FORT NIOBRARA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE VALENTINE, NEBRASKA

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1979

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM Pish and Wildlife Service

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

1. Robert M. Ellis 2. Leonard L. McDaniel 3. Forrest W. Brooks A. Karen L. Drews 5. C. Randall Arment 6. Larry E. Vaughn 7. David F. Kime 8. William L. Turner 9. Alan Rogers

10. Ivan Wiley 11. Janice L. Edwards 12. Glen H, Beman

13. Jerry L. Roe

1A. Gary D, Coleman

15. Jerry W. Olmsted

16. Gary M. Pilarski

17. Rex E. Morrison

PERSONNEL Refuge Manager GS-12 PFT xxx Asst. Refuge Mgr. Line GS-9 PFT x Adm. Assistant GS-7 PFT xxx Outdoor Rec. Planner GS-7 PFT xxx Asst. Refuge Mgr. Staff GS-7 PFT x Biological Tech. GS-7 PFT x Maintenance Worker WG-6 PFT x Laborer WG-3 PFT xx Biological Tech. GS-6 PPT x (Transferred from San Bernard NWR 05/06/79) Maintenance Worker WG-8 PFT xx Clerk-typist GS-3 PPT xxx Biological Aid GS-A Temporary xx (EOD 03/12/79 Terminated 12/31/79) Biological Aid GS-3 Temporary xx (EOD 08/1A/79 Terminated 12/31/79) Biological Aid GS-3 Temporary xx (EOD 05/1A/79 Terminated 12/1A/79) Biological Aid GS-3 Temporary x (EOD 07/02/79 Terminated 11/16/79) Biological Aid GS-A Temporary x (EOD 0A/09/79 Terminated 12/1A/79) Biological Aid GS-2 Temporary x (EOD 07/23/79 Terminated 08/17/79)

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Personnel continued.

18. Dennis Ray Terry

19. Boyd D, Powell

20. Christina Olsen

21. Salene D, Knuth

22. Terry L. Knuth

Biological Aid GS-2 Temporary xx (EOD 06/13/79 Terminated 08/17/79) Biological Aid 03-5 Temporary xx (EOD 07/30/79 Terminated 08/17/79) Biological Aid 03-2 Temporary xx (EOD 07/26/79 Terminated 08/24/79) Biological Aid GS-2 Temporary xx (EOD 06/13/79 Terminated 08/17/79) Biological Aid GS-2 Temporary xx (EOD 06/13/79 Terminated 08/17/79)

* Primary work site Valentine NWR, secondary Fort Niobrara NWR ** Primary work site Fort Niobrara NWR, secondary Valentine NWR *** Primary work site Complex Headquarters.

Review and Approvals

ubrnitted by Date Area Office / Date

R e f u g e / R e g i o n a l O f f i c e D a t e Regional

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FORT NIOBRARA N.WR.

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LEGEND

l i f i PROPOSED WILDERNESS

FOOT TRAIL

•RIDGE

TOWER

CLAY PIT

== TRAILS

PUBLIC USE ROAD

PRIMARY FENCE

PICNIC AREA

REFUGE HEADQUARTERS

STOCK WATERING WELLS

FISH BROOD PONBS I

FOSSIL DIGGINGS

POWER LINE

SERVICE TRAILS (Clotwi to Public)

i i i i 1 i I i • - *3

a... i i

' / i

*

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. GENERAL Page

A. Introduction 1 B. Climatic and Habitat Conditions 1 C. Land Acquisition ' 2 D. System Status 3

H. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

A. Construction 7 B. Maintenance 10 C. Wildfire 11

HI. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

A. Croplands 12 6. Grasslands 12 C. Wetlands 1A D. Forestlands .....1A E. Other Habitat 1A F. Wilderness and Special Areas 1A G. Easements for Waterfowl Management ,1A

IV. WILDLIFE

A. Endangered and Threatened Species 1A B. Migratory Birds 15 C. Mammals and Non-Migratory Birds and Others 15

V. INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION

A. Information and Interpretation 29 6. Recreation 33 C. Enforcement •; 35

VI. OTHER ITEMS

A. Field Investigations 36 B. Cooperative Programs 36 C. Items of Interest 37 D. Safety 39

1

I. GENERAL

A. Introduction

Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, located three kilometers (five miles) east of Valentine, Nebraska, consists of 7,739 hectares (19,123 acres) of highlands and rolling plains traversed by the Niobrara River. It is managed as a complex with Valentine National Wildlife Refuge.

Climate and Habitat Conditions

1. Weather

Although a three year run of below normal precipitation occurred from start of 197A, 1979 marked the third consecutive year for above normal precipitation (Table 1). Noteworthy snow storms occurred January 12, February 15 (Fig. 1), March 18, and April 11-12, including as much as 15 centimeters (6 inches) and 63 km/h (39 mph) winds. Within one week of the last major snow storm significant tree damage was incurred with the passage of a 85 km/h (53 mph) frontal system. To­gether, May 8 and June 16, thunderstorms dropped over ten percent of the yea s precipitation. Yea s end was marked with sm unseasonably warm "Indian summer" lasting through December.

Table 1. 1979 precipitation and temperature.

Max. snow Precipitation observed on Temperature

ground Max. Min. Month (cm in)a (cm in)b cm in 0C 0F 0C 0F

January 2.08 .82 27.4 10.8 36 14 3.9 39 -33.3 -28 February .74 .29 13.0 5.1 38 15 8.8 48 -29.4 -21 March 4.57 1.80 18.5 7.3 15 6 21.1 70 -15.6 4 April 3.86 1.52 20.3 8.0 10 4 27.2' 81 - 8.3 17 May 8.03 3.16 8.4 3.3 5 2 34.4 94 - 4.4 24 June 11.53 4.54 40.6'105 5.0 41 July 6.02 2.37 36.1 97 11.1 52 August 2.03 .80 38.9 102 7.8 46 September 3.58 1.41 38.9 102 1 33 October 4.09 1.61 4.8 1.9 5 2 28.3 83 - 5.6 22 November 1.55 .61 15.7 6.2 13 5 22.2 72 -16.1 3 December .05 .02 1.3 .5 trace trace 21.lc 70 -25.0 -13

Total 48.13 18.95 109.4 43.1

a Rain, melted snow, etc b Snow c New record

2

Fig. 1, Administrative Assistant Brooks, clearing trail to headquarters after February's blizzard. (R-5-13 2/15/79 KLD)

2. liabitat

Prolonged winter conditions exhibiting ice capped snow cover adversely affected wildlife populations, limiting movement and vegetation accessibility (Fig. 2). Wildplum (Prunus americana) did not produce well as a result of a late spring freeze. Incurring the bulk of precipitation late spring through early summer set the stage for vigorous warm season native grassland rejuvination. This coupled with the "Indian summer" provided quality habitat readily available to wildlife.

C, Land Acquisition

1. Fee Title

Nothing to report.

2. Easements

Nothing to report.

3. Other

Nothing to report.

3

Fig. 2. Dead refuge elk, only one result of the severe winter which covered several plains and rocky jnountain states. (R-6-3 2/15/79 RME)

D. Systems Status

1. Objectives

The station was able to realize the bison, elk and Texas longhorn management objectives within current funding ceil­ings.

Although not par with Service standards, benefits from BLHP funding are now being realized in the station*s public use programs as supplies and materials have begun1 coming forth. All refuge activities are in compliance with approved objec­tives,

2. Funding

The funding pattern for the five years (FY-76 to FY-SO) has shown a strong change to the better (Table 2).

Table 2. Manpower and funds.

Cyclic Fiscal Total Permanent maint. O&M YCC year mandays mandays funds funds funds Special funds

76 2,638 2,418 150,347 10,000.Upgrade elec­trical systems on both refuges.

10,000 Rehab, big game fence on Ft. Niobrara.

30,000 Purchase posts for big game fence at Fort Niobrara.

50,000 77 3,416 2,573 177,286 26,000 9,800 BLHP purchase

fire equip., horse, saddle, and horse trailer for Valentine.

3,900 BLHP insulate v, ceiling and ' outside walls of Q-l & Q-2 at Ft. Niobrara.

13,700 78 3,331 2,756 36,000 243,960 48,500 30,400 BLHP construct

exhibits and signs at Fort Niobrara.

8,100 BLHP conduct an archeological survey of Fort Niobrara.

67,600 BLHP repair buildings and

. 12 miles of road, replace oil storage sheds and radio at Valentine.

65,700 BLHP replace Q-3 water system and electrical service at Fort Niobrara

continued

5

Table 2 continued.

Cyclic Fiscal Total Permanent maint. O&M YCC year mandays mandays funds funds funds Special funds

78 continued 27,500 BLHP purchase *alrboat and backhoe-loader for Valentine.

19,000 Renovate Pelican Lake on Valentine.

218,300 Total BLHP 79 3,386 2,691 57,000 238, 00 30,200 162,000 BLHP #3 rehab.

big game fence at Fort Niobrara.

30,000 BLHP #5 rehab. big game corrals on Fort Niobrara.

121,000 BLHP #8 purchase vehicles for Fort Niobrara.

14,000 BLHP #9 rehab, radio system.

84,000 BLHP #10 rehab, hdqtrs. on Valentine.

55,000 BLHP #12 renovate lakes on Valentine.

72,000 BLHP #14 rehab. grazing facilities on Valentine.

55,000 BLHP #17 rehab. water structures on Valentine.

112,000 BLHP #21 purchase ; vehicles for Valentine.

705,000 Total BLHP

continued

6

Table 2 continued

Cyclic Fiscal Total Permanent maint. O&M YCC year mandays mandays funds funds funds Special funds

80 3,601 2,746 60,000 246,480 — 24,000 BLHP #5 repair 'fences and re­place WCS at Fort Niobrara Force acct.

11,000 BLHP #17 con­struction and administration water control structures and dikes (carry­over) All re­tained by Eng.

14,000 BLHP #12 lake renovation -force acct.

65,000 BLHP #14 rehab water management -facilities at Valentine -force acct.

28,000 BLHP #14 fence rehabilitation at VAlentine.

65,000 BLHP #10 Hackberry Headquarters development (carryover)

5,000 retained by Engineers

; BLHP #10 18,000 Water control

structures/dikes retained by Engineers.

II. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

A. Construction

BLHP project #3 encompasses rehabilitating 77 kilometers (A8 miles) of 2.1 meters (seven feet) woven wire fence, 6A kilometers (40 miles) of 1.5 meters (five feet) barbed and woven wire fence and replacing brace units and line posts of both.

BLHP project #5, involves construction and rehabilitation of the big game corralb and related facilities (Fig. 3, 4, and 5).

Fig. 3. The construction of ten holding pens at the corral east side. (R-33-20 7/11/79 RME)

8

mm

Fig. 4. The pens will be used for holding bison and longhorns during roundups and auctions. (R-42-16 7/18/79 RME)

Fig. 5. Rehabilitation work includes beefing up corral cat­walks as recommended by Regional Safety Officers. {R-42-19 7/18/79 RME)

:

9

BLHP project #8, covers procurement of vehicles and heavy equip­ment as well as design and construction of exhibits for the Interpretative Center (Table 3), The Interpretative Center project is in the preparatory stage with wallpapering complete and carpet ready for installation.

BLHP project #9 provides the refuge with better communications throu i the purchase of one 100-watt base station set up in the complex office, two remote units set up in refuge residences, fiveolOO-watt mobile units and one antenna with tower.

Table 3. Procurred and replaced vehicles and heavy equipment.

Number Year Procurred items

Type Replaced items

Number Year Type

3 1980 Pickup trucks 3 1 1980 Carryall 1 1 1979 Station wagon 1 1 1979 Road grader 1 1 1980 Farm tractor

1970 Pickup trucks 1970 Carryall 1967 Station wagon 1942 Road grader

Fig. 6. The 4~wheel drive tractor will be used for big game feeding and snow removal during the winter. (R-59-20 10/16/79 RME)

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Fig, 7. Additionally with this self-loading scraper, the tractor will be used for trail and dike rehabilitation and maintenance during the frost free months. (R-59-19 10/16/79 RME)

B. Maintenance

Routine maintenance was performed by the maintenance crew on 77 kilometers (AS miles) of big game fence, 58 kilometers (36 miles) of six wire stock fence, big game corrals, sale arena, 8 kilometers (five miles) of tour road, 20 windmill systems, picnic area, two shops, two residences, horse bam, granary, roadgrader, D-7 tractor, W-9 tractor, A-wheel drive farm tractor with scraper, hay fork with sled, jeep, 6x6 fire truck, stock trailer, five A-wheel drive pickup trucks and two passenger transport vehicles.

Several minor rehabilitation and maintenance projects were accom­plished by a 30 person YCC crew assigned to the Complex. Projects included fish surveys, ground maintenance, corral fence construc­tion, public use trail maintenance, longhom fence construction and painting of main shop.

~ — 4

11

Fig. 8. Station and YCC personnel doing their thing — working together separately. {R-39-5 7/19/79 KLD)

C. Wildfire

The Service has an agreement with the Valentine Rural Fire Protection District in which we assist them in fighting fires off Service lands while the District will in turn assist the Complex in controlling wildfires on the stations. The agreement has been drawn up such that neither agency will seek expense reimbursement from the other regardless of fire location. Under our agreement with the U.S. Forest Service, either agency will seek reimbursement depending upon fire location.

Sunday, April 22, the Valentine Fire Department contacted the refuge at 1:30 p.m., requesting assistance to control a fire southwest of Highway 20 approximately four kilometers (two and one-half miles) south of refuge boundary. Five employees with two pumpers were dispatched from the Fort Niobrara station while four employees with two pumpers were dispatched from the Valentine station. Due to changing wind direction and speed, the fire was not contained until 5:15 p.m. An estimated 400 to 600 hectares (988 to 1482 acres) of grassland was burned. Lightning was the probable cause.

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Fig, 9* Scene of a lightning strike during the dry season. Fortunately it was extinguished by accompany-ing precipitation. (R-58-8 9/7/79 RHE) -

III. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

A. Cropland

Mothing to report.

B, Grassland

1. Grazing and Haying j

Forage utilization was approximately the same as last year while hay consumption almost doubled due to the severity of the winter. Most of the hay was utilized by the lon jom program. However, the exhibition buffalo, antelope, deer and elk did receive a ration of hay. The saddle horses were also fed hay as needed. The hay is harvested from the Valentine ?3WR under cooperative agreements. This year we received 271 tons.

k

T ble A. Grass forage utilization.

Unit Hectares Acres Available

AUH's Buffalo Lcn iom Antelope Deer Elk Horse Total % Used

1 15A9.2 3828 166A 1236 325 IS 1579 95 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 122.6 303 152 186 186 122 11 AO.5 100 106 A2 A2 40

12 & 13 86.2 213 99 99 (22) 99 (22) 100 16A 283.3 700 316 191 66 2A 281 89 16B 139.6 1A7 8A (36) 84 (36) 57 19 26.3 65 19 (1AA) (1AA) 21 23.1 57 16 {35A) (354) 23 AO.5 100 50 50 (5) 50 (5) 100 2A AO.9 101 50 25 85.8 212 71 66 (87) 66 (87) 93 27 163.1 A03 196 56 (AO) 69 (50) 8 (9) 30 (21) 163 (120) 83 28A 8 AO. 6 2077 1038 A76 52 61 589 57 28B 9A1.3 2326 1038 375 1A1 1A2 658 63 29 180.5 AA6 222 AO (291) AO (291) 18 30 211.7 523 258 36 (160) 36 (160) 13

31 A 31A 190.6 A71 237 99 99 42 32 219.3 5A2 329 88 88 27 33 19A.3 ABO 336 3A1 341 100 3A 319.6 789 552 53 53 10 35 319.6 789 55? A01 A01 73 36 60A.2 1A93 10A5 460 A68- A5 37 129.5 320 160 94 94 58 38 33A.3 826 578 39 33A.3 826 578 86 86 15

Totals TA20.9 18335 9B09 2611 2AAA 8 317 123 5503 56% M

Hay 6A5 Ton 1935 (40) (1127) (9) (21) (22) (1219)

1A

A Grassland Management Workshop was conducted at Fort Niobrara-Valentine NWP Complex, August 7 and 8. Area and Regional Office, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, local Soil Conservation Service, Crescent Lake NWR, Lacreek NWR, and Fort Niobrara-Valentine NWR personnel participated.

2. Weed Control

Nothing to report.

C. Wetlands

Nothing to report.

D. Forestlands

Nothing to report.

E. Other Habitat

Nothing to report.

F. Wilderness and Special Areas

The Fort Niobrara Wilderness Management Plan was developed. Additionally, possibility of designating a public use natural area for that part of the refuge lying west of State Highway 12 (Units 2 and 11) is being considered.

G. Easements for Waterfowl Hanagement

Nothing to report.

IV. WILDLIFE

A. Endangered and/or Threatened Species

1. Whooping Crane

On the morning of October 30, seven cranes were sighted on a sandbar in the Niobrara River one-fourth mile upstream from Cornell Dam. The birds were observed during an aerial survey of the Niobrara River from Highway 137 to Snake River includ­ing Herritt Reservoir. The group included one immature and six adults. They continued their migration at 9:33 a.m.

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2. Bald Eagles

The refuge serves as a wintering area for bald eagles. Peak population occurred along the Niobrara River where up to five birds were observed during aerial census.

B. Migratory Birds

1. Waterfowl

Two pair of Canada geese nested in the exhibition pasture, but only one was successful. One pair brought off four goslings of which one was banded.

2. Marsh and Water Birds

One sandhill crane was observed in Unit 29 on April 14 using the refuge as a staging area during spring migration.

3. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species

Nothing to report.

4. Raptors

The refuge population of golden eagles varied between 5-10 birds on the refuge during mid-winter. The majority of birds are located along the Niobrara River.

One dead golden eagle was brought to refuge headquarters on February 28 by a NGPC officer. The bird was then transferred to Special Agent Bill Skar. During Christmas week one crip­pled immature golden eagle, observed by a local citizen along the Niobrara River, was secured by a NGPC officers. The bird was transported to the Valentine NWR for rehabilitation and later transported to Henry Doorly Zoo, Lincoln, Nebraska.

5. Other Migratory Birds

Nothing to report.

Mammals and Non-Migratory Birds and Others

1. Game Mammals

a. Bison

The objective level for the bison herd is currently set at 225 animals after the fall disposal program. At the

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beginning of the year the herd consisted of 235 animals (Table 5).

Table 5. Bison herd age structure - January 1, 1979.

Age Cows Bulls Total

Calf 20 21 A1 1 8 13 21 2 13 13 26 3 11 11 22 A 11 12 23 5 8 8 16 6 15 6 21 7 12 6 18 8 13 6 19 9 8 6 1A 10 A 7 11 11 3 3

Totals 123 112 235

The main bison herd wintered in the north bison range (Unit #1), was transferred to the south bison-range (Unit #36) on April A prior to calving. The bulk of calving occurred mid-April to early June after which the herd was moved to the west bison range (Unit #28A) on June 8.

Fig. 10. Natural mortality during calving removes one or two cows annually. (R-20-3A 5/12/79 RME)

17

When the herd was transferred to Unit #28B on July 18, for late summer utilization, 63 calves made the trip. Consider­ing a production class of 82 cows, the calving success was 77 percent.

Fall roundup and sorting commenced September 18,> During the sortting phase, completed September 20, the calves were age branded and vaccinated. Five animals, less than two percent of the population, died as a result of goring.

Eighty-one bison were culled to maintain the herd at the current objective level. Sixty-five animals went to public auction bringing $31,725 (Table 6). The remainder were donated to tax supported organizations (Table 7) and shipped overseas. The two bison shipped overseas went to Kiryat Gat, Israel, as a gift from its sister city Buffalo, New York, The American city chose to give bison because of the species being commonly referred to as buffalo, the city namesake. The animals will be exhibited at the National Biblical Zoo where facilities have been constructed for perpetuating the species (Fig. 11, 12, and 13). All animals were health inspected for Brucellosis and T.B. on September 21 and September 2A respectfully.

Table 6. Bison sale - 1979

Age Cows Bulls Total

Calf 18 13 31 1 A 5 9 2 1 2 3 3 2 2 5 2 2 7 1 1 2 9 2 1 3 10 1 1 11 5 5 • 10 12 2 2

Totals 32 33 65

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Table 7. Donated bison - 1979

Date Number Sex Age Organization and location

8/11 1 Bull 4 Sully*s Hill NWR, Ft. Totten, ND

8/15 1 Bull 1 National Biblical Zoo, Jverusalem, 1 Cow 1 Israel

10/4 2 Bulls 1 Kansas Fish and Game, Box 54A, 2 Bulls 2 PR #2, Pratte, KS

10/9 2 Cows Calf Binder Park Zoo, 7500 Division Dr. 1 Bull Calf Battle Creek, MI

10/9 1 Bull 3 Lincoln Zoo, Lincoln, NE

11/13 2 Cows 1 East Bay Zoological Society, Box 5238, 1 Bull 1 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland, CA

Total 14

Fig. 11. The bison nominees for shipment to Israel. (R-2-2 1/10/79 KLD)

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Fig. 12. The animal first step of the 8,500 mile journey. (R-48-A-20 8/15/79 KLD)

Fig. 13. The pair's transportation from Fort Niobrara NWR to Denver, CO was the only leg of the trip to Israel completed by ground. (R-48-15 8/15/79 KLD)-

Fig, 14, Two horsemen selecting a bison bull for donation to Sully*s Hill NWR, (R-35-22 7/19/79 KLD)

After roundup the main buffalo herd was returned to the wilder­ness area (Tabfle 8),

Table 8, Bison herd age structure - December 31, 1979.

Age Cows Bulls Totals

Calf 18 18 36 1 15 12 27 2 8 11 19 3 11 11 22 4 11 10 t 21 5 12 10 22 6 8 7 15 7 11 4 15 8 11 7 18 9 8 5 13 10 6 8 14 11 3 3 12 1 1

Totals 122 104 226

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b. Longhom

At the beginning of the year, the herd consisted of 273 animals (Table 9). The objective is set at 275 animals.

Table 9. Lon iorn herd composition - January 1, 1979.

Age Cows Bulls Steers Totals

9 months 2A 9 29 61 21 months 19 3 10 32 33 months 16 4 6 26 Mature 84 6 64 154

Totals 143 22 109 273

The mature steers were again wintered in Unit #1 north of the Niobrara River. They received no hay and no supplement except mineral and salt. In spite of an extremely severe winter, we had no losses. They were moved back across the river on March 30 to fresh pasture.

The brood cows and two-year old heifers were wintered on native hay. The weaners received a ration of native hay plus a daily ration of oats and barley.

All hay was moved to Ft. Niobrara from Valentine NWR through permittee part of their haying agreement. All the grain came from Desoto NWR in Iowa.

The longjiorn brood cows were moved into the calving pasture on March 18, and the first calf was born the next day. The last calf was born on May 20, giving us 81 live calves and three calves that died of various causes (Table 10). As we had 100 bred cows, this represents a live calf rate of 81 percent at branding time on June 1 (Table 11),

Table 10. Lon iom calf mortality.

Tag No, Death Date Sex Dam Sire Cause of death

912 3/30 F 108 322 Died in storm 960 4/15 B 241 3107 Unknown 972 4/20 F 309 430 Born dead

Table 11. Summary of calving data.

Total cows Total live calves Total 1979 births Total 1979 heifers (not bred) Total 1979 cows lost calves or dry

119 81 8A 19 19

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On June 1, all calves were branded and vaccinated for blackleg, malignant edema, and hemorrhagic septicemia. We had 36 heifers and saved 20 males for bulls; the remaining 25 males were castrated.

The cows were divided into five herds and turned out to the breeding pastures with the bulls on June 5. For the first time since the herd was established in 1936, new blood, other than Wichita Mountains NWR, was introduced into the herd. Six cows were bred by artificial insemi­nation to F.M. Graves* and Red McComb*s bull "Classic." This bull has a certified horn spread of 49-3/8 inches. Seven more cows were bred to "Bold Ruler." He is owned by Owen MaGill and Jimmy Grieve of Wheatland, Wyoming. Nine other cows were artifically bred to Kenneth Hurapheryts big black bull "WR 2308" of Okreek, South Dakota. This bull is of Wichita breeding and died a couple of years ago.

The annual longhorn roundup began on September 10, and the surplus animals were selected for disposal. The sale cows were pregnancy tested by Dr. John Black, DVM. All calves were given a booster shot of triple vaccine and the steers were Warbexed for lice and cattle grubs.

One steer, #238, got his head stuck in the chute and in the struggle fell down and broke his neck. On August 24, #167 cow died of unknown causes.

Sixty-nine calves were weaned on November 2, these were taken to the weaner pasture and started on a ration of oats, corn and barley. On this same day, 100 head of mature cows and 19 head of heifers were Warbexed. The calves were Warbexed on December 4.

The longhoms for sale, except for calves, were tested for T.B. and breeding age animals were tested1 for brucellosis. The annual sale was held in conjmttion with the buffalo sale on October 3. At this time we sold 68 Texas longhorns for a total of $76,000 or an average of $1,123.53 (Table 12), This compares with an average of $631.41 in 1978. Top price was paid for a three-year old pregnant cow that brought $5,000.

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Table 12. 1979 lon iorn sale summary.

Class Age No. Sold Price Paid Top Price Average Price

Cow Adult 17 $34,800 $5,000 $2,047 Bull Adult 3 3,775 1,550 1,258 Heifer 1 5 8,150 1,857 1,630 Bull 1 3 4,175 1,675 1,391 Steers Adult 15 8,425 650 562 Steers 1 13 6,350 550 490 Heifer Calf 1 1,350 1,350 1,350 Bull Calf 5 6,700 1,775 1,340 Steer Calf 6 2,675 500 446

Total 68 $76,400 $5,000 $1,124

One longhorn cow #752t was donated to the Lincoln Municipal Zoo, Lincoln, NE for exhibition purposes.

Six longhorn steers, #818, #833, #856, #884, #860, and #861 were donated to Oregon State University at Corvallis, Oregon. These animals are to be used in research of tanzy ragwort (Senecio Jacabaea), a plant commonly found in-the northwest. Recent reports have estimated an $11 million yearly loss of livestock due to tanzy toxicity.

Research has been done on various breeds of cattle and horses at Oregon on tanzy toxicity. Early experiments have shown that Texas Imghorn cattle had .higher resistance to this toxic weed; however, they succumbed to the poison and re­searchers requested more longhorns for their experiments.

Table 13. Texas longhorn herd composition - December 31.

Age Cows Bulls Steers Total

9 months 35 15 19 69 21 months 19 6 10 35 33 months 15 1 6 22 Mature 85 9 59 153

Totals 154 31 94 275

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Fig. 15. Typical of top quality longhorn bulls used at Fort Niobrara Refuge. (R-51-18 8/15/79 RME)

Fig, 16. Mew chute built with BLHP funds for longhoms. (R-A2-1 07/16/79 RME)

%

25

c. Elk

The elk remained in the east buffalo range until March 28, when they were moved to the west buffalo range. On October 1, they were moved into 16A where they will remain for the winter.

The winter of 1978-79 was one of the most severe winters on record. Thirty-four days in January and February had readings below zero. This coupled with about one foot of hard, crusted snow took its toll on the elk herd.

When it was discovered that the elk were in a stressful situation, they were given a ration of hay until the weather improved.

We began the year with A3 elk, raised three calves and had a known winter loss of eight head — four cows, two calves, and two bulls. The eight elk which remain un­accounted for either escaped over a snow covered fence as evidenced by tracks or their remains were not found.

As a result of the winter loss, plus the fact that only three calves were raised this year, we did not donate any animals.

Table 1A. Elk herd - December 31

Age Cows Bulls Total

Calf 2 1 3 1 year 3 1 A Mature 1A 9 23

Totals 19 11 30

d. Deer

Refuge mule and white-tailed deer populations are stable at AO each. After building back from the depressed levels of the middle 70*8, private land populations are also stable at hi ier numbers. Increased forage base as a result of above average precipitation is a significant contributory factor. As populations pick up, individuals are more likely to be encountered by motorists (Fig. 15).

26

Fig. 17. Road killed deer showing tire track of vehicle probably making the hit. This is one of two county/state roads passing through the refuge, {R-24-.21 5/12/79 HHE)

e. Pronghorn

The pronghorn are contained in the refuged exhibition pasture. One kid was produced from the three animals on display. During the winter as one or two small herds moved into the Niobrara River Valley a few animals pass through the refuge. As a result the exhibition pasture herd increased from three to 14 animals. Two pronghorns were killed as a result of vehicle contact and predation (Fig. 18),

27

Fig. 18. The pronghom was taken alive by coyotes. (R-2-.16 02/14/79 RME) :

Bighorn Sheep

A report was prepared fulfilling a Regional Advice to identify whether or not the bighorn sheep is an indigenous species no longer present at Fort Niobrara NWR and if so, what are the possibilities of reintroduction? The Audubon Bighorn, Ovis canadensis audubonl, was indigenous to the Niobrara River, however, the subspecies was exterminated in the early 1900,s. The recommendation was that Fort Niobrara NWR is not suitable to support a viable population of the surviving subspecies of bighorns.

2. Other Mammals

a. Coyote

Coyote fur prices are less than 50 percent of last year's when prime pelts exceeded $100. This coupled with this year's winter conditions has resulted in more efficient intake of refuge nutrients by an expanding coyote popu­lation, ADM personnel removed 28 individuals. Two dozen of these were taken during May 11-12 from the exhibition pasture and the elk calving area.

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3. Resident Birds

a* Sharp-tailed grouse

The staff observed 9A males and 29 females on six dancing grounds. This year's population is down 23 percent from the previous five year mean (Table 15). .

b. Greater Northern Prairie Chicken

No dancing grounds have been occupied during the last two years however surrounding land owners have reported a few sightings. The refuge has had no more than one prairie chicken dancing ground since 1972, when two were active.

Table 15. Prairie grouse dancing ground populations.

Sharp-tailed grouse Prairie chicken Year Males Females Totals Males Females Totals

1974 131 35 166 1975 139 36 175 3 3 6 1976 137 53 190 5 2 7 1977 103 25 128 3 - 2 5 1978 109 31 140

Means 123.8 36.0 159.8 2.2 1.4 3.6

1979 94 29 123

c. Bobwhite Quail

The population numbers 70 to 90 birds. The birds are primarily heard and occasionally observed along the Niobrara River and headquarters.

d. Merrlam Turkey

The population of 50 to 70 birds has remained stable for the past five years.

4. Other Animal Life

Nothing to report.

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V. INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION

Information and Recreation

1. On-Refuge

Little interpretive media is available to refuge visitors with most simply driving through available wildlife/wildlands observation areas. Most visits to the refuge are informal and unplanned.

However, visitor registration indicates persons from 48 states and 23 foreign countries sojourned to the refuge in 1979.

a» Visitor Contact Station

The long awaited interpretive exhibits scheduled for completion in early 1979 have yet to materialize. Wallpaper and carpeting have been contracted for the exhibit areas of the headquarters/interpretive center. However, delays in production and fabrication are such that we cannot hope for exhibit completion prior to the 1930 peak use season. These exhibits will encompass a number of resource themes.

Funding for a road and parking area for the center were available in the fall. However, no bids were received for the contract.

Due to this less than favorable access, few visitors ventured to the center to view a high quality wildlife art exhibit and historic Fort Niobrara photo display.

The old museum still houses the major part of the wildlife displays utilized by the public. Exhibits include themes of refuge wildlife management, the buffalo legacy, historic Fort Niobrara, grasses, wildlife/wildlands recreational opportunities, and wildlife photography. Mounted birds specimens and paleontological exhibits are also housed in the museum. This area is still considered low quality, with little budget being spent on these interim exhibits. Approximately 42,656 visitors spent an average of one quarter-hour in this facility.

b. Conducted Interpretive Tours

Several public tours involving a number of different themes and audiences were offered in 1979. These were

30

given to various school groups, visiting YCC camps, senior citizen groups, church and social organizations, scout troops and college students. Additionally, the refuge hosted several of the newly promoted "Know Nebraska Tours" sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. A total of 614 persons participated in interpretive tours for a total of 1,106 activity hours of involvement.

The refuge complex sponsored a Grassland Management Workshop, August 7 through 8 with 28 persons participating. Topics included grassland management, plant identification, soil and range sites, predation management, prescribed burning and preferred waterfowl nesting cover. Tours were also given.

The refuge complex hosted a meeting on August 9 and 10 to identify and prioritize research needs in the Mammals and Nonmigratory Birds (MNB) Program. The 24 participants represented applicable refuges, area offices, the regional and Washington offices, and research.

c* Environmental Education

Several school groups participated in environmental education activities on the refuge. Advanced biology class students from Valentine High School used the river and adjoining ecosystem as a study site. East Stroudsburg State College, Pennsylvania, visited the refuge complex June 28 and conducted studies following interpretive presentations on wildlife conservation and refuge management techniques. The YCC received varied environmental awareness instruction, including big game management.

Off-Refuge

a» Public Information Professional Services, Technical Assistance, t

Response was made to approximately 420 informational requests regarding the refuge during 1979.

Twenty news releases and feature articles were disseminated to appropriate sectors of the news media throughout Nebraska including television, radio and the press. These included issues of national importance within the wildlife/ wildlands conservation field, local management problems, programs/services available to the public, and YCC activities.

Four radio statements were made by the Fort Niobrara NWR staff.

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Professional services include technical assistance provided to Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on muskrat management and fish management.

Training assistance was provided to the Nebraska Tour Guides.

A Fish and Wildlife Management Workshop was held December 11 through 14 at Fort Niobrara NWR for tribal conservation officers of Cheyenne River Reservation, South Dakota.

Training assistance was also provided to U.S. Soil Conservation Service (USDA). Seventeen SCS employees were conducted in grassland management at Fort Niobrara NWR.

Thirteen technical assistance inquiries on Texas longhom breeding and management and bison management were provided to individuals and agencies.

The Cherry County Sheriff's Department utilized the refuge sale area for training reservists in September.

Technical assistance in environmental education was provided to the Lutheran School, Valentine, Nebraska.

Dr. A. Tyrone Harrison of the University of Nebraska collected bones and grass samples for bison and elk research,

Mill M nil Fig. 19. Laura and Bill Riley. {R-27-11 6/19/79 KLD)

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Laura and Bill Riley, authors of Guide to National Wildlife Refuge, returned to this refuge complex to do a free-lance article on spring in the sandhills. Appro­priate staff assistance was provided as well as refuge slides of the rarer species.

Small display boards prepared by the YCC, relating programs in which they participate were placed in several public buildings throughout the local community.

Off-Site Programs

A number of programs were presented to various civic and social organizations and youth groups in 1979.

In observance of National Wildlife Week, 17 presentations were made in 10 area schools. Outdoor Recreation Planner Drews involved 6A6 students in these wildlife ecology programs. An attempt was made to design individual programs for each group to complement their curriculum/ studies. Programs varied in complexity and degree of student participation. Some general programs on natural histories of wildlife species or on wildlife conservation were offered. Other management techniques and solutions of management problems which included some role-playing. Younger audiences were assigned habitat/species activities and "played11 Web of Life (Food Chain) games, with ma s intervention (manipulation) added.

Wildlife conservation and management was the subject of several programs presented to children of the Valentine school system, September 24th through 28th, The programs presented in conjunction with the National Hunting and Fishing Day observance, were given to all sixth, seventh, and eighth grade science classes, as well as all fourth graders. A total of 196 children participated in these educational programs.

Refuge Manager Ellis addressed a state meeting of the Nebraska Civil Defense Directors and Fire Chiefs in North Platte, Nebraska, in February; the topic being the refuge fire control program.

Refuge Manager Ellis made a presentation at the Buffalo Management Workshop held in Salina, Kansas, April 9 through 12. This meeting was sponsored by the American Buffalo Association, Kansas Chapter of the Wildlife Society and Kansa Fish and Game Department.

33

Recreation

1. Wildlife Oriented

a. Wildllfe/Wlldlands Observation

The majority of public use on the refuge is within the scope of wlldlife/wildlands appreciation.

The exhibition pasture which contains a small number of representative animals, including bison, elk, Texas longhoms, pronghorns, prairie dogs, and Canada geese receives use by the majority of visitors. This "sight­seeing" from one's automobile has proven the major activity with 53,873 persons participating for a total of 39,947 activity hours.

As wildlife/wildlands observation and photography, as well as hiking, continue to increase at Fort Niobrara more people are leaving their cars to explore the refuge ecosystem on a one-to-one basis. As yet, few problems with visitors failing to regard refuge animals as wildlife have developed.

The Fort Niobrara Wilderness Area is beginning to be "discovered" by a few adventurous visitors who have enjoyed daily excursions into the pine breaks along the Niobrara River and beyond. A Wilderness Management Plan was developed in 1979 (See Section III. F.).

The Fort Falls Trail remains a popular attraction for visitors. Constructed and maintained by the YCC, this trail is connected via a primitive nature trail to the picnic area. Approximately 19,000 visitors made use of these trails for 12,169 activity hours.

Canoeing the scenic Niobrara River continues to increase in popularity. The Niobrara is considered the finest canoeing water in Nebraska. The 15 mile stretch from Cornell Dam on the refuge to Rocky Ford is one of the few remaining flowing waters available for canoeists in the state. This is exemplified by the increase in use. A marked use to over 8,000 canoeists was observed this year. Use is expanding to alternate seasons, with several hardy canoeists even braving the cold to "run" the river in December, A total of over 16,000 activity hours of wildlife/wildlands observation by boat were achieved as the recreationists passed through the scenic Niobrara Wilderness.

34

A few problems concerning canoers were experienced, particularly with those who could not travel the short distance to a campground.

Fig. 20. In case you cannot read the sign behind the tent, one line reads "No camping...." (R-27-21 6/9/79 RME)

Photography is a popular wildlife activity which, although little recognized, is increasing in use. Rarely do first-time visitors to the refuge pass up the chance to snap a picture of the majestic elk, bison, or Texas longhorn. Additionally amateur photographers are coming to the refuge expressly for the purpose of practicing their art. Approximately 1,800 hours were spent in wildlife/ wildlands photography by 3,450 refuge visitors.

b. Fishing

Nothing to report.

c. Picnicking

The picnic area is maintained in support of wildlife/ wildland recreational activities. The area received the limited use of 1,560 activity hours.

35

d. Censuslng

The refuge entrance road, as well as major exhibition pasture route, is monitored by pneumatic traffic counters. Those on the entrance road were "vandalized" a number of times. Some of the equipment was found and salvaged, some was not. Although at least one incident was firmly the case of vandals, the majority of destruction is probably attributable to canoeing outrigger vehicles and county road equipment accidentally hooking the hoses.

Enforcement

The Fish and Wildlife Service did not file any cases involving Fort Niobrara, Public use problems decreased symmetrically to declining visitation. Presently, the few "people problems" occurring on the refuge are, for the most part, of local origin. Night visitation byllocals is still the most popular infripgement.

Some vandalism was incurred with two major incidents being recorded. One involved two private vehicles parking in the canoe launch parking area. The second involved vandalism to refuge facilities such as trash barrels and restrooms. Fortunately, the vandals were not as "creative" or lacked the initiative to be really malicious in their pranks.

Fig, 21. Vandals decided the public restrooms needed more aeration. (R-25-2 5/7/79 KID)

36

Refuge personnel, with the aid of the Cherry County Sheriff's Department, managed to deal with most of these intruders. This usually involved warnings to the violators.

Winter trespass problems were practically nonexistent due to the closure of access roads to the picnic area and Fort Falls.

Presently, no routine enforcement patrol is accomplished on Fort Niobrara NWR, however, personnel are available on the station at all times. Daily and night patrols are made when deemed necessary. Routine patrols are only performed on crucial days during hunting seasons,

VI. OTHER ITEMS

A. Field Investigations

Nothing to report.

B, Cooperative Programs

1. Youth Conservation Corp

A non-residential Youth Conservation Corps Catnp was again set up at Complex headquarters.

Fig. 22. YCC enrollees receive environmental education as part of their daily assignments, (R-35-1A 7/18/79 KLD)

X.

37

YCC staff; Boyd Powell, Camp Director; Rhonda Ringdahl, Environmental Awareness Coordinator; Linda Chandler, Yvonne Hogan, Jeff Walz, and Joe Wewel, Crew Leaders, entered on board one week prior to camp commencement for administrative detail,

From June 11 to July 20, 30 enrollees became involved with 67 work and 35 educational projects, some of which are listed in Section II. B.

Mourning Dove Study

Participation in the second year of the ten state dove study was accomplished August 22-24. Assistant Manager Arment assisted in South Dakota in gathering field data for deterv mining the effects of September hunting on dove eggs and nesting survival rates.

3. Tribal Workshop

The Service offered a Fish and Wildlife Management Workshop for tribal conservation officers on December 11 through 14. The officers from Cheyenne River Reservation, South Dakota, were involved in programs which included wildlife management techniques, discussed by Refuge Manager Ellis' and Outdoor Recreation Planner Drews.

Items of Interest

Assistant Refuge Manager Arment and Administrative Technician Brooks attended an administrative workshop in Pierre Area Office, March 6 and 7.

Assistant Refuge Manager Arment completed the Refuge Management Academy training at M.E.S.A. in Beckley, West Virginia, March 20 through April 12.

Outdoor Recreation Planner Drews, Assistant Refuge Manager Line McDaniel and Maintenance Worker Wiley completed the four week required law enforcement training at the F.L.E.T.C., Glynco, Georgia. Biological Technician Vaughn attended the one week refresher course at F.L.E.T.C., May 21 through 25.

All permanent staff members completed an eight hour defensive driving course conducted by the Nebraska State Highway Patrol during the spring.

Outdoor Recreation Planner Drews and Refuge Manager Ellis attended the Interpretation and Planned Communications in Resource Management Workshop in the Denver Regional Office, June 12 through 15.

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Outdoor Recreation Planner Drews and Refuge Manager Ellis attended a two day workshop in the Pierre Area Office, October 11 and 12 training Service personnel in the techniques of conducting public meetings and gaining public support for natural resource programs.

YCC Environmental Awareness Coordinator Ringdahl attended YCC training in Salt Lake City June 5 through 7.

Outdoor Recreation Planner Drews spent the week of January 15 through 19 in Washington, D.C., buried in the "stacks" of the National Archives. She was involved in historical research for the Fort Niobrara NWR dedicated area and interpretive programs.

Biological Technician Rogers transferred to Valentine NWR, EOD May 6, being promoted from the biological technician position at San Bernard NWR, Texas.

A feedyard was constructed northwest of the refuge at the head of Coon Creek watershed which drains into Fort Niobrara Wilderness Area. The cattle feedyard owned and operated by Mr, Taylor Lawrence, exhibits a pollution disposal potential. Refuge manage­ment is thus communicating necessary background information throu i channels for examination.

*

Under a cooperative agreement, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission occassionally places "tamed" wildlife on the refuge. Usually, these are placed in the exhibition pasture. A white-tailed buck so placed seemed to prefer people to other critters and was removed from the yards of residences several times. Subsequently, he was moved to the wilderness area. A long time resident of the exhibition pasture, a doe that "believes" she is an elk, occasions the headquarters area only to scavenge during harsh winters.

KLD)

39

Fig. 24. Although photographing the inside of a box may seem strange, this was one of the methods recommended for viewing the partial solar eclipse. Staff members took a few moments on 02/26/79 to view this rare event. {R-2-17 02/26/79 KLD) t

This report was written by Assistant Refuge Manager Staff Arment, Administrative Technician Brooks, and Outdoor Recreation Planner Drews; edited by Refuge Manager Ellis and typed by Clerk-typist Edwards.

Safety

1. Meetings

Twelve meetings covering as many subjects were chaired by personnel of both stations (Table 16).

40

Table 16. Safety meetings.

Presentation "Film", slides or

lecture Date Chair­person Subject Discussion

1/26 Arment

2/23 Edwards

Animal diseases

"Animal bites & rabies"

Disposing of 'dead, diseased animals.

Artificial Slide presentation CPR resusatation by Mr. & Mrs.

Schlueter, Cherry County Heart Fund.

3/30

4/27

5/21

6/29

7/27

8/27

9/28

10/26

Skates

Haines

McDaniel

Powell

Drews

Ellis

Turner

Brooks

Boating

Defensive driving

Toxic sub­stance use

Slide presentation Safety checklist

"Broken Glass" Seat belts.

Slide presentation Protective clothing.

Safety - YCC Lecture enrollees

General

Safety -public use

Big game handling

Firearm safety

"From Where I Sit" Enrollee respon­sibility

Slide presentation Alertness

"Sweet Sunday1s Handling firearms Gone"

Law enforce- Lecture, Steve Searching, hand-men t White, Deputy cuffing, trans-

Sheriff, Valentine porting prisoners. Police Department _

11/30

12/17

Wiley

Vaughn

Winter "Cold Can Kill" safety survival

First aid Lecture, Brent Peterson and Judy McQuire, Cherry County Hospital

Tractor safety.

Airway obstruction, CPR and air splints.

41

Accidents

While rounding up the lon iorn calves on January 17, Bill Turner began having a headache, becoming dizzy and nauseous, so visited a physician. The illness was determined to be a result of an activity performed the previous day. While chipping ice from a stock tank, the icebreaking bar Mr. Turner was using struck him in the head when he slipped. Mr. Turner returned to duty the next workday.

While drilling holes in posts on April 14, a metal fragment lodged in Gary Coleman's eye. Mr. Coleman was assisted to a physician, the fragment removed, and reported for work the next duty day.

While tightening a saddle cinch on April 24 Randy Arment strained his back. Mr. Arment returned to duty that day.

While removing a rddiator from a D-? Caterpillar on June 27 a breeze blew foreign matter into Alan Rogers' eye. A physician extracted the matter and Mr. Rogers returned to duty the following work day.

While removing a broken window pane on August 31, a glass chip became embedded in Jerry Olmsted's eye. After being escorted to a physician the chip was extracted and Mr. Olmsted returned to work that day.

On September 30 a 26 year old female Caucasian died as a result of a self-inflicted wound from a firearm. The incident occurred in Q-2 at Fort Niobrara NWR headquarters.

While lessening a bolt on a hay sled underside on November 29 foreign material flew into Bill Turner's eye. The attending physician did not locate anything in the eye but reported the eye to be substantially scratched. Mr. Turner reported for work the following work day.