the refuge.

The last few days of -^rch and the first part of April most of the miSra^ ducks and certain other species of birds made their appearance on the refuge. Between jipril 1 andJLO the following species of ducks showed upj GanvafelSack; Gadwall; Shovellori Lesser^caupj Widgeon; Bufftehead; PinEail; American Merganser; Rgd-breastei Merganser. The Green-wCnged Teal First mad© its appearance on March 22nd. This was the first species of any of the ducks to show up on the refuge during the spring of 1940.

The first migration dates for other species of birds a^.e as follows: Great Blue Heron April 9thj SandhiJJL Gran© April 7th; Killdeer March 27th; Long-billedJ5urlew April 9th; Avooet April 19th; Western Wiilet April 22nd; Wilson Phaiarope May 3rd; Western Sandpiper May 3rd; Califomia'Gull March 21st; For^ster^s Tern May 10th; American Bittern April 25th; Eared Grebe April 1st.

y Waterfowl during the spring of 1940 reached their peak concentration April 20th. Although the main lakes were not fully free of ice there was con­siderable open water in the grassy areas of the refuge where the waterfowl seem to concentrate feeding on plant seeds.

From 70 to 120 trumpeter swan remained in the spring heads thru February and March. As soon as the first thaw set in these birds started moving out of the spring heads and over the r efuge in general looking for open water areas. By the first of April they were well scattered over the refuge mostly in pairs.

B# Groups:

Waterfowl: In comparison with the previous year not as many ducks migrated through the refuge or remained to nest during the summer. As near as can be estimated the migrant and nesting ducks were about 10 to 15 "percent less than the previous year. The decrease seemed to be among the non-diving species more so than the diving species. There was a noticeable lack of mallard, spponbill, pintail and cinnamon teal. Very few oanvasbaok remained to nest on the refuge as also was the condition with the Red'head. Lessor Scaup was the most ooraraon nesting duck during the summer of 1940 among the diving species. Gacte/lill led the non-diving species.

There was no loss during the winter among the trumpeter swan from starvation or predators and it can be assumed that the same numbers nostod as the year previous. Since no count was made by the National Park Service during the summer of 1940 there is no accurate record for this year. However, from observations made by Rangers in the Park and from the count mad© on the

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refuge there is in the neighborhood of 200 to 212 trumpeter swan. Fires in the Park prevented personnel from making their count in August as planned. The count on the refuge and adjacent areas showed a total of 74 adults and 54 cygnets. This with the three adults each on the Elk and Malheur refuges which were tranferred the year bbfore makes a total of 80 adults and 54 cygnets. From observations mad© in the -^ark it v/as esti­mated there were between 57 and 78 swan.

Shorebirds s One pair of avocets again nested on the refuge during the summer of 1940. This is the second time that these birds have nested on the refuge. It is hoped that in time a large colony of these birds will be nesting on the refuge. Other shorebirds found on the refuge nested in about the same numbers, some j^f these include the following; Wilson'Phala-ropej Yfilson^'snipoj Western billet; Kill^eer and Long-billed Curlew.

On September 5th the first Black-Allied plover, Sandeiiing, Least a^d Western Sandpiper, and Itobl^cT'Cxodwit was observed on the refuge. These birds all seemed to leave again by October 10th.

Cranes & Coots; As near as could be estimated 30 pairs of sandhill cranes nested on the refuge during the summer of 1940. The cranes seem to be ^lowly increasing since there seems to be a few more on the refuge now than in previous years. With the elimination of the coyote from the refuge these birds should show an increase. During the period the young cranes are unable to fly they can readily be picked up by a lurking coyote since they inhabit and feed in the higher meadows •

Large numbers of coots nested on the refuge during the summer of 1940. If any thing coot was more numerous than the previous two years. Several thousand coots nested on the refuge.

Waterfowl Cont; Migrant ducks began to arrive from the north all through the month of July. Around the first of August thousands of migrant ducks were on the refuge. The fall migration continued through most of the month of August. They seemed to reach their peak around August 25th. At this time it was estimated there were between 225,000 and 250,000 ducks "on the refuge. Pintails were most predominate. The last few days in August and the first part of September saw great numbers of the fall migrants leave the refuge for southern areas. It was not uncommon at this time to observe huge flocks of ducks leave the lakes and fly southward through the mountain passes. Most of the migrant ducks that pulled out did so Just about sun-down and about dark. By September 15 the duck population on the refuge was less than half what it was at the beginning of the month and around August 25th. By the first of October it was estimated that not over 25,000 ducks were on the entire refuge. A large number of these continued to leave and by the 10th of October hunters were wondering what had happened to the ducks since only a a few hundred could be seen over the entire lower lake which is the open portion of the refuge. Usually the ducks remain longer than they did during the fall of 1940 but it was the concensus of most of observers that the heavy rains all through the month of September caused the ducks to leave the more open lakes for shallow pools formed in fields, meadows and grain areas.

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By October 29 when ice started forming on the refuge very few ducks were remaining* Although the majority left in September and the early part of October what few hunared did remain left before November 1 due to ice covering a lot of the water area of the refuge* By October 31st it was estimated that there were less than 3000 ducks on the entire refuge* Most of these were newly arrived and were concentrated in the open water areas surrounded by ice*

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Gulls Terns: Two colonies of Black and Forester's terns nested on Swan lake and the lower lake during the summer of 1S40* Bobh of these colonies seemed to be larger than in previous years* By October 1st both species of the two nesting terns had left the refuge*

Two species o£ gulls were very common from about the time the ice left the refuge the latter part of -kpril up until ice formed again around October 29th* These gulls the King-billed and California were in about the same numbers as in previous years*

Herons: The Great Blue Heron and the Black-crowned night heron along with the American'Bittern nested in about the same numbers as in previous years* The Great Blue nested quite extensively in the trees bordering along the north shore of the upper lake* The Great Blue can be seen thru-out the entire summer or from May 15th to October 1st along the streams of the refuge where they no doubt feed quite heavy on trout*

Food & Cover.

As in the past four years the vegetative cover on the refuge made excellent growth* Carex was very dense* Since most of the ranchers have left the area grazing is at a minimum with the result that the vegetation yearly gets more dense* Considerable dry or dead vegetation is accumulating* Sufficient water up to August provided an excellent growth* During the mtnhh of August a great deal of the vegetation turned brown due to lack of rains* Later in September which was a very wet month fresh green growth started again*

The lakes of the refuge were full of aquatic growth through the entire summer of 1940* There was sufficent food to harbor thousands of more ducks and other bird life than was found on the refuge* A considerable amount of potoraogeton was planted on the refuge* However, even with what was planted the potomogeton growth was not as heavy as it should be* The swans feed practically entirely on the tubers of potomogeton* It seems that the potomo­geton growth during the summers of 1939 and 1940 has not been as heavy as in 1938 and years previous* Water milfoil made excellent growth during the summer of 1940* This was by far the most predominate species of aquatic growth in the lakes , .,#1 .

It was noted for the first time in August of 1940 that the introduced -J Sagittaria made excellent growth especially along the south shore of the . t upper lake* Swans and ducks seemed to relish this plant more so thafn the/ % Q native plants* As soon as the herb shaped leaves apeared on the surface of the water they were plucked off* It was noted that the swan pulled the entire plants up by the roots* It is hoped that this species can be more extensively planted in the future in view of the fact that that the swans and ducks seemed to relish it so well*

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Disease

There TArere no signs of botulism ajnong the water fowl on the refuge from February October 31st. With the cold water on the refuge it is doubtful if botulism will incubate on the refuge.

No loss among the swan was noticed during the period of this report from lead poisoning. Refuge personnel have been on the look-out for lead poisoning among the swan in view of the fact that hunting is permitted in the fall of the year on the lower lake. Due to the fact that no lead poisoning as yet has oocured among the swan it is the belief the lead disintegrates or sinks to far in the mud over the winter months while the lakes are covered with ice. By spring time appraently the lead has disappeared.

Several ducks were found dead around the lake shores during the month of August. From all indications these few ducks had died of lead poisoning contracted on other areas, '^he fact that these birds were found during August when the peak migration was reached leads one to believe the lead was picked up by the birds on their southward movements on other areas it having taken effect on the ducks after arriving on the Red Rook Lakes Refuge.

S Upland Game Birds.

The sage^hen on the refuge area seemed to increase slightly during the summer of 1940. It is noticed that more birds can be found on the refuge than on the adjacent areas. Adequate protection and elimination of the coyote is no doubt responsible for the increase. Large numbers of sge hens continued to occupy or inhabit the area between the two lakes. Previous to the last two years the sage hen was not found on this particular area.

Several small flocks of Columbian Sharp-tailed grouse were observed from February to October on the refuge. It is difficult as yet to determine whether these birds are increasing very fast or not since they inhabit the heavy brushy parts of the refuge.'It is the beliefs of refuge personnel that these birds are slowly increasing, if any thing they are holding their own.

From^ebruarj'- until October very little change was noticed amang the Grey uffed Grouse. This speoies appeared to be battling to hold its own. Their numbers have been very much reduced for various reasons possibly by heavy grazing by sheep in years past. Since their numbers are few it will require many years for them to oome back. Only a portion of the refuge which includes the brushy areas on the south and east sides of the refuge is adapted to the ruffed grouse.

Big Game Animals. I I t

Observations were made right along of the moose from February to October. It was definetly determined that the moose remain through the entire winter on the refuge since several were observed. It is difficult to know exactly the number on the refuge* It is the opinion of refuge personnel and residents living close to the refuge that the moose are increasing. With the establishment of the refuge they are assured of close protection, furthermore their habitat has improved with the elimination of livestock from the area they inhabit. The latter part of October two large bull moose were observed along the highway at the east end of the refuge

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Persons who have seen these bull moose state they have never observed bull moose any larger. It is estimated that theit weight will exceed a ton. One of these bull moose which was stampeded by an automobile along the road-way plunged sideways through the refuge fence breaking all five strands of wire, breaking off two fence posts completely and loosening several others. Since there is very little chance of cattle trespassing at the east end of the refuge it is planned as a WPA project to remove the top wire and cut off the fence posts. This will lower the fence so that moose will have very little trouble in jumping the fence.

Mule^deer were observed right along "through the summer months. Several head moved into the brushy areas during the summer a short distance below refuge hdqts. These animals are holding their own no appreciable increase has been noted.

j ^ During June and July five heaqof antelope were observed right along

on the refuge on the northeast part. They were observed at one time within a few hundred yards of swan lake. This is the first time the antelope have been observed this low down in the meadows, hey usually inhabit the sand­hill areas farther north and off the refuge. They apparently moved on to the refuge due to feed and lack of grazing. A few more antelope were observed during the summer.of 1940 than in any previous year showing that these animals are moving in from other areas. Some nine head were observed while in past years not more than five have been observed.

Fur Bearing Animals.

The muskrat received complete protection against trapping during the winter of 1939 and 1940 due to a closed order of the Montana Gam© Commission. In years past trappers have made it a practice to trap the muskrat thru holes in the ice. In August and October more muskrat houses were seen on the lower lake than in any previous time since the refuge was established, showing that with protection they are increasing. A closed order was again issued during October Of 1940 to protect the rats during the winter of 1940 and 1941. It is hoped that in time a siZeabl© population will result for the benefit of the trumpeter swan which use the rat houses for nesting sites. After several more years of protection a limited number of muskrats can be taken each year under a ooopertiv© program of the Fish & Wildlife Service and the Montana State Game Commission.

5rs continued to show an increase the past summer over the entire refuge. With protection afforded them and an ideal habitat free of molest­ation the badger has responded rapidly. Badger diggings or holes are becoming very numerous over the entire refuge.

^ Other fur-bearers which seemed to show an increase were the beaver and mink. More of these animals were observed during the spring, summer and fall of 1940 along the streams of the refuge than in any previous year. Th© beaver in particular built many new dams along Red Rock and O-Dell creeks. With the increase shown among the beaver it may be desirabiii in time to trap and trans­plant them to tdsher areas* Fish are handicapped in moving up stream due to th© height of the beaver dams. Considerable v/ater was backed up in O-Dell creek by beaver activity during the summer of 1940. Several new dams were constructed along this creek.

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Control.

X A total of 34 coyotes were taken on the refuge and adjacent areas

from February 1940 to June 1940» These were taken by a trapper paid partly by the Works Progress Administration and the Montana Livestock Association. Following is a tabulation by months of the coyotes taken:

Month Adults Pups

February 3 March 11 April 3 May 2 5 June 1 9

A total of twelve of the above were prime furs and were sold thru District Agent Bateman^ office, the proceeds being turned over to the cooperating agencies.

Since the coyote was well in hand it was dot deemed advisable to keep a trapper stationed about the refuge from July on. he adult coyotes were talcen traps while the pups wore taken by denning. Control work on other species of predators was not underta^®^*

^'ish.

The streams of the refuge held up very well up until August of 1940. During August very little precipitation fell and along with irrigation water diverted by ranchers ODell and Red Rock Creeks fell to an all time low record. 'ilhe other streams of the refuge remained constant. Fish were able to fair well, however, since they concentrated in the large beaver pools along the streams. During August the best fishing was found by fisherman in the beaver ponds indicating the fish were in these places.

No fish were planted in the streams of the refuge from February until October or above the refuge by the State Game Department or by Federal Agencies. Fish population seemed to hold up well even with heavy continuous fishing. I'he natural propagation of the Eastern brook in particular was sufficient for the amount of fishing on the refuge streams.

One large rainbow trout taken a few miles below the refuge v/eighed 13 pounds and 8 ounces. This is the largest trout taken for many years in the vicinity of the refuge.

Ill REFUGE DEVELOPMENT & MA-HiTEKACE

Physical Development:

Jack Fence Material: During February aroh and part of April a total of 4705 jack fence legs and posts were cut in the timber bordering the refuge. These were all cut from lodge-pole pine. 11 hey were out for length and later

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mortised ready for installation. During the winter months when other work could not be undertaken this was one of the main jobs# Suffioeint jack fence material was obtained for fencing some 8 miles ofr boundary fence# The ^aoks will be used across those portions of the refuge boundary where swampy conditions are encountered# Straight set posts heave or push out of the ground by the winters frost# The jacks were cut and mortised according to Forest Service Specifications# A total of 13 WPA men assisted in this work#

Rails: A total of 2981 rails were out in the timber and skidded to Hdqts along with the jack fence material# These rails will b© used along the top forks of the jack fence as a rider rail and for bracing# A total of 13 WPA assisted with this work#

Sign Construction: From February until warm weather set in three large shild and main Hdqts entrance signs were completed# These were constructed out of 2-3/4 inch tongue and groove lumber# All letters were incised and painted white# The words Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service was put on all signs# These signs were later erected and are a credit to the refuge# Two WPA men assisted in this work# There was also constructed 6 designation and directional signs for various points on the refuge# Also 18 moose jump signs were constructed#

Painting Refuge Equipments From February until April the following refuge equipment was cleaned and painted yellow and green in a ccordance with refuge instructions# Road grader; Rd4 tractor; Rollover scraper; Disc harrow; Three bottom plow; Disc plow and three trailers# Two WPA men assisted with this painting#

Building & Hdqts Improvements; During the period of this report the Patrolman^ residence was" cleaned up. Hew wall-paper was put on two rooms and ceilings# The outside grounds were cleaned up. The front main room of the main refuge ^qts was revamished, kitchen was also re-painted# Native dwarf juniper was planted about Hdqts drive-ways etc#

Roads & Trails; A total of 74 loads of gravel was hauled and put on refuge trails leading to the interior of the refuge# Graveland dirt was also hauled a round base of look-out tower# Three T/PA men assisted with this work#

Fences Removed; A total of ©J- miles of old fence was removed on the interior of therefuge while ice still covered the refuge# It was necessary to remove this fence during the winter due to swampy conditions after the thaw# Three WPA men assisted with this work#

Fences Repaired; A total of 3g- miles of fence was repaired in the spring# This fence became broekn due to the winters heavy snow# Two 1{PA men assisted with this work#

Razing Old Buildings; Five old sheds and buildings were razed during the period of this report# These were removed from tract 27 which was last acquired# Three YffA men assisted with this work#

Building Repairs; Two buildings on tract 27 were checked over and fixed up. Walls were straightened, doors and windows repaired, fldor and roof repairs and other work done. These buildings are leased annualy to

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the Butana Hunting club as an over night cabin during the hunting season.

Walkway: Two hundred yards of board walkway was constructed on the shore of the lower lake leading out to the edge of the vegetation where boats are left. This walkway is 24 inches wide and is built on large 10 inch logs twelve inches above water line. This walkway was built with refuge personnel assistance.

Boundary Fence; A total of 505 rods of new jack fence was con­st ructeS^biTTEe^ast^'side of the refuge thru sv/ainpy areas. The panels are one rod apart. Bracing is put in every 10 rods. Five wires were put on one side besides the top rider rail. One wire was put on the opposite side. AiSo 130 rods of striaght type fence was put in. Nine V/PA men assisted with this work.

Telephone Line: A total of 204 telephone poles were skidded out of the timber, barked and trimmed and ready for oreosoting. These poles will be used later for strenghtening the present telephone line to Monida.

Irrigation Ditching: A total of llj miles of ditches were cleaned out with the refuge tractor and Chattin ditcher. These ditches will average in depth from 2||- to 3 feet and from 4 to 5 feet across. Water was turned in some of these ditches for flooding low refuge lands and potholes. Many more miles of ditches will have to be cleaned as tine will permit. Twp VilPA men and one regular man did this ditching work.

Misc. Work: Considerable other work of a raise nature was done, borne of this work is as follows: Construction of 200 foot fill 4 feet in depth and 16 feet across. This fill runs across a wet area in a small ravine and will permit access to parts of the refuge that was otherwise difficult to reach. Pipe guard rail was put in leading to Service basement to prevent accidents. Refuge boat>ss were thnroughly gone over and repaired and painted. Hdqts were cleaned up of -weeds and small ditches for irrigation put in; Assistance was given surveyors in surveying refuge boundary. ?/ood was cut for service building; WPA camps were repaired and put in shape.etc.

Plantings;

Aquatic Plants; The following aquatic plants were planted on the refuge as ToTlows: Scirpus acutus "seeds, 25 pounds received from the B^ar River Refuge were planted June 5, 1940, around the shores of the upper and lower lakes and swan lake. Potomogeton pectinatus' seeds, 1200 founds re­ceived from the Bear River Refuge were planted June 10, 1940, around the shores and islands of the upper and lower lakes and swan lake. Sagittaria seed, 65 founds received from the Squaw creek Refuge rwere planted June V, 1940, around the shores of the upper lake south east corner and the lower lake west, south and southeast comers.

Marsh Plants: Wild millet seed, 314 pounds received from the Arrowwood Refuge were planted June 7, 1940, on the so uth shore of the lower lake, north scores of the river between the two lakes, along elk spring creek and the ponds above. Smartweed Seed, 238 ipounds received from Crescent lake and Swan lake refuges was planted June 8, 1940, along the river outlet lower la^e. Mouth of ODell creek, south shore of lower lake and along Elk spring and Red Rock Creeks.

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Treesj Russian Olive seedlings, 5000 were received from the Pullman Vfashing^on'nursery was planted during the first part of May along the south, southeast and east sides of the refuge# Although 5000 was supposed to have been shipped an actual oount after planting showed only 3392- or 1608 short.

From observations made during the summer and fall of 1940 the Olives did not fair so well. These seedlings were very sraall and a large number of them seemed to die out before taking root. Of tSnose planted in previous years none of them have survived the cold frigid winters. Ihe future planting of Russian olive should be abandoned in favor of other species that may possibly survive. ,

Excellent growth was made with the sagittaria along the south shore of the upper lake. Swan and ducks readily fed on this species after it made its appearance. ihe potomogeton, millet and smartweed also seemed to fair well and additional plantings of these species should be made in the future.

Collections Distribution etc< A total of 48 species of plants were collected pressed and sent to The Putuxent Research Refuge for the Services herbarium. These include the following species; YarW, Lupine, Blue bunch fescue. Mountain June grass. Wild buck wheat. Wild onion, Grolden rod, Violet bunch wheat grass, Giant lark spur, Bedstraw,'Kentucky blue grass, Timothy, Foxtail grass, Muhly grass, Shruby oinquefoil. Arnica, Upland sage. Marsh cord grass. Needle and thread grass. Rabbit brush. Gentian violet. Beak Sage, Mountain brome grass, Redtop grass, Astor, Tetradymia, Gaillardia, Trident sage. Nova sage, Posralea, Blue bucn wheat grass, Indian paint brush. Wild mint. Mares tail, Astor, Low sage, Shadscale, Senecio, Noseating rabbit brush. Grease wood, Snowberry, Siver sage, bBullrush, Water milfoil. Marsh cord grassy

No collection or distribution of planting material was made from Feb­ruary to October.

Bird Speoimeni«: On© April 25, 1940, the skeleton of a trumpeter adult swan was' sent "to Mr. S. R. Kalmbach, Food Habits Laboratory, Denver, Colorado, as an addition to the Bureau^ collectiono This skeleton came from a swan that had died on the refuge earlier in the year.

IV Public Relations.

Recreational Uses: A total of 42 individuals used the refuge camp or picnic grounds from February 1, to October 31, 1940. Most use by the individulas was during the months of June and July. More camping fisherman used the camp grounds than in any previous time. A large number of tourists passing thru the refuge area also used the camp grounds as an overnight stopping place.

f j Fishing: A total of 161 man ' fishing days was enjoyed by Fisherman

in the refuge streams and adjacent streams during the period of this report. Most fishing took place between June 15 and August 15. More non-resident or out of State Fisherman fished on the refuge streams during the summer of 1940 than in any previous time. As nears as could be estimated the average catch per man fishing day was between 9 and 11 fish. Eastern^rook was by far the predominate fish taken with Montana greyling second.

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sS / • V Hunting: From October 1, to October 31, 1940, there were a total of

224 man days "of hunting on the open area of the refuge# Of these 164 days was by organized club members and 60 days by the public in general or those not belonging to oganized clubs# A total of .llOfT ducks and 3 geese were taken which is an average of 4#946 birds per man day# Oadwall led all other species in the numbers taken with Lesser scaup second# Out of the 31 days hunters were able to shoot 28 days when the area was free of ice# Partial ice existed for a total of 3 days# First ice was on October 29th»

A complete and separate report covering the entire hunting season together with a list of species killed is being submitted#

Yisitorg: The following officials of the Fish & "ildlife Service visited tne iied Rook Lakes Refuge during the period of this report# Mr# Foster and MTi Fuqua spent part of a day looking over the refuge from a fish standpoint during June; Mr# Kubichek spent two days in July taking pictures of the trumpeter swan; Mr# Gustafson spent one day looking over refuge equipment; MT# Krummes and Mr# Kreager spent part of a day looking over the refuge and going over IT/PA and other matters with refuge personneli MT# Winsor made two trips to look over enginneering work; Mr# Rasmussen of Logan, Utah, spent part of a day looking over the bird life on the refuge# Mr# Henry of the Souris refuge and Mr# Connors of Tumbull refuge each spent part of a day one the refuge as did also Mr# Seth Low#

A large number of visitors from Eastern colleges and from the east in general also visitied the refuge during the summer of 1940# Most of these visitors were touring Yellowstone Park and stopped at the refuge to observe the Trumpeter swan# Mr# R# H# Hill of Cleveland, Ohio^ spent two days on the refuge taking pictures of the trumpeter SVT&XL and making observations#

Violations: During the period of this report no violations of a major nature came to the attention of refuge personnel# Several times livestock acoidently got on to the refuge but were removed by the owners when advised of the trespass# Hunters adhered to the sun-rise shooting time very well#

V# Economic Uses of Refuge. )

Grazing: A total of |158#63 was realized from grazing privileges during the period of this report# A total of |90.63 of this amount was for permit of Mr# E# B# Roe for grazing apprroxiraately 3^ sections of land in conjunction with the Grazing Service on the mountain slopes south of the lower lake# Under the Grazing Service permit Mr# Roe was permitted to run 1200 head of cattle on 19 sections of land# i'he entire area of Grazing Service and refuge land was grazed to close due to the excess number of cattle# A reconnaisanoe survey was made in September by the Grazing Service and it is hoped that the number of head of cattle permited in the future will be considerablly lews than in 1940# A total of $68.00 of the $158.63 realized was received from F# C# Martin for grazing 136 head of cattle for one month on approximately one section of land between the two lakes. One could hardly tell that grazing .had been perraittqd after one month due to the amount of grass available# ^he fee under the latter permit was at the rate of 50/ per head per month#

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Haying: Only one hay harvesting permit was requested during the period of this report. This was by Mr. G# A. Buck, looal rancher who requested a permit to harvest 200 tons of hay. Thirty days ajfter the hay was harvested it was measured by refuge personnel and there was found to be a total of 128.66 tons. This hay was paid for at the rate of |1.00 per ton making a total of $128.66 realized from this source. Due to other ranchers having left the region of the refuge no other permits were re­quested during the summer of 1940. This 128.66 tons of hay was harvested from approximately i section of hay land. Only portions of heavy density was cut.

Building Occupancyt A total of $75.00 was received during the period of this report from February 1, to October 31, for building rent. Of this 150.00 was received from the Idle-wild hunting club in May and $25.00 from the Butana Hunting ^lub in September for^annual rent on cabins as an over night stopping place during the hunting season.

Vegetation Cover-Mapping: On© student Assistant was again assigned to the Red Hook lakes hefuge On July 1, 1940, and continued until October 31, 1940. During this time the r0fuge cover mapping project was completed. Considerable work was necessary due to the terrain of the refuge in General. Field sectioa maps are now in the prowess of being completed together/cftscri] ive notes to accompany the maps.

Swan Studies; Investigations were continued during the period of this report on the trumpeter swan. It is hoped that in time a complete report can be issued covering data on the life history of this bird.

Surveys s During the month of September 1940, a survey was made by the Division of Land Acquisition of of approximately four sections of land for boundary purposes. Most of the land surveyed was on the mountain slopes in the extreme northeast portion of the refuge. With these surveys completed fencing of the boundary can be undertaken.

Land Titles; During February 1940, final title was obtained to tract 27 which was formerly the Idle-mid Hunting Club tract. Title was obtained under delcaration of taking of which possession was granted by the Federal Courts.

Photographs; Construction photographs were taken right along during the spring and summer of 1940# of work being done with WPA assistance. These photographs were submitted along with monthly WPA narrative reports and none are included with this report. A lar^e number of trumpeter swan pictures were taken of both adults and cygnets© These will be submitted separate from this narrative report.

VI. INVESTIGATIONS, RESEARCH

Vll. GENERAL.

11/18/40 Submitted

Refuge Manager.

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