Division of Wildlife Refuses

'^armtlve Beguru RciTtl'->g Slig

RefiiQg LOSTWOOD Tear 1964

CM^f-s •Zfflaet Mr. OiUbett

Mr. Sfeim^ish

Mr® Ackerlmedtit

Wildlife? Mr® Balloa (Qj- Webster •efiS?5S»«6eK3siBriK*v#ax<"n jy&i -̂ t.

Reeources s Mr® Stollbers iir. lasib

Xnterpretatioos Mru ButfaPt Mr. Moneaa

I I IHIIIlH I ''' I iiIMIIIII^I I&/Zc,

_ Mr. Syjeoeatos.

• U-l-LT

Mr. Stiles

Mr. Brltt

Mr-. CloMisan

MYn

NARRATIVE REPORT

196U

LObTWOOD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

&

WATERFOWL PRODUCTION AREAS

Permanent Personnel

Ned I. Peabody - Refuge Manager

Donald M. Lee - Maintenanceman

Temporary Personnel

Stephan W. Capel 5/k - 9/k (Wildlife Aid)

Lowell H. Vaage 5/l8 - 9/2^ (Truck Driver)

Darrie L. Lindberg 9/l5 - 9/2ii (Laborer)

LaVem E. Cnrest 9/29 - 12/1 (Laborer)

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

LOSTWOOD, NORTH DAKOTA

C O N T E N T S Page

I. General A. Weather Conditions 1-2 B. Habitat Conditions

1. Water ..2 2. Food and Cover 3

II. Wildlife A. Migratory Birds 3-^-5-6-7 B. Upland Game Birds 7„8 C. Big Game Animals 8 D. Fur Animals, Predators, Rodents, and

Other Mammals 9 E. Hawks, Eagles, Owls, Crows, Ravens,

and Magpies 2.0 F. Other Birds ]_o G. Fish. iq H. Reptiles 20 I. Disease............. ^0

III. Refuge Development and Maintenance A. Physical Development 11-12-13-lii B. Plantings C. Collections and Receipts D. Control of Vegetation 1^ E. Planned Burning 2.1; F. Fires...... 1^-0.5

TV. Resource Management A. Grazing. 15-16 B. Haying. 2.6 C. Fur Harvest. D. Timber Removal... E. Commercial Fishing... ^ F. Other Uses. 2^

V. Field Investigation or Applied Research A, Canada Goose Restoration PrasBam 16-17-18-19 B, Pothole Vegetation Control Sti^ 19 Q a Characteristics of Waterfow], JP#redation 19-20-21 D, Cooperative Insecticide Stu^y,,.,, 21-22 E.

VI. Public Relations A. Recreational Uses 22 B. Refuge Visitors 22-23 C. Refuge Participation 21; D. Hunting, 21-25 E. Violations 25-26 F. Safety. 26-27

VII. Other Items A. Items of Interest 27-28 B. Photographs End of Report C. Signature • • • 38

Waterfowl Production Areas and Easements 29 to 37

I

I. GENERAL

A. Weather Conditions.

Month Precipitation Normal Snowfall

Max. Temp.

Min. Temp.

January OS .47 10.6 -26

February olO .43 2.9 4o -22

Marqh •h? .76 9.1 56 -26

April 1.17 1.23 5.3 72 16

May l.ii9 2.20 93 25

June 6.08 3.50 91 28

July 3.66 2.05 89 44

August 1.29 1.67 ' 93 27

September 1.99 1.30 T 86 20

October .06 .81 .2 83 10

November .51 8.5 63 -28

December .58 .44 7.2 32 -26

Annual Totals 17o68 15.37 43.8 Extremes 93 -28

January and February with mean temperatures of 12.8 and 19.3 tively, were unusually warm, but March with a mean temperature of only 111,8 was much colder than normal« Maximum snow cover of 12 inches, occ-uring in January, gradually disappeared to one inch by the first part of March, and eight inches of additional snow received in March also grad­ually disappeared without any appreciable run-off until the ground was bare on April <?•

The last spring frost occurred on June 1 and the summer was relatively cool and wet. Precipitation totaling 12.5 inches was recorded on 60 of the 123 days during the period of May through August, the very same number of days as in 1963, but the light showers did little to restore extremely

low water levels. Hail accompanied by strong winds caused considerable crop damage in the general area during the latter part of July, and farmers adjacent to the northeast boundary of the refuge suffered 50-100 percent loss of small grain crops.

The first frost of fall occurred on August 12 with 27 degree tenp-erature, resulting in a heavy loss of garden crops and the little field com grown in the area. Hot, dry winds prevailing throughout September and October, with only .06 inches of precipitation received during the latter month, resulted in a se/vere depletion of surface soil moisture, with fallow and stubble fields remaining to dry to freeze up. Blizzard conditions with drifting and blowing snow prevailed throughout December, and the mean temperature of -1.11 was approximately 1t3 degrees below normal. t3.o

The annual precipitation totaled 17.68 inches, 2.31 inches above normal, but only .02 inches higher than in 1963. The annual mean temp­erature of 37.18 was slightly below normal, and the frost-free period of only 71 days was far below normal. Fourteen inches of snow blanketed the ground at the end of the year, and the total annual snowfall of U3»8 inches was the greatest recorded in over ten years.

All weather data was collected at the refuge headquarter1s official weather station.

B. Habitat Conditions.

1. Water.

A combination of dry surface soil condition and a very slow spring thaw resulted in a negligible spring run-off, and excellent grass cover throughout the refuge prohibited run-off of the light showers received in May through August. Approximately 35 percent of the U50 potholes on the six square mile study area were dry by the first of June. Approximately 75 percent of the potholes on the same area were completely dry by the first of August and the majority of the remaining potholes held only several inches of water and became dry in several weeks or less. An estimated 95 percent of all refuge potholes and sloughs were dry at freeze up, which will adversely affect waterlevel conditions in 1965.

As in 1963, dense stands of emergent aquatic vegetation, primarily white top (Schloachloa festucacoa) and sedges (Garex spp.) completely choked the majority of potholes by the end of June, and discouraged water­fowl utilization.

All refuge lakes were completely free of ice by April 28, and were again frozen over on November 19, hoth dates several weeks later tnan normal. Water levels in the larger lakes continued to drop during the year, with the small islands in Upper Lostwood and School Section lakes in­creasing substantially in size.

3

Food and Cover.

Despite increased snow cover of up to 12 inches in depth during the first part of the year, there appeared to be no severe stress or hardsnip on most wildlife in their search for food and cover. A far greater number of observations of upland game oirds and deer feeding on exposed slopes of stubble and fallow fields was noted throughout February.

The production of desirable aquatic vegetative food was greatly reduced in potholes by the choking action of dense stands of emergents and the extremely poor water levels. The reduced water levels in the larger water areas appeared to favor the growth of submergents, as large sticks or vegetative beds were more apparent in most of the lakes and larger sloughs.

Excellent nesting cover, remaining from the optimum vegetative growth of 1963, was available for early nesting waterfowl species and upland game birds. The slow spring thaw with resultant infiltration of water into the soil favored the growth of upland vegetative cover, which was further enhanced by the above normal precipitation received from May through July. Range conditions remained excellent on even the moder­ately grazed units, and should provide excellent nesting cover again next spring. Canada thistle increased tremendously during the past three wet summers and heavily invaded most stands of buckbrush.

The production of flax and small grain on surrounding farmland was generally good to excellent, and waste grain from harvest and loss from lodging and hail damage provided excellent food for waterfowl and upland game birds. Small flocks of mallards were responsible for two depredation complaints, but the relatively low mallard population in the Coteau decreased rapidly following the completion of harvest operations.

Despite the excellent growth of native legumes, forbs, roses, and brush species, food and cover conditions were very poor during Dec­ember due to the drifting and crusting of heavy snow cover. Severe blizzards in the latter part of November and throughout December drastically decimated pheasant populations throughout the southwest portion of the state, and the existence of good grouse and partridge populations in this area is threatened.

II. WILDLIFE.

Migratory Birds.

1. Waterfowl.

A small group of six Whistling Swan, first observed on April 16, utilized the Thompson Lakes for over a month and departed on May 9. A group of six Whistling Swan were again sighted on Upper Thompson Lake on September 28, but the population soon peaked at Y00 birds, a new refuge record, and established a record 2Lj710 use days for the fall period.

It

An age ratio cotmt conducted Octooer 16, period of the population peak, revealed only 6 percent of the population were young birds of the year. The Thompson Lakes received over 75 percent of the total utilization. Major use was also noted on Upper Lostwood and School Section Lakes and Knudson and Rock Sloughs.

Migration of Canada geese was first observed on April 1, and eight flyers with bands landed in the headquarters goose pen on that date. Mating activity in the captive flock started in earnest during the middle of March and the flock was released into the large goose pen on April 10. Two Canada goose broods of 10 and 3 each were observed in the captive pen on June 2, and a brood of six goslings hatched on the same date on pot­hole #10, section 33, T-160-N., R-91-W. One nest was discovered on a platform island in Jerry's Slough, but it was not definitely determined if the nest hatched or was destroyed, although the latter is suspected. Two goose broods of six and eight each were observed on Dead Dog Slough on June 11, and on June 22, and three broods of six, six and eight each were observed on Upper Lostwood Lake. Four broods were observed on this lake several days later, with one brood of six several weeks younger than all other observed broods. It is therefore known that at least six broods with a total of 39 goslings were hatched on the refuge. Non-captive broods continued to utilize the chain of water areas from Dead Dog Slough to Upper Lostwood Lake. Eleven of the captive goslings were banded, two escaped by flight, and several unsuccessful attempts were made to trap the non-captive broods on Knudson Slough.

Utilization by Canada geese doubled that of the fall of 1963, but a 95 percent decrease from the 1963 record utilization of White-fronted geese accounted for a 53 percent decrease in total goose use days. All of the larger lakes were used for resting, but the daily feeding flights in all directions formed no definite patterns.

Mallard and Pintails were first observed on April 1, and ducks peaked at 11,210 birds during the spring migration. Peak population and total use day data during the spring period for the past five years is listed in the following chart.

Census techniques to determine the refuge waterfowl breeding population and production were the same as used for the past five years. The total refuge breeding population was calculated from data collected on the May 27 to June 3 mated pair counts of the six square mile refuge study area. A brood beat-out census of the same area was conducted on August ii-5 to determine the productivity rate for each species. Brood beat-out data is corrected for broods flying before and hatched after the census, from data collected on two weekly brood chronology census routes. Refuge production is then calculated by applying the productivity rate determined for each species to the established breeding populations, multiplied by average brood size for each species. Population data for the past five years is tabulated in the following chart.

WATERFOWL UTILIZATION AND PRODUCTION 196ii

5 lear 1959 I960 1961 ' 1962 1963 Average 1961;

Peak Concentration 3,280 1,850 17,190 21,595 5,ll5 9,^06 11,210 Spring Period

Duck Use Days 58,729 35,700 160,601 22U,525 12l;,liii5 120,800 173,670 Spring Period

Total Refuge 1;,128 6,708 U,ll6 2,U8U 7,680 5,023 5,8l5 Breeding Pop.

Ave. Productivity 3h% 1$% 12.U9.3^ 12.5^' 36.6^ lU.2^ Rate All Species

Total Refuge 5,870 lh,U00 1,376 3,570 2,766 5,596 2,085 Production

Peak Concentration 3,780 18,060 13,690 19,580 38,100 18,81|2 13,i470 Fall Period

Duck Use Days 1^6,1^0 708,250 UU2,875 820,U72 1,073,8^3 638,316 562,1+30 Fall Period

6

Species composition of the 1961; breeding population, listed in order of abundance, included Blue-winged Teal, Mallard, Gadwall, Pintail, Shoveler, Ruddy duck. Redhead, Canvasback, Green-winged Teal, Baldpate, and Scaup, with the first five species composing 80 percent of the popul­ation. As the previous chart indicates, production was the poorest since 1961. The breeding population was slightly above, but refuge production decreased 63 percent from the five year average. The productivity or success rate for Mallards, Baldpate, and Green-winged Teal averaged 26.6 percent, but all other species were below 7 percent.

Mallards peaked at 9,300 birds during the last week of August, a 61 percent decrease from last fall, and the late fall flight of "northerns" never materialized. Upper Lostwood Lake again received heavy utilization ky Baldpates which peaked at over 1;,000 birds and accounted for the second greatest number of use days. Diving ducks, primarily Readheads and Canvasbacks, comprised 25 percent of the total use days during the fall period.

A breeding population of approximately 600 Coot appeared to have much greater nesting success than most duck species, with over 500 young produced, or one-fourth the number of all ducks produced. Fall migration of Coot was greatly reduced, however, with the peak population and total use days approximately one-half the number received in the fall of 1963, and far below the five year average.

2. Water Birds.

Homed, Eared, and Western Grebes were first observed on April 21;, with Pied-billed Grebes sighted a week after. Eared and Homed oecarae quite common and along with Pied-billed Grebes experienced good nesting success, A very large hatch of Eared Greoes was noted on the King's Highway brood chronology census route on July 9.

Single observations of eleven White Pelicans and two Double-crested Cormorants were made in June, and a single sighting of American Bittern was noted in mid-August.

Great Blue Herons and Black-crowned Night Herons were first observed on May 15, and a few remained in the area throughout the summer, A definite migration of both species was noted in mid-August, although refuge utilization was limited.

Sandhill Cranes were first observed on April 12, and a tremendous migration was reported to have passed through the northwest corner of the state and eastern Montana on that date. Spring migration continued through April with several thousand ooserved in flight over the refuge. The fall migration of Sandhill Cranes began the first part of September and continued intermittantly through October, with the largest flights occuring on Sept­ember i;-5, September 29, and October 25-28.

7

3» Shorebirds, Gulls and Terns,

The spring migration of most shorebirds was a little earlier than normal, and numbers were low for most species. The fall migration also appeared earlier than normal, and a peak concentration of ^000 Wilson's Phalarope was noted in mid-August,

The fall migration of Hing-billed Gulls was larger than for the past several years and peaked at about 1,000 birds toward the end of August. The peak concentration of 6,000 Franklin's Gulls observed towards the end of August was greatly decreased from the peak of U0,000 birds noted in 1963, but greater than normal,

A small nesting colony of Ring-billed Gulls and Common Tern was establisned on the largest of the small rock-covered islands in Upper Lostwood Lake, a new nesting record for the Ring-billed Gullo The island was visited on July 29 following a severe hail storm on the 27th, and approximately eight young gulls and three young terns were found dead,

U, Doves.

The first Mourning Dove was sighted at headquarters on April 15, and six were feeding at the goose feeder by the Idth, The two 20 mile dove call-count surveys were conducted on May 2? and 28 by Maintenanceman Lee, with the following results;

Route No. Doves Heard Total Calls Doves Seen lit 30 90 7 15 30 100 10

Strong winds prevailing during the dove nesting season undoubt­edly caused high nest loss, and production in this area was believed to be poor. The state-wide hunting season for doves, with a daily bag limit of 12, opened September 15 and closed October 31* The major migration had already passed through this northern portion of the state by the opening date, and very few were reported to have been taken,

B, Upland Game Birds.

The spring Sharp-tailed Grouse dancing ground census, conducted on the entire refuge during the period of April 15 to May 20, indicated a refuge population of 1,14.50 grouse or over 38 birds per square mile, the highest population since the intensive census was initiated in 1957• This 38 percent increase in 19614 followed a 314 percent increase in 1963# The average number of males per dancing ground decreased to 13.3, the lowest since I960, but was due to the estaolishment of a record number of 53 dancing grounds on the refuge.

Production appeared to be very poor, as the few broods observed were of very small size, but past experience has indicated that the number of random broods observed is not a reliable index of productivity. Very few grouse were observed throughout the summer and fall months, so it will

8

be especially interesting to see what the spring census in 1965 reveals. Additional information on Sharp-tailed Grouse populations is presented in Section V of this report.

Hungarian Partridge increased tremendously throughout the general area although .utilization of the refuge grasslands increased only slightly. The large population provided excellent hunting and many hunters were willing to bet they could walk up three or four coveys an hour. A far greater number of coveys were continually observed along the roads toward the end of the year, but this was due in part to the above normal snow cover and greatly reduced cover conditions.

Ring-necked Pheasants continued to increase slowly in numbers, with observations common in areas where they have not been sighted for many years. Crowing cocks were heard at six stops on the UO mile mourning dove call-count census. As previously related, early blizzards took a heavy toll of these birds in many areas, and food and cover conditions are not favorable for their survival through the rest of the winter. One cock and five hens took refuge in the headquarters shelterbelt early in the fall, and only one hen appeared to have been lost by the end of the year.

G. Big Game Animals.

An aerial census with transects in a north-south direction at one-half mile intervals was conducted March 20 with an^f actual couth of 157 deer. Ground cover conditions were fair to good and visibility was ex­cellent, but it was the first attempt of both pilot and observer of aerial census in this area. The majority of the deer, 119, were observed along the eastside of the central portion of the refuge, with a large herdApp­roximately 80 deer bedded down in heavy sweet clover. Thirty-five deer -were counted north of the Tower Trail and only three in the southern portion of the refuge south of State Highway #50.

Production was believed to be good with twin fawns the most commonly observed number of young. Stillborn triplets were found on May 27, one small but fully developed and two quite small and underdeveloped. The 85 deer estimated to have been removed daring the refuge deer hunting season about equalled estimated production, so approximately the same number of animals, 160-175 should be utilizing the refuge now.

No mule deer were observed or reported on the refuge this year.

No signs of antelope were reported or observed on the refuge, but the population is increasing in the surrounding area. Very good production was noted this summer, and several herds of from 50-80 animals were re­ported around the town of Niobe in December. The pronghom population in the area started with a transplant of 2k animals on the refuge and 25 animals just south of the refuge in 1956, but we are not too prone to remind local farmers of this fact.

9

D. Fur Animals, Rodents, Predators, and Other Mammals.

The Mink population remained quite low and very few signs were noted. Sight records of least Weasel increased this fall but the pop­ulation remains low.

No Muskrat have been observed on the refuge since the fall of 1961, but two were observed on several occasions on the King's Highway brood chronology census route. Beaver have decresed and the only known active colony exists on Dead Dog Slough. Beaver were sighted in Elbow Lake several times during the summer, but no fall stockpiles could be found around the lodge there and at Iverson Lake, which were active last winter.

Skunk were very common throughout the refuge and eleven were removed from the headquarters area during the year. The fall population was estimated to number 175 animals. The number of Raccoon decreased this year with an estimated fall population of only 30, Four were shot by refuge personnel during the year. The estimated fall population of k0 Badger has continued to decrease slowly during the past four years.

Sight records of Red Fox increased significantly this spring and summer, and an estimated fall population of 75 animals existed. Two dens were located during the spring, but were abandoned before control measures could be initiated. During early morning grouse census on May 12, an active fox den was located in the middle of an active sharp-tailed grouse dancing ground, with 18 birds dispersed around three sides of the den and within 25-30 feei' of an adult fox and two romping pups. Closer observation revealed that the birds had recently been resting or dancing right on top of the den, but the remains of only two grouse kills could be found. Twenty-three birds with 20 males were counted on the same ground in 1963 so certainly no great slaughter had occurred.

The number of Coyote remain very low with possibly two to four intermittantly running on the refuge. One large male was shot by deer hunters. During early morning grouse census on April 16, Maintenanceman Lee ooserved an unsuccessful stalk of a dancing ground by a lone coyote. The coyote first utilized a large patch of buckorush as cover, but several grouse flushed as he approached the ground. He then returned back through the buckbrush and attempted to aporoach the oirds from another side of the hill, but all birds flushed at the warning of a hen who appeared to be watching him all the time.

Porcupine appear to be slowly increasing in number, and lU were sighted on the aerial deer census of March 20, Approximately 10 were removed by refuge personnel during the year.

The population of White-tailed Jackrabbit remains very low, although their numoers appear to be increasing slightly. Cottontail Raobits are also increasing alter several years of near aosence, but the population remains low. Ground Squirrel and small rodent populations were believed normal for the year and in most cases decreased from 1963,

10

E. Hawks, Eagles, Owls, Crows and Magpies,

Marsh hawks were the most common species of hawk this summer, as is normal, and were first sighted March 13 and last seen November 12, A marsh hawk nest with three eggs was found on July 5 and several groups of young birds were observed. Other hawks remaining as common summer residents and listed in order of their relative aoundance included Swainson&, American Rough-legged, and Red-tailed. Small numbers of Sparrow hawk, Piegon hawks, and Sharp-shinned hawks were observed either either during the spring or fall raigrationo

An immature Golden Eagle was observed on April 29 and again on March 5 near the windmill in grazing unit G-7. A lone adult Golden Eagle was first observed in the same area on October 29 and was last seen on November b. No Bald Eagles were observed.

Horned Owls are year long residents on the refuge and were commonly flushed from aspen tree groves throughout the summer. The number of Short-eared Owls was greatly reduced from 1963, and only two or three remained throughout the summer. Although no observations were noted on the refuge, a greater than normal number of Snowy Owls were reported in this area during December.

Crows were first sighted on March 15, and both the spring and fall migrations were considerably reduced in this area. The nesting population has also continued to gradually decrease the past few years, and production was believed to be very poor this summer for some unknown reason. Magpies increased in number during all periods compared to 1963, and many more birds remained in the area through the summer than is normal.

F. Other Birds.

Nothing unusual to report.

G. Fish.

None

H. Reptiles.

Nothing unusual to report.

I. Disease.

None observed or indicated.

11

III. REFUGE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE

A. Physical Development.

The major work project of the year was initiating the rehabilitation of the refuge sod trail system, requiring subfilling, rock removal, grad­ing, gravelling, and culvert installation. The improvement and gravelling of the major trails will speed travel through the refuge, reduce excessive wear and damage to vehicles and other equipment, and form the nucleus of tne proposed refuge interior fire break system. Buffer strips 15-20 feet in width on each side of the trail must be leveled, rock picked, cleaned of brush and trees, and annually mowed to enhance the effectiveness of the gravel trail as a fire break.

Approximately ij mile of the Towtr Trail were developed this summer, including tilling and grading with the Lostwood dozer and heavy duty cultivator, grading and leveling with the Des Lacs Refuge's motor patrol, and gravelling, ^proximately 600 cubic yards of pit gravel was hauled, but this phase of the project proceeded very slowly due to insufficient equipment and the lack or distance of suitable pit gravel. Rock picking and further cleaning of the buffer strips is required to complete this section, and an additional two miles of development are planned for next year.

Three commercial cattle guards were installed on two layer concrete foundations this summer, two leading south off the Tower Trail and one just south of the Knudson Cabin. Ten cattle guards have been Installed in the last three years and this program will be continued, along with major rehabilitation of the trail system, to facilitate travel through the refuge.

Another ^jior project initiated this summer was the replacement of approximately 30 miles of old interior fence constructed in the UO's with wood posts. Refuge personnel completed the installation of all comer, gate, and quarter mile brace posts for miles of this fence. Steel post and barbed wire will oe errected by grazing permittees this spring.

Soil and Moisture funds were utilized for the excavation of five stockwater dugouts this fall, two located in the new grazing unit to be opened in 1965, and one each in three established units. Soil Conservation Service Personnel from the Bowbells Office assisted in the site selection, testing, staking, and measuring the excavated dugouts. The informal bid of $.1875 per cubic yard by Mr. George Carlson of Powers Lake was considerably lower than the low bids of $.23 and $.25 in 1963 and 1962, respectively. The location, size, and cost of the individual dugouts are as follows;

12?

Grazing Unit Legal Description

Cubic Yards

Average Depth Cost

G-l NE NW| Sec. 19, 160-91 1,276.8 8.8 «239.1|0

G-2 NE NW| Sec. 21, 160-91 l,ll32.1 10.7 268.52

G-8 SW SW| Sec. 3, 159-91 1,708.7 11.0 320.38

G-15 NE NW| Sec. 22, 159-91 1,616.8 ll.it 303.53

G-15 SW SWj Sec. 22, 159-91 1.975.9 8,012.3

12.5 370.U8 $1,502,31

Considerable loss and trouble was experienced this year with the 2k small platform goose nesting islands constructed of surplus single bed frames and mounted on 6| foot steel posts. Ice action completely destroyed seven of these structures and severely tilted and damaged others. Two similar structures erected in 1961 on Upper Thompson Lake, the large-est body of water utilized, have remained straight and undamaged, but the muck bottoms of most sloughs fail to give the necessary support. Hay and nesting material had to be replaced in almost all of these plat­form islands. Eight large platform islands with seven foot slanting legs and a top surface of approximately 6x8 feet were constructed this fall of old surplus telephone poles. These structures are basically of tiie design developed at the Crescent Lake Eefuge and appear to be very solid. These strictures will be set on the ice this winter, but no simple method has been advocated for moving the large half-ton structures to the sites. Pre-cut material for ten platform islands of angle iron will be hauled from Agassiz Refuge this winter, and the installation of both types will afford an excellent opportunity for the evaluation of the durability, accepatbility, and other important features,

A 1951 Reo 5 ton 6x6 truck acquired from excess property was con­verted to an excellent fire truck by the installation of a new high pressure centrifugal pump and the mounting of a 750 gallon water tank acquired from Sand Lake Refuge, Approximately $500, including parts and labor, was expended for repair of the vehicle, installation of turning and clearance lights, paint job, purchle of pump, and complete conversion.

Only $50 was required for construction of a roll bar, minor repair, and paint job to put the Jton utility Willys jeep, acquired from excess property, into good operating condition. A complete motor overhaul, replacement of all electrical and ignition system components, major body repair, battery, and new tires were required to put the I960 Ford Jton pickup, acquired from excess property, into good operating condition. Although the direct maintenance and repair expense exceeded 1550, a large part of this expense was for labor, and Mr. Lee, the refuge maintenancernan, received invaluable experience in automotive mechanics under the able supervision of the Des Lacs Refuge Mechanic,

13

Additional development and maintenance projects accomplished during the year are listed below:

1. Completion of quarters construction for Student Assistant-const-ruction of built-in closet, bookcase, painting chests and cabinets, installation of screens, and installation of venetion blindso

2. Construct cattle guard concrete forms and line with sheet metal.

3. Repair of pump and weed sprayer and installation of new booms,

ii. New motor and block installed on old lawn mower,

5. Repair of goose feeders, woven wire fence, and maintenance of trap line around captive goose pen.

6. Inspection and repair of miles of boundary fence before grazing season.

7. Repair and servicing of windmills,

8. Repair of pump and installation of surplus motor on headquarters well,

9. Stockpile of sand and gravel for concrete hauled from Upper Souris to Des Lacs,

10. Clean-up of barn and removal of snow fence after release of geese,

11, Headquarters shelterbelt cultivated and rock picked,

12o Headquarters lawn mowed seven times.

13. New shower installed in basement of Quarters No. 1,

liu New aluminum combination storm and screen doors installed on office and Quarters No. 1,

15>. Clearing, leveling, and graveling large storage area for fencing supplies,

16. Mowing of 30 miles of refuge trails,

17. Inspection, repair, and reposting of h9 miles of boundary fence before hunting seasons,

18. Entrance trail rock picked and graveled, and bladed and mowed when needed,

19e Construction and erection of platform feeder for upland game birds in headquarters shelterbelt.

20* Boundary survey and hauling fencing supplies for 9i mile of boundary fence constructed on five WPA tracts.

21. Replacement of oil-burning furnace in Quarters No. 1.

22. Maintenance and general repair of ten automotive or tractor vehicles.

B. Plantings.

The seeding of permanent native grass cover on retired cropland at Shell Lake Refuge and on Waterfowl Production Area is discussed under those Stations•

V* Collections and Receipts.

The removal of the last nine miles of the old Lostwood Telephone Line running to Des Lacs Refuge was accomplished by three private parties and covered by Special Use Permits, The refuge received 80 poles, or one-fourth of the total, which will be utilized to construct platform goose nesting structures.

Over 120 new species of plants were collected and prepared for the Lostwood herbarium by Stephen Cap el, Wildlife Aid, Most of the work was accomplished during off-duty hours, and will greatly benefit future employees in the identification of the local flora.

D. Control of Vegetation.

Three small plots of leafy spurge, totaling one-half acre, were treated on May 19 with Amitrol T at the rate of four pounds active ingredients per acre. An inspection on September 1 indicated approximately 75 percent kill, with new plants growing around the border of the sprayed area. All plots received the same treatment on that date, and again the spray was applied 10-25 yards beyond all observed plants.

Weed control effected at Shell Lake Refuge is discussed later in this report.

E. Planned Burning.

None

F. Fires.

A new Station Fire Plan was submitted and approved on April 1. The acquisition of the Reo Fire Truck gives the station greatly increased fire fighting power and will be a great public relations boost in this remote area.

No fires occurred on the refuge this year, although critical fire hazard conditions existed during the spring and fall periods.

15

The Reo Fire Truck took its maiden voyage on May 13 to aid in supp­ression of a grass fire on the Van iierkom farm two miles west of the refuge. Approximately 160 acres of grassland were burned, but the fire was quickly brought under control.

The Reo Fire Truck and Panama Fire Pump Unit assited in fighting fire in the town of Powers Lake on September 9, Four businesses were totally destroyed, but the large wench on the Reo truck was quite useful in razing these buildings and preventing additional loss. The State Game and Fish Department was given all credit for this assistance by newspapers, radio and TV,

Refuge personnel and equipment assisted in suppressing a large prairie fire just two miles east of the refuge on September 19 and 20, The fire started when a tractor overturned on the Sigfred Dahlin farm, and burned over 2,000 acres of grass and brush before controlled. Six large fire trucks and 130-200 ground fighters were employed on the fire line. State Game and Fish Department personnel, present for the Special Antelope season, assisted in the operation of refuge equipment and maintained air to ground communications. The Bureau received all credit from the new media this time, even for their airplane. The superiority of our converted 6x6 fire truck on the rough rocky terrain of this area was exenqplified on this fire when the four commercial fire trucks were all out of order for various reasons at one time, and the only other fire truck operating was also a converted military 6x6 truck.

IV. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

A, Grazing.

The 1U refuge grazing units, totaling 16,123 acres, were utilized by l,h7S head of cattle for a total use of 3,70Q,h AUM's, 90 percent of the total maximum allowable use. Grazing fees collected at the $1.61; per AUM rate this year totaled $6,823.it5>*

In accordance with the long range Land Use Study initiated in 1937> the western block of eight units are stocked at very light, conservative grazing rates ranging from 5.3 to 6.U acres per AUM. The eastern block of six grazing units, separated by a strip of non-use land one mile in width, are moderately stocked according to SCS recommendations, with grazing rates ranging from 1.8 to 3.3 acres per AUM. The annual grazing utilization inspection was not conducted this fall, but grass­land on all units remained in very good to excellent condition. Dis­tribution of grazing pressure was adversely affected by the drying of stockwatering sites during the latter part of the season, but excep­tionally good distribution was noted during most of the season.

Amendment No. 8 of the Lostwood Land Use Plan was approved for the establishment of a new 1,561 acre grazing unit in the southeastern portion of the refuge, immediately north of State Highway No. 50. Hugh Cosby, Range Specialist with the Soil Conservation Service, conducted a range

16

condition survey of this area and submitted recommendations allowing a maximum use of 617 AUM's. Most of the native range is in excellent condition, but the vigor and condition of UOO acres of tame pasture, composed of small tracts interspersed throughout the unit, will decrease as these areas revert to native range. Maximum allowable use of 233 AUM's or 6.0 acres per AUM, less than 30 percent of the SOS recommendation, will be permitted to promote the improvement of range condition on go-back land and leave adequate nesting cover for waterfowl and upland game birds.

B. Haying»

None

C. Fur Harvest.

The very low populations of the more valuable furbearers and the low pelt value of most species discouraged trapping operations throughout this area. A closed season on muskrats for the sixth consecutive year was announced by the State Game and Fish Department for this portion of the State.

Mr. Robert Neuenfeld of Kenmare, the only applicant for trapping priveleges on the refuge, was issued a Trapping Permit covering the entire refuge during the regular state season of November 16 through December 13. Only one female mink was trapped and this has not been sold by the permittee yet.

D. Timber Removal.

None

E. Commercial Fishing.

None

F. Other Uses.

A. Canada Goose Restoration Program.

The following table presents the composition of the captive Canada goose flock, all of which were released as free flyers following the summer molt.

V. FIELD INVESTIGATIONS OR APPLIED RESEARCH

Origin Year of No. No. Hatch Males Females Total

Strutz, Jamestown, N, D. Lostwood production Lostwood production

19^1 12 1961 3 1963 1

13 1 2

25 U

15" IF

17

Two birds of the Strutz flock, both acquired with broken wings, were lost to predators this fall. One bird hatched at Lostwood in 1962 and retained because of a broken wing was transferred to the Snake Creek Refuge on November 2lu

A summation of the restoration program since its initiation in 19^it, is presented in the following chart. (See page 18)

All captive Canada geese have been released, and plans for the acquisition of additional birds are uncertain. Annual production of 100 young is believed necessary to substain a resident flock, as hunting pressure will undoubtedly increase in the local area as the flock increases. Although production had a good start this year, several years of poor production or heavy loss of the resident flock could jepordize the entire program, and the work of many would have gone for naught. 11 would be greatly beneficial, if* not necessary, to acquire additional goslings to act as a supplement to natural production until the flock is capable of holding its own.

B. Sharp-tailed Grouse - Land Use Study.

The Land Use Study area of U7.65 square miles is divided into the following five different classes of land use: none-use or idle; light grazing at 5.3 to 6.k acres per AUM; moderately grazed at a rate of 1.8 to 3.3 acres per AUM; idle, plus one lightly grazed pasture unit, with some of the most recently retired cropland; and private, with a land use of cropping, haying, and grazing. The number of males per square mile for each land class is tabulated in the following chart for the eight year study period.

Number of Male Grouse Per Square Mile Idle - Light Light Moderate

Year Idle Grazing Grazing Grazing Private

1957 5.87 N.D. 8.16 9.14; 1.66 1958 12.57 21.72 17.97 19.25 2.60 1959 2.89 1(.02 2.92 2.17 0 I960 2.1»9 h.h6 U.39 2.86 0 1961 10.79 12.65 11.98 9.38 1.56 1962 10.78 11.31 11.86 8.U5 2.60 1963 17.62 13.5ii 15.00 12.17 3.95 1961t 21.39 13.10 20.08 19.75 3.11

Ave. 10.55 n.5U n.5U I0.1i3 1.93

Study of the above chart indicates little difference in the average use of the four land use classes within the refuge, but a marked decrease in the utilization of the private land. The pattern of use or the percent of the total population utilizing the different land use classes has been changing, however. The percent of the total papulation utilizing the idle land has steadily increased from 17 percent in 1958 to 28 percent

Lostwood Canada Goose Restoration Program (195>U - I96I4)

Year Number Acquired Source

Remaining Dec. 31

Production Brood Nos.

Releases Flock Nos. Remarks

19Sh 100 Swan Lake 100 Pinioned

1955 85 Transferred to Snake Creek

1956 28 Lower Souris 3 Returned to Lower Souris *

1957 UO Swan Lake 39 Flock III

1958 39 Seney 31 1 5 Flock IV

1959 la Swan Lake 6h Flock V

I960 h9 Ill 11 29 birds lost *

1961 3^ Carl Strutz 73 3 16 IV V

17 9

22 birds lost * Escaped

1962 32 3 10 V 23 9 birds lost

1963 35 1 3

1961t 0 6 39 32

* Heavy loss occurring in Flocks II, III and IV resulted primarily from predator loss and unknown causes.

19

in 1958 to 19.5 percent by 1963, but increased sharply back to 25.5 percent this year. The only conclusion safely drawn to date is that cropping, haying and heavy grazing, as is commonly practiced on private lands throughout this area, is detrimental to maintaining high populations of sharp-tailed grouse.

C. Pothole Vegetation Control Study.

The growth of emergent aquatic vegetation, primarily white top (Scolochloa festucacea) and sedges (Carex spp.)has increased tremendously in the shallow potholes during the drought years. Instead of a narrow fringe around the borders, a dense stand of these plants completely choked the majority of the potholes, reducing their attractiveness to waterfowl. A study was initiated by the Wildlife Aid in 1963 to determine what effect the opening of these potholes by treatment with herbicides would have upon waterfowl utilization. Fifteen pairs of potholes, approximately one acre in size, were selected, with one pothole of each pair to be used as the control, and 50 foot strips running through the center and around the paired pothole treated with Dalapon M1292 or Baron at rates varying from 2 to 6 pounds active ingredients per acre. A kill of from U0-90 percent was incicated that summer, with the greatest kill achieved with the stronger chemical concentrations, but no difference could be detected between the effectiveness of the two different herbicides.

" Upon inspection this spring, all treated areas were again completely overgrown with no evidence of a kill the preceding summer. This was attributed to either an incomplete kill of the root systems or encroach­ment by rhizomes of adjacent untreated plants. Statistical analysis of a single waterfowl mated pair count on the study group indicated a significantly greater number of pairs utilizing the treated potholes, but this was biased by a very large number of pairs on one pothole, and not believed to be an accurate indication of the effects of the treatment. No statistical difference in orood use of the paired pothiles could be noted.

D, Characteristics of Waterfowl Nesting Cover as Related to Mamalian Predation.

The primary objective of this study, initiated by the Wildlife Aid in 1962 was to determine how mamalian predation on duck nests is related to characteristics of nesting cover, specifically, the effectiveness of buckbrush,. brome, and alfalfa as barriers to predator movement, and the effect of cattle grazing on the effectiveness of these natural barriers. Although the dummy nest technique is not believed to be a direct measure of duck nest predation, it is believed to be indicative of total predator activity in an area for comparison between areas, time, or other variables, and was the major sampling tool. Sampling techniques used this year included the following:

1. Four sample plots, each with 25 dummy nests, established on cover types of brome, alfalfa, buckbrush, and native grass (control), on both grazed and ungrazed tracts. (800 egg sample)

20

2, Two separate trials with total sample size of 1,600 dummy nests,

3, Randomization, necessary for statistical analysis, achieved with grid system,,

U, Rows within plots 1^0 feet apart with individual eggs spaced at 100 foot intervals,

5, 20 foot aluminma poles used to set out eggs,

6, Egg placement attempted on each side of the row, reversed second trial,

7, Thirty-five day exposure period used.

Results of the two trials are tabulated in the following table:

Trial #1 Trial #2 (5/23 - 6/28) (7/3 - 8/7)

Percent Destroyed Percent Destroyed

• . Idle Grazed Idle Grazed

Buckbrush 5U 5k 3h

Brome 50 97 69 88

Alfalfa 62 85 k9 72

Native 89 ?3 80 81 Average 6h 82 58 71

Statistical analysis of the above data was coupleted to determine the following significant differences to the .05 conpetancy level,

1, There was a significantly greater destruction rate on all grazed plots, cover types combined, than on the idle plots,

2, There was no significant difference between grazed and ungrazed buckbrush, or grazed and ungrazed native grass plots, but there was a very significantly lower loss on buckbrush than on native,

3, All barrier cover types had significantly lower loss than the native control plots on the idle tracts, butj^f there was no significant difference between grazed brome and grazed native plots,

U. Grazing significantly increased predation rates on all cover types except buckbrush and native grass.

fH yyi\*X4J

\ ' ver. Nest loss attributed to cattle trailing was very significant with

a possible loss of only 10-15> eggs oui' of 2,200. Although cover den­sities were quite coraparable between the last two years, predation rates were consistantly higher on similar plots in 196U than in 1963, which coincides with greater increased observation of fox and skunk. As a total of 1,66U chicken eggs were found destroyed, oui? of 2,200, we can boast of an exceptionally well-fed predator population. Crows were the primary problem encountered on this proposed mamaiian predator study and were believed to account for a good percentage of the total destruction. An attempt was made to determine the probable predator for each egg destroyed, but the large majority of the missing or destroyed eggs had to be classed as destroyed by unknown.

A related cattle-trail density study was also initiated in 196ii to determine if predators follow cattle trails or use tham as travel lanes. There were two trials of 300 eggs each, in which the eggs were placed at 100 foot intervals along established cattle trails at a distance of one, five, and ten feet from the trail. This study indicated 90 percent destruction on the first trial and 98 percent destruction on the second trial, with a significant relationship between the destruction rate and distance of the egg from the trail. The 1961; Student Assistant's Activity Report contains a greater detailed report of this study, and a complete comprehensive report will be submitted in the form of Mr. Capel's Masters Thesis.

E. Cooperative Insecticide Study.

Aerial application of the non-selective insecticide Sevin, at the rate of one pound of active imgredients per acre, was accorqplished on the 2,000 acre study plot in July, 1962, to determine the acute and long range effect on wildlife, particularly sharp-tailed grouse. Dr. Lowell McEwen of the Denver Wildlife Research Center, Project Leader, reported no di^omable detrimental effect on bird or mammal life in the three month period following the spray application. Penned studies of sharp-tailed grouse are being continued at Denver, and personnel of the Center re­turned during the summer of 1963 and again this summer to collect post spray samples and conduct censuses. Collection of samples and census data may be continued one more year, but the study will probably be concluded with the analysis of data collected to date.

F. Range Yield Characteristics as Influenced by Soil Type and Weather.

This study is being conducted by Mr. Hugh Cosby of the Soil Con­servation Service in the northwest portion of the state, with most of the data collected on the Lostwood Refuge. A progress report of this study published in the Journal of Range Management, Vol. 17^ No. September, 196i;, describes the typical soil types found on the refuge, and presents vegetative yield data for these soil types as determined from clip plots during the period of 1958 to 1963.

22

Mr, Cosby states in the above article that "no one factor is more iinportant than moisture in a grassland climate", and "in this area available moisture most often favors the cool season species." Of particular interest was Mr, Cosby1s finding that "a consociation of rough fescue on a normal profile produced more than other plant communities sampled on the comparable soil type". Rough fescue (Festuca scabrella). although very uncommon in this area, is the predominant species on many north-facing slopes on the refuge, and is being considered for inclusion in the seeding mixtures for retired cropland in this area, Mr, Cosby hopes to continue this study for several more years, and valuable inform­ation on the capabilities of the different soil types will be acquired.

VI. PUBLIC RELATIONS

A. Recreational Uses.

Very limited recreational use, other than big game hunting, was made of the refuge this year. A few birders and sightseers stopped at headquarters, but as the very poor condition of refuge trails necessitates their closure to the general public, most visitors promptly left. Devel­opment of recreational facilities including a picnic area and self-guided automobile route was discussed with Mr. E. Trecker, Recreation Specialist with Regional Office, during his visit to this station, but no facilities are provided at this time.

B, Refuge Visitors.

Date Name Affiliation Purpose

1/7 C. Estheimer AAO, Minot, N. Dak. Easement proposals 1/7 B. Rounds R.O. Minneapolis, Minno Easement proposals 2/19 G. James NDG&FD, Stanley, N. Dak. Refuge deer census 2/25 D. Perkuchin Wetlands, Crosby, N. Dak. Transfer of Wetlands 2/28 H. Jones NDG&FD, Kenmare, N. Dak. Enforcement 2/28 D. Perkuchin Wetlands, Crosby, N. Dak. Trans, of Lake Zahl files 3/9 J. Dahl FWS, Upper Houris Equipment transfer U/2 E. Giese P&RC, Riverdale, N, Dak. Predator control U/13 L. Gorder P&RC, Stanley, Dak. Borrow equipment U/l5 R. Hanson AAO, Minot, N. Dak, Delineation maps U/22 H. Cosby SCS, Minot, N. Dak. Grass specimens U/28 H. Cosby SCS, Minot, N. Dak. Grass Specimens and

Range condition survey 5/26 E. Giese P&RC, Riverdale, N. Dak. Fox den hunting 5/26 L. Gorder P&RC, Stanley, N. Dak. Fox den hunting 6/9 F. Carpenter R.O., Refuge Supervisor Review Mgt, of WPA's 6/9 E. Smith R.O., Asst. Supervisor Review Mgt. of WPA's 7/7 J. Sprague NDG&FD, Riverdale, N. Dak . Inspection of Iverson Sprague

Lake for possible fish

7/11 plant

7/11 E. Trecker R.O., Recreatioal Spec, Recreational planning

23

7/18 C. Webster 7/18 H. Dill 7/20 L. Sowles 7/31 to Dr. L, McEwen 8/5 8/1 H. Jensen 8A-5 J, Carlsen

S. Murrell L. Swenson B, Schrank M. Hammond H. Troester R. Fries H, Anderson J. Reiths D, Lindberg

8/12 J. Kobringer

8/12 H. Cosby 8/15-17 Dr. W. Elder

J. Woford

9/1U-16 H, Cosby 9/2l»-25 H. Ness

J. Olsen 9/2U-25 J. Waters 10/1 H, Ness

J. Olsen 10/6 H. Jones 10/10 J. Waters 10/19 F. Gillett

10/20 F, Carpenter

10/20 E. Smith 10/21 C. Stephens 12/3 R, Preston

w.o. R.O., Minneapolis Upper Miss, Refuge Denver ¥. R. Center

USGMA, Jamestown, N, Dak, MO, Minot, N. Dak, MO, Minot, N. ̂ ak. MO, Minot, N, Dak, Upper Souris Refuge Lower Souris Refuge Lower Souris Refuge Wetlands, Turtle Lake Turtle Lake Snake Creek Refuge Des Lacs Refuge NDSG&FD, Biologist SCS, Minot, N, Dak. U. of Missouri

U, of Missouri

SCS, Minot, N. Dak. SCS, Bowoells, N, Dak, SCS, Bowbells, N. Dak. USGMA, Minot, N. Dak. SCS, Bowbells, N. Dak. SCS, Bowbells, N. Dak. NDG&FD, Kenmare, N. Dak. USGMA, Minot, N, Dak. ¥.0., Refuge Chief R.O. Refuge Supervisor R,0., Minneapolis R.O, Hydralic Eng. Weather Bureau, Bismarck

Review census technique Review census technique Trans, to Crosby Office Pesticide study

, Banding operations Brood Beat Out Brood Beat Out Brood Beat Out Brood Beat Out Brood Beat Out Brood Beat Out Brood Beat Out Brood Beat Out Brood Beat Out Brood Beat Out Brood Beat Out Range transect studies Review predator-nesting study Review predator-nesting study Range clip plot studies Test dugout sites Test dugout sites Investigate violation Stake dugout sites Stake dugout sites Law Enforcement Enforcement patrol Inspection of WPA^ Inspection of WPAfs Quarters rent survey Water Rights Study Inspection of weather station

The following personnel also make frequent official or semi­official calls throughout the year.

M, Hammond L. Sowles Personnel G. James

Biologist, Lower Souris Refuge Manager, Crosby Wetland Office AAO, Minot, N, Dak. Biologist, State Game & Fish Dept.

21;

c» Refuge Participation,

3/6 Report of refuge program and activities released to HLnot Daily news •

3/19 Manager presented program on refuge activities and problems to newly organized Agricultural bervice Group, in Stanley, N, Dak., composed of personnel of the following Government agencies: SGS, ASC, FHA, FGI, NDG&FD, County Agents, Vocational Agriculture Instructors, and the Bureau.

3/28 Mr. Lee represented the refuge at the annual Powers Lake Rural Fire Department meeting and reported on the acquisition of the Reo fire truck.

5/25 Manager presented film and talk on refuge history, objectives, and current activities to 30 members of the Stanley and Tioga Baptist Mens Groups.

D. Hunting.

A 108fday season on Sharp-tailed grouse and Hungarian partridge, with respective daily bag limits of four and five, opened on September 15 along with a U7 day season on Mourning doves. Grouse hunting was generally reported to be poor, but Hun hunting was the best in many years. No portion of the refuge was opened to upland game bird hunting, but moderate hunting pressure on these species in this area continued into November, instead of the qsual very light pressure observed after the first weekend. The sport of bird hunting is becoming a lost practice, as most upland and fields were heavily criss-crossed with the tracks of vehicles after several weeks.

The goose season opened October 1 with the opening day of duck season following on the ninth. Despite very low populations of geese in the area, primarily White-fronted, goose hunting pressure was relatively heavy in areas harboring these birds. Extremely light hunting pressure on ducks was detected, and very few hunter were observed on routine patrol on the opening weekend. No portion of the refuge was opended to water­fowl shooting, but quite a few parties were haunting our boundaries in search of our Canada goose flock.

The entire refuge with exception of a small closed area around headquarters was opened for deer hunting during the regular State 9f day, either sex season of November 6-l5. An estimated 350 hunter days were expended in bagging an estimated 85 deer on the refuge. Thirty-eight deer were hauled out of the refuge for hunters, 90 percent on the first 2§ days, but the number of deer dragged to the boundary by hunters is difficult to ascertain.

25

The number of hunters from the Garrison, Emmet and Coleharbor area greatly decreased this year, but was balanced by a big increase in hunters from Minot and the Minot Air Force Base. The exceptionally fine sports­manship and courtesy displayed by tne majority of the former group was equalled if not excelled by the latter. The "Biggest Buck11 contest sponsored by Harvey Enterprises, Inc., in Minot was won by a 200| pound field dressed buck taken on Lostwood, but the rack size of most bucks has been noticeably small the last few years. Boundary gates were locked and walk-in hunting only was permitted, and again the majority of hunters contacted expressed their complete satisfaction of this system.

E, Violations.

The manager's private car was utilized for the majority of routine patrol during tne waterfowl season as refuge vehicles are just too obvious. The following violations were apprehended by refuge personneli

Richard L. Maluski. Steele, North Dakota. Shooting geese w/0 Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp. Forfeiture of $25.00 bond in State Court and confiscation of one Canada goose on October 8, 196i|.

Darrin L. Anderson and James Burgett of Flaxton, North Dakota, and Cleo E. Johnson of Portal, North Dakota. Shooting at geese in the after­noon in Unit I, one-half day goose area open in the morning. All defend­ants pleaded guilty before Justice of Peace Earl Walker, Bowbells, North Dakota, on Octooer 8, 196H. Each defendant fined $10.00 with $15 court costs.

Ray Rambur and James Woodbeck, Powers Lake, North Dakota. Hunting big game with insufficient colors. Plea of guilty before Justice of Peace Earl Walker, Bowbells, North Dakota, on November 13, 196ii. Each defendant fined $50.00 with $10.00 court costs, with $ii5.00 of each fine suspended.

Wayne Rambur, Powers Lake, North Dakota. Hunting with illegal .22 caliber rim-fire rifle on the refuge, without deer hunting license, and with insufficient colors. Juvenile was not ordered to appear in court and no charges were filed, but father, preceding defendant, was informed of the seriousness of the violation by Justice of Peace and District Game Warden, Seized rifle returned to Mr. Ray Rambur.

Mr. Robert Neuenfeld, temporary employee at the Des Lacs Refuge, reported the illegal shooting of a goose during closed season by Messrs. Lowell H, Vaage and Darrie L, Lindberg, temporary employees at this refuge. The shooting was reported to have occurred on September 22, less than one-fourth mile from the residence of Mr, Neuenfeld's in-laws where he was visiting, and acconqplished with a hi-powered rifle. Both employees were questioned by the mamager with Mr. Lee as witness, and while neither would directly admit who shot the goose, both admitted being

26

guilty of the offense. Both employees were terminated pending action of Federal Court. The two men quickly acquired the services of a lawyer and would admit no guilt on later questioning by U.S.G.M.A. Waters or myself. It was the opinion of the United States Attorney that we had at best only good circumstantial evidence and "should the case have been of a more serious nature" he would prosecute, however, he declined prosecution on the grounds that we were unable to get any material evidence.

F. Safety.

The leader and topic of discussion of the joint monthly Safety Meetings attended by Lostwood personnel at Des Lacs Refuge are listed below:

Safety Meeting Schedule 196U

Jan. 27, 196k - Felch - Films - The Road Ahead - Construction of safer roads (1) - The Perfect Crime - Safety and auto driver «&

vehicle

Feb. 17, 196it - Richwalski - Verbal - Ten ways to beat badweather driving. Disscussion followed.

Mar. 2I4, 196U - Lee - Film - Hell Wouldn't Have Him- General safety film (2) on the driving of trucks.

April 20, 196U - Peabody - Verbal - 1. How to control SKIDS - recovery from 2. Comparison of braking of different

vehicles 3. Problems of safety engineers -a disscussion followed the above

May 18, 196U - Mahlum - Film - Safest Township Anywhere - Showed how human (3) factor is involved in safety.

June 22, 196U - Capel - Verbal - Seat Belts, use and reasons. Lawn Mower Safety and Boating Safety.

July 20, 196ii - Verbal - Lindberg - Klectrical Wiring Safety, also Safety and the use of glass, Disscussion followed.

August 2 k y 196U - Bradley - Film - A.B.C.'s of Hand Tools, a two part film (U) on proper use of common hand tools

September 21, I96I4 - Felch - Verbal - Safety and the indoor use of bar-b-q units indoors. Disscussion followed

October 19, 196ii - Richwalski - Film - Passing Fancy - safe passing of vehicles (5)

27

November 23, 196U - Peabody - Verbal - Topics disscussed - Use of "Goof Balls", P'irst Aid for carbon mon­oxide poisoning. Also comparing the value of chains, snow tires and smooth tires on snow and ice.

December 15, 196k - Lee - Film^lilestone to Safe Driving - auto safety We Drivers - general safety in automobiles (film #6)

Film (1) furnished by Schultz Machinery Co., Bismarck Film (2) furnished by the North Dakota State Highway Patrol Films (3)(U)(5)(6) furnished by General Motors Film Library, Detroit, Mich,

Primary accomplishments during the year directed towards providing safer working conditions and increased protection of facilities included the following:

1, Completion of Station Fire Plan

2, Conversion of Reo 6x6 truck to fire truck

3, Acquisition of four small automatic Fire Alarms

li. Acquisition of three sets of oral resuscitators

5. Acquisition of three 15 pound and one 5 pound C02 extinguishers and six soda-acid extinguishers from excess property.

6, Acquisition of two dry chemical extinguishers and installation in vehicles,

?• All extinguishers checked and recharged if necessary.

8. Purchase of new acetylene welding kit to replace worn and defective unit which was unsafe for operation.

9. Construction of roll-bar for Jton utility jeep.

10. Periodic fire drills to check operation of all fire fighting equipment and familarize personnel with operation of new truck.

The Lostwood record of dayswithout a lost-time accident now stands at i;,870.

VII. OTHER ITEMS

A, Items of Interest.

Recommendations for the use of ammonium nitrate blasting agents in the development of marsh and pothole habitat have now been submitted to

28

Regional Office for approval. This plan provides recoinmendations for extensive testing of this technique in the different soil types encountered on the refuge, and not for the intensive development of habitat. Proposed testing will include the blasting of approximately 15 large holes with a minimum surface area of 2,000 square feet to create areas of more permanent water; and the blasting of approximately 60 smaller holes with a surface area of 500-1,000 square feet to creatdopenings in dense stands of emergents. Development will be accomplished on a three square mile study area so that the development of the smaller areas should enhance or complement the development of the larger areas in relation to waterfowl utilization.

B. Credits.

Mr. Donald. E, Lindberg, clerk of the Des Lacs Refuge, is accredited with the typing of this report.

C. Photographs.

A selection of photographs is appended at the end of the narrative section.

29

WATERFOWL PRODUCTION AREAS

Crosby Wetland Management Office,

With the transfer of Wetland Manager Perkuchin in February, 196U, this station assumed the management responsibilities of all areas under the administration of the Crosby Wetland Management Office, including the Lake Zahl Refuge and all WPA's and easements in Burke, Divide, Williams and Mountrail Counties. The following activities were accomplished by Lostwood personnel during the absence of a manager at that stationi

1. Special Use Permits and Cooperative Farming Agreements executed for the utilization of four grazing units and one fanning unit on the Lake Zahl Refuge.

2. Boundary survey of the C. Bjorgen WPA (tract 11) and the 0. Bjorgen WPA (tract lit) in Divide County, and the hauling of all fencing supplies for the construction of 2^ miles of boundary fence on these tracts.

3. Three waterfowl mated pair counts and two broodcounts conducted on the 20 mile Noonan Waterfowl Transect Census Rout.

Mr, Leroy Sowles transferred from the Upper Mississippi Refuge in August to assume administration of the Crosby Wetland Management Office. This office was retained under the general supervision of the Refuge Man­ager, lostwood Refuge, but due to the distance of 75 miles between stations, the manager at Crosby must perform most work alone and unsupervised,

Lostwood WPA's and Easements.

Realignment of wetland management responsibilities has transferred all areas in Burke County to the Crosby Office and all areas in Mountrail County to the Lostwood Refuge, As the majority of the Lostwood Refuge is located in Burke County, it was further agreed that all purchased areas in Burke County within 25 miles of the refuge will be managed and developed by this station, but no WPA's have been purchased in Burke County as of this date. Although the realignment did not occur until January 28, 1965, WPA's and easements in only Mountrail County will be included in the following report.

No new WPA's were purchased in Mountrail County this year due to the blanket disapproval of all purchases by the County Commissioners, but the acquisition of easements under the Wetland Program was greatly accelerated. The following WPA's were formerly purchased, or transferred from Public Domain, in Mountrail County:

Tract Name Number R. Kjallberg 10 C. Kjallberg 11

Acreage 160.00 159.69

(continued from page 29) L. Svenningson 12 120,00 R. Glick 13 175.92 H. Grinolds lii 160.00 U.S. Tract No. (1) 1 69.70 U.S. Tract No. (la) la 32.90 U.S. Tract No. (lb) lb 20.90 U.S. Tract No. (lc) 1c U0.32 U.S. Tract No. (Id) Id 19.00 U.S. Tract No. (le) le 15.30

973 . 73

Title vesting has been completed on the following easement tracts of December 31, 196U.

Tract Name Number Acreage R. Kjallberg lOx 99.82 C. Kjallberg llx 519.6ii L. Svenningson 12x I480.OO L. Lornston I5x 80.00 C. Alustad 16x i+00.00 B, Alustad 17x 720.00 C, Halgrimson l8x U00.00 0. Svenningson 19x,l,2 560.00 J. Svenningson 20x,l 320.00 P. Enns 21x 160.00 0. Nore 22x,l 320.00 A. Holm 23x 320.00 J. Knoshaug 2hx. U00.00 L. Erickson 25x 160.00 R. Reirsgard 26x 360.00 ¥. Erickson 27x,l 260.00 E, Footh 28x 180.00 G. Kvamme 29x 160.00 T. Solberg 3Qx 160.00 G. Kvamme 31x,l,2 1,002.56 E. Footh 32x 19lu77 W. Texel 33x 320.OO Oo Solberg 3I4X 320.00 J. Belick 35x,l i;06.35 G. Swensrud 36x 56l.ll M. Knutson 37x 555.89 E. O^son 3%,1,2 k36.7h R. Wheeling 39x 160.2h A. Meduna U0x,l 320.00 I. Olson lllx 160.00 G. Modin U3x iho.oo R, Grant hhx 136.00 0. Anderson U8x 100.00 J, Rosencrans U9x 160.00

(continued from page 30) H. Rice 52x 2U0.00 G. Rudolph 56x l4.20.OO C. Rice 57x 680.00 H. Schenfisch 58x,l,2 160.00 A. King 60x,l 360.00 G. Samuelson 6lx U76.88 J. Frunz 62x 320.00 S. King 63x Uoo.00 C. Olson 6I4X 160.00

Total U3 1U,250.00

I. GENERAL

All WPA's are located near tne town of Tagns, ̂ orth Dakota, app­roximately 1^0 miles southeast of headquarters, "ater level conditions were extremely poor on all tracts and all potholes were dry by the first part of September. Upland grass cover is generally in excellent condi­tion and should provide optimum nesting cover next spring.

II. WILDLIFE

Waterfowl mated pair counts conducted on the four WPA management units for the last two years are tabulated in the following chart.

Management Unit Tract No. Acreage Mated Pairs 1963 196U

Kj allberg 10 & 11 320 12 iT* Svenningson 12 120 32 22 Glick 13 176 31 8 Grinolds Ik 160 U6 9

Species composition of the 196U breeding population is listed in order of abundance: Gadwall, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Pintail, Shoveler, and Baldpate. The breeding population decreased substantially on all tracts but one, due primarily to the poor water conditions. No brood census was conducted as the majority of the potholes were dry by raid-summer.

III. DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE

Management plans were prepared and submitted to Regional Office for the five purchased areas. The R. Kjallberg and G, Kjallberg tracts were combined into one management unit as they have a common boundary for one-fourth mileo

Boundary fence was constructed by Mr. Harvey Meyers of Foroes, North Dakota, on informal contract at $.70 per rod, for Ui miles on the Kjallberg

• 32

Mgnt. Unit and miles on the Glick WPA, All materials were furnished by the refuge and hauled to the indivudual tracts by refuge personnel. Specifications for this boundary fence included; six foot steel posts at one rod intervals; three strands of barbed wire; and steel comer, gate and quarter mile brace posts set in concrete,

Reposting of over 11 miles of boundary was accomplished and the majority of the signs and posts had to be replaced due to the very light, poor quality of the steel posts.

Cooperative Farming Agreements were executed for the agricultural operations listed in the following chart.

Refuge Share Name & No. Acreage Wheat Barley Barley

R. Kjallberg, Tr. 10 37 1? 22 12.3 Glick, Tr. 13 3it Ig 19 11.3

71 30 Ul 233

Crop yields were generally good and the refuge's one-third share of barley was left standing in the fields. No land was summer fallowed as all cropland was retired and a mixture of native grasses and alfalfa (see NR-7) was seeded in the stubble or standing grain of the above 71 acres of cropland. A good stand of crested wheatgrass interspersed with native grasses was discovered on the seven acres of cropland on the Grinold tract this spring, so no farming or seeding was accomplished.

Boundary fencing and retirement and seeding of all cropland has been completed on the five purchased WPA's in this county.

33

SHELL LAKE REFUGE

I. GENERAL

This former easement refuge, with 710 acres now acquired in fee title and an additional 5)90 acres of easement planned for future purchase, is located ten miles south of Blaisdell, North Dakota, and approximately ^0 miles southeast of headquarters. Water levels were slightly improved in the 533 acre lake, but the water remains quite turbid with little growth of desirable aquatics. upland cover conditions are rapidly improving on the government-owned portion of the refuge, but severe overgrazing on most of the easement portion reduced nesting cover to the poorest cond­ition observed in the last four years,

II. WILDLIFE

Waterfowl census data, admittedly limited, is retained in refuge files. The single mated pair census conducted June 6 indicated a greatly reduced nesting population of all dabblers but a good increase in the diver pop­ulation, especially canvasback and ruddy duck, but it is believed that most of these divers continued on in migration or did not nest on the refuge. Waterfowl production on this large lake has always been very low and no exception was noted this summer. Insufficient census was made this fall to yield any accurate estimate of waterfowl utilization, but a much greater use of stubble and unharvested grain fields on refuge farming units was detected this fall,

A few deer and antelope and fair populations of Sharp-tailed grouse and Hungarian partridge were commonly observed and reported utilizing the refuge throughout the year.

HI. DEVELOPMENT

Inspection and repair of 3j miles of boundary fence and reposting of 9^ miles of boundary was accomplished this fall. Boundary gates, constructed in 1963> were repaired several times throughout the year but were always wrecked or found open whenever the area was visited.

The Land Use Plan and maps were revised to govern new land use practices and the retirement of 197 acres of fomer cropland. Treatment of heavy growth of annual weeds, particularly yellow mustard, with 2,U-D was very successful in reducing ceed competition to the permanent native grass seeding accomplished in the fail of 1963 on 85 acres of retired cropland on Unit A-2. Approximately 112 acres of retired cropland on Unit A-X was seeded to a permanent stand of native grass this fall, with species composition listed on NR-7. Spraying with 2,U-D was required on this area in the spring to reduce very heavy weed growth so that a drill could be used. All retired cropland, 197 acres, has now been seeded to a permanent stand of native grass, but weed spraying will be accomplished again next year on the total area to reduce weed competition.

Crop yields on the four refuge farming units, totaling 179 acres, is reported on Form NR-8. There has been no trouble with the permittee following recommended practices and rotation system as was experienced several years ago.

35

McLEAN REFUGE

I. GENERAL

This former easement refuge, with 32h acres now acquired in fee title and the purchase of the remaining 320 acre tract of School Section land to be negotiated, is located lb miles southeast of Parshall in the north­west portion of McLean County. The water level of the 60 acre impoundment gradually decreased through the summer to approximately one foot below spillway level at freeze-up, about six inches lower than in 1963. The open growth of emergents in the northeast portion of the inpoundment provided excellent brood cover and protection to migrating flocks during inclement weather. Cover on the limited uplands of the government-owned portion are generally in excellent condition, but severe overgrazing of the school section easement land depleted all nesting cover.

H. WILDLIFE

Waterfowl populations observed on the June 10 mated pair census re­sembled a migration flock as approximately 1,000 mallards and 135 pintails, primarily drakes, were utilizing the lake and inflowing stream. Insuff­icient census data was collected to make an accurate estimate of produc­tion or utilization of the area. In spite of the small size of the im­poundment, McLean has always received very heavy fall use by mallards and over 3,500 mallards were observed on the late census of Octooer 26.

One beaver was observed on the lake this summer and muskrats are slowly increasing in the lake and downstream.

III. DEVELOPMENT

The repair of the rubble masonry spillway was not accomplished this summer as planned, but the proposed puddling of earth-fill in front of the spillway will be accomplished in 1965•

Crop yields from the seven small farming units are tabulated on Form NR-8 and there was no great difference between the yields of the three permittees or the individual units,

IV. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

The small 39 acre grazing unit adjacent to the permittee's barn and feed lot was utilized by four calves for a total use of less than two AUM's. This light use and the above normal precipitation received this summer should help restore this range to excellent condition.

Trapping Permit No. T-9905 was issued to Mr. Clarence Johnson for an unlimited quota on all species except rauskrat and beaver, during the regular state trapping season, but a report of his success has not been received.

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VI, PUBLIC RELATIONS

Due to cut fences, unfilled pits, and other unsportsmanlike practices, most local landowners posted their lands and allowed only friends to hunt the refuge boundaries. While this did help reduce the increasing amount of boundary shooting, the District Game Warden in Parsnall reported moderate to heavy duck hunting pressure around the refuge, especially during the latter part of the season.

37

HIDDENWOOD REFUGE

This easement refuge is located only six miles northeast of the McLean Refuge, but approximately 80 miles from station headquarters. Water gauge readings on June 10 and October 26 were 0.75 and 0.18, respectively. The following species of waterfowl were observed on the mated pair census and the single fall census.

Species

Mallard Black duck Gadwall Pintail Baldpate Blue-winged Teal Shoveler Redhead Canvasback Ruddy Scaup Coot

Mated Pairs-* June 10

3h

k 8 2

22 2

11 19 11 10 73

Number October 26

950 1

25 75

* Pairs plus males, not corrected for sex ratio.

One brood of five Class la canvasback was observed on the mated pair census of June 10.

SIGNATURE PAGE

Approved, Regional Office;

Date; ^

Sulamitted "by;

(Sign iture) Ned !• Peabody

Date; February 5, 1965 Refuge Manager Title

(-Signature)

Regional Refuge Supervisor

Winter cover and conditions at Lostwood Headquarters in January, 1961^

^ ifi mmmm •r.vf 4' r • ;).:>? '-^kv:- >' iv •^•r-:'ArV

Summer cover conditions indicating choking of potholes by dense stands of white top and sedges.

fT

Waterfowl utilization, especially by broods, discouraged by rank growths of white top and sedges completely choking the pothole.

Control of coarse emergent vegetation on small pothole in Unit G-8 with moderate grazing rate. Upland cover remained in excellent condition.

JAN • 64

Reo 6x6 truck with coirpressor acquired from excess property with less than 7,000 miles.

Fire drill with Panama fire pump unit and converted Reo fire truck. Back-pack pumps and beaters in foreground.

Tower Trail, our finest and most heavily utilized trail on the refuge.

Major rehabilitation of trail system initiated this summer with graveling conpleted on stretch in the background. Gravel trails with 15-20 foot mowed buffer strips will form primary chain of the interior firebreak system.

Storage area for fencing supplies leveled and graveled this summer.

Posted comer of C. Kjallberg W A after cattle trespass0-Boundary fencing and retirement of all cropland completed on all WPAfs this fall.

Sharp-tailed grouse hen incubating nest of 12 eggs located in brome field. Ever wonder why you seldom find grouse nests?