ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1977

Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Personnel

1. Inga Mae Urke, Clerk DMT, GS*4t PFT 2. David Bennett, Biological Technician, GS-5, PPT (EOD 6/6/77) 3. Richard Nord, Assistant Wetland Manager, GS-9, PFT 4. Luther (Si) Melby, Maintenanceraan, WG-6, PFT 5. Marvin Mansfield, Wetland Manager, GS-12, PFT 6. Charles Vukonich, Biological Technician, GS-6, PFT 7. Buck Weldon, Soil Conservationist, GS-9 (EOD 8/28/77)

Not pictured:

Larry Kowalczyk, Biological Aid, GS-4, Temporary (4/11/77-9/30/77) George Heglund, Biological Technician, Temporary (6/^/77-8/23/77) Bruce Sundberg, Biological Aid, GS-4, Temporary (4/25/77-11/15/77) Beth Gerhardson, NYC, Temporary (6/13/77-8/5/77) Michael Benson, NYC, Temporary (6/13/77-8/4/77) Jerry Mortenson, NYC, Temporary (6/13/77-8/11/77)

Review and Approvals

Submitted by Date A^'"

Wetland Management District Regional OfficeDate

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Z. GENERAL Page

A. Introduction I B. Climatic and Habitat Conditions • • • . . . , 1 C. Land Acquisition • D. System Status

II. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

A. Construction B. Maintenance • ...S C. Wildfire 9

III. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

A. Croplands 9 B. Grasslands . . 10 C . W e t l a n d s • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1 4 D . F o r e s t l a n d s • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1 5 E. Other Habitat ••••• . 15 F« Wilderness and Special Areas • • • . . . , . .15 G, Easements for Waterfowl Management • • . . .15

IV. WILDLIFE

A* Endangered and Threatened Species •••.••• 16 B, Migratory Birds . • , 17 C. Mammals and Non-Migratory Birds and Others .... 21

V. INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION

A. Information and Interpretation •••••... 22 B . R e c r e a t i o n • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 2 3 C . E n f o r c e m e n t • • • • • • • • • • • ^ . • . 2 4

VI. OTHER ITEMS

A. Field Investigations •••••••«••• 25 B. Cooperative Programs ••••••26 C. Items of Interest • 27 D . S a f e t y • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 2 8

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I. GENERAL

A. {ntypd^ct;!^

The Fergus Fells Wetland Management District is located in Grant, Douglas» Otter Tail and Wilkin Counties of West Central Minnesota. Lands managed lie in the transition prairie forest zone containing numerous scattered potholes. Flat, poorly drained land of the Red River Valley (formally Glacial Lake Agassis) borders the district on the west and rolling, well drained, mixed maple-basswood-oak forest borders the area on the northeast and east.

Agriculture is the life blood of the area. Most often raised crops Include wheat, barley, oats, corn, hay, and soybeans. In the western part of the district sunflowers and some sugar beets are raised.

A total of 196 management units containing 30,268 acres have been purchased to date. In addition, options were obtained on two other parcels containing 82 acres. Preserved also are 339 easements containing 9,948 acres of wetlands.

B. Climatic and Habitat Conditions

Precipitation was slightly above normal early in the period, but by March 24th virtually all the snow had melted. Many wetlands that had gone dry during the 1976 drought were still without water. The early spring, combined with dry conditions, allowed for an early planting season.

Rossow WPA, Most wetlands were at critically low levels for the balance of the nesting season • a result of the 1976 drought and a poor spring runoff. May 1977. C.V.

WATERFOWL PRODUCTION

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Hoff-Fronnlng WPA "five feet high and rising". Above normal precipitation In September~DeceB)ber should Improve habitat conditions considerably come spring 1978.

3.

Water conditions began to improve in April and continued that way throughout the summer and fall periods. Drought stressed potholes commenced to show water again by mid May with fre­quent late spring rains. By freeze-up (November 11) most marshes were at near normal water levels. Two blizzards in mid November dumped heavy snow that should provide for a good spring runoff.

The past year was one of abnormalities. Mbre rain (4.51 inches) fell in September than the normally wet months of May and June combined. The greatest precipitation in a 24 hour period (1.68 inches) occurred on November 9th. January received the least amount of moisture with a mere .35 inch. The high and low for the year of -38° P and 98° P came on 1/16 and 7/20 respectively. Total precipitation was 31.13 inches. Wild fruit and berry crops were excellent, as were most grain crops.

C. Land Acquisition

I. Pee Title

STATUS OF FEE ACQUISITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1977

NO. OP NO. MGT. WET UPLAND TOTAL COUNTY BAfiTS* UNITS ACRES ACRES . ACRES

Douglas 107 49 2,715.0 4,464.9 7,179.9 Grant 121 49 3,093.0 4,475.0 7,568.0 Otter Tall 177 91 5,020.0 9,253.4 14,273.4 Wilkin 14 7 413.0 834.2 1.247.2

TOTALS 419 196 11,241.0 19,027.5 30,268.5

^Figures taken from acquisition accomplishment reports

During the last twelve months 11 new parcels of land totalling 1,256.1 acres have been purchased. In addition,, options were taken on two parcels containing 82 acres. Most of these pur­chases (7) were roundout pieces of existing management units, however, 4 new units were started.

Within the report period, numerous landowners came to the Fish and Wildlife Service wishing to sell their lands. This was especially true in Otter Tail County where a backlog of appraisals has been created.

Recently the governor of Minnesota has given the county comm­issioners the authority to approve or not accept a particular

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parcel of land to be sold to the Fish and Wildlife Service. This has slowed the acquisition of some tracts considerably while others have been turned down completely. Much time is spent by the manager gathering data on proposed purchases and presenting this informstlon to the commissioners.

2. Ea.ement.

SXATUS OF EASIgreiT AgjUXSl,TH»i AS OT 12-?l-77

NO. OF WETLAND UPLAND TOTAL COUNTY EASEMENTS ACRES* ACRES ACRES

Douglas 110 3,385.0 14,595.3 17,980.3 Grant 42 1,213.6 4,105.9 5,319.5 Otter Tall 180 5,182.0 22,200.2 27,382.2 Wilkin 7 167.0 900.4 2.650.0

TOTALS 339 9,947.6 41,801.8 53,332.0

•From Realty records V

Sight new easements (all In Otter Tall County) totalling 1,427.28 acres were taken during the 1977 report period. In the roost productive farmland, easement acquisition has re­mained at a low rate. A recent big push for drainage has caused farmers to feel that taking an easement would put an encumbrance on their land. Recent fee increases allowed for easement acquisition to be stepped up some from last year. This was especially true In central and eastern Otter Tall County where the farmland Is less Intensively farmed.

l\iew Tracts AhJO EASBMBNTS* PJ^CHASBD:

5.

3, Other

Hothlng to report.

D, System Status -

Obiectives

Progress in meeting objectives is tied directly to the rate of land acquisition. As acquisition increases, we draw closer to meeting our goals. It appears now we have a good chance to reach our objective of 38,000 fee acres•

The duck production objective of 1.3 ducks/wet acre* will be more difficult to attain because of the decrease in local breeders. However, with the current level of funding we should be able to show a significant increase in production as a result of habitat manipulation. If this is not enough we may have to take some drastic steps to reduce the kill of local breeders.

2. Funding

The funding increase reported last year has continued and is shown in the following table. BLHP funds are responsible for most of the increase. How the money is being used is

FY '78

$142,000 3,000 7,000 6,000

102,700 H.600

$275,300

*Current production is estimated at 0.5 ducks/wet acre

**Code changed to 1240 in FY *78

discussed elsewhere in this report.

FERGUS FALLS WMD FUNDING

Work Code HJii FY ,,'7,5 FY *76 FY *77

0113 $ 87,000 $91,200 0116 18,000 7,000 I 1210 ^ $108,000 $103,400 1220 1,400 1,700 1500** 7,300 8,000 3110 3,700 4,000 MARSv - 24,000 BLHP 2821 75,000 BLHP 1210 ________ -

TOTALS $105,000 $98,200 $120,800 $216,100

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Total No. NYC Fiscal Fee Hgt. Permanent Temporary Man

Acres Units - Man Days Man Days. Days

1974 25»37l 176 1,432 323 1975 25,620 179 1,300 414 1976 27,950 188 1,300 435 30 1977 29,660 194 1,407 372 97 1978 30,400 202 1,530* 420*

•Estimates

II, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

Construction

A 3'P,x401 building extension (see photo) project began on November 7. The addition will Include four new o£flce89 a conference roora9 a storage room, and toilet facilities. So far the shell and Inside partitions have been completed.

Headquarters. A new addition to our existing facility was begun that will create 4 new offices9 a large conference room, and a storage room. December 1977. C.V.

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Approximately 0,7 utile of new boundary fence was constructed as required by adjacent landowners in accordance with Minn­esota State law. More than 15 miles of boundaries on 8 aw tracts were posted during 1977, Two new style parking lots were constructed cm the Wildung and Symens WPA's (see photo) with rails salvaged from the Jolliff tract.

Wildung WPA. Wetland Manager Marv Mansfield offers suggestions in the construction of our first split rail parking lot. Rails were salvaged fro® the Jolliff WPA. September 1977. B.W. !

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Wieger WPA. Nine building sites were renovated throughout the district. Scalped area is then seeded to suitable nesting cover. D.F.

Over 10 miles of old interior fence was removed, In addition, 9 building sites were renovated and one approach with a cul­vert was put in on the Blakesley WPA. Twenty-one ditch plugs were completed with the potential of restoring 46 acres of wetlands. All ditch plugs and building sites are seeded to DHC or reed canary grass.

B. Maintenance T

In 1977 we continued to use our temporary propane heated shop. The facility is leas than desirable, but it will have to do until an adequate permanent shop is constructed.

Upon request from neighboring landowners, 1.2 miles of exist­ing boundary fence was repaired. Twelve closed areas with 40 miles of boundary were checked for proper posting and replace­ment of shot-up or missing signs. Over 50 miles of open WPA boundaries were also maintained.

Twenty-eight artificial nest structures were maintained for optimum useage. The overhead garage doors were repaired, an automatic shutoff nozzle was put on the gas pump hose, and

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seat belts were Installed on the ferret. Also, minor repairs and additions were done In the office building.

C. Wildfire

Approximately 20 acres (mostly marshland) burned on the Stowe Lake Unit in mid May due to unknown causes. This was a bless* ing In disguise as the area was slated to have a prescribed burn a weak later. There were no other wildfires.

Maps have bean drawn up showing boundaries of all fire depart* ments In the district. County maps were then sent to each Individual fire department showing their district and our 'lilgh risk" WPA9s. A "high risk" WPA has the potential to cause damage to private property. We are authorized to pay for fire fighting costs on these "high risk" areas only.

111. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

Croplands

A total of 57 Cooperative Farming Agreements were in effect In 1977, covering 1,229 acres (see table below). The cooperator furnished all the seed (I lb. of sweet clover, 2 lbs. alfalfa, and 6 to 7 lbs. of Intermediate or tall wheatgrass per acre). This mixture was planted with a small grain nurse crop which the cooperator harvested as his share.

1977 COOPERATIVE PNC AGREEMENTS AND WlLDLflTE FOOD PLOTS

Gov't. Gov't. Sports Share Seeded Share To Be Club

No. of Food Farmer* a to DNC 1978 Seeded Food County Agreements Plot Share 1977 DNC* 1978 Plots

Douglas 14 30.0 60.3 152.2 0.5 5.5 25.3 Grant 20 59.4 134.3 200.0 7.9 156.5 5.0 0. Tall 22 46.7 93.8 185.7 5.4 48.9 10.4 Wilkin 1 LI 9 1 9 0

TOTALS 57 141.1 298.4 537.9 13.8 210.9 40.7 Grant Total: 1229 acres

•This total is not to be confused with the grand total because It Is reflected In the l$78 DNC column. Please note that the 1/3*2/3 sharing agreements don't exactly balance. This occurred because of chemical treatment for spurge control being needed in one case and the government share of corn was harvested in one case. The remain* ing acres for both columns "Gov't, share" is standing corn.

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Multiple year weed control agreementa were In affect on 411 acres in 1977. These agreements are on older alfalfa plant­ings that have degenerated and have developed thistle prob­lems. Under these agreements, cooperators break the sod, farm the land for two years and furnish and plant, the DNC seed nix with a small grain nurse crop. 154 acres were seeded and retired In 1977 under this type of program. These acreages are Included In the 1977 DNC column of the preceding table.

Weed control agreements such as these are an Important manage­ment tool In combatting large acreages of thistles with little strain on the budget. Plus, this program accomplishes the re­quirements of the Minnesota weed control laws. However, waterfowl production on these areas Is somewhat disturbed but the long term effect should enhance production.

Thirty-two wildlife food patch agreements of two types were In effect. Over 182 acres of standing corn was left In the fields. Seven sportsmen^ clubs put In, at their expense, 10 winter food patches. The Service provided the land and the sportsmen hired a local farmer to do the planting. The entire crops were left for wildlife use.

Ho collection of receipts or exchanges of crops with other stations occurred this year as a result of upland management.

B« Grasslands

During 1977, no graslng or haying operations for the benefit of livestock feed were permitted. One area was cut and the vegetative material removed for the purpose of controlling thistles. The cooperator received the cutting for his share.

A total of 233 acres were seeded by force account, of which 77 acres were seeded to natives and the remaining acres to DHC without a nurse crop (see photos). Fall seeding was stopped abruptly by the early November bllszard.

Site coDditlon prior to surface preparation, profile and undesirable plants.

Note low

Seeding of site after surface preparation to a cool-season native grass. Same site as previous photo.

12.

Force account work for weed control was used on over 412 acres plus 41 areas were treated for spurge invasion. Of the 412 acres, 334 were mowed (see photo) and the remaining acres (79) were sprayed. The chemical sprayed was 2,4-D and banvel mixed. On the spurge invasion areas, over 1,150 pounds of tordon beads were applied. A total of 1,130 hours of force account labor were used in 1977 to act on or prevent additional weed com­plaints. In addition, 808 acres of poor cover and weed infested lands on 31 areas have been plowed, and disced (several times) to prepare them for seeding in 1978. About 501 is planned to be seeded to natives with the remaining 501 seeded to DNC.

Historical Society WPA. "DNC" maintenanceman Luther Melby pauses as he contemplates mowing a beautiful stand of thistles in compliance with Minnesota weed control laws. Note: There is a 6# rotary mower behind the tractor. August 1977. L.K.

A total of 10 acres of degenerated grasslands were burned April 25, 1977. An additional 264 acres were designated to be burned but, due to weather conditions, efforts couldn't be continued. Native prairie responds to burning and more emphasis on this type of management will be incorporated in the future for both warm and cool season grasses.

13.

The oejor empties is in grassland management in the past had bean to meat comnltments forced upon us, sort of "crisis management". However, this year was the first year we exper­ienced an Increase In funds to start rehabilitating our lands. The 808 acres discussed earlier cost nearly $14,800 for plow­ing and discing. In addition, approximately $2,440 were spent fertilising some of those areas.

To Increase the probability of a successful catch of our native seedlngs, several Items were purchased (see table below).

im GBASSIAMD MAKAGEMEKT E<}PlWff«T AHP WTERWS fUKffASip

Tlltbed truck $22,000 7700 Ford tractor 14,000 Seed (native and cool-season) 6,873 10 foot disc 3,555 Truax native grass seeder 3,400 Pulvl-mulcher* . 2,600

- $52,428

*This Is designed to compact the surface soil prior to seeding warm season natives to achieve the firm surface needed.

The acquisition of this Ford 7700 84 H.P. dlesel tractor should expedite our seeding, mowing, and prescribed burning efforts. Trailing behind Is our "pulvl-mulcher" to be used for seedbed preparation. December 1977. D.B.

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With the Addition of this equipment and monies, higher expec­tations are anticipated to accomplish improving our nesting cover conditions on several areas. Efforts for continued rehabilitation are planned for next year on a larger scale than previous years (Including 1977),

Wetlands

Twenty-one ditch plugs were put In which will restore 46 wet­land acres on six recently acquired VPA's. Ho other water level manipulations were done. Planning continued on three water control structures that will allow for the management of three marshes totalling 167 acres.

Rossow WPA. Twenty-one ditch plugs were constructed on 6 recently acquired WPA*s allowing for 46 acres of marshland to be restored. L.S.

A 38 acre cattail-choked marsh on the Llllemon WPA was burned in April In an attempt to create openings. Results were good as the cattails were much reduced In density.

Ho chemical or other mechanical control of marshlands or marsh vegetation was attempted.

15.

D. For«»t:Und«

He are receiving continual pressure froo the public wishing to cot firewood on WPA's, As the price of fuel goes up, so will this pressure. Our first responsibility Is to the wildlife resource end Its habitat. This Includes frogs, sklnks, rabbits. Insects, llssards, etc. In addition to waterfowl.

It Is now our policy to demy all wood cutting requests unless we can demonstrate that timber removal Is beneficial. Removal of trees encroaching on nesting cover would be an easample.

No other plantings, timber harvests, or timber stand Improve­ment techniques were Implemented during the report period.

E. ptfosy Habitat

Nothing significant to report.

T. and Sp?ct«l Area.

There are no officially designated special areas In the dis­trict. Among the historic sites are Indian mounds located on tracts # 144 and # III In Grant County and # 210 In Otter Tall County. There la evidence of old Red River Valley oxcart trails on tract # 66 and # 12 In Douglas and Grant County respectively.

A stone discovered on the Bengston tract <7la> Is thought to be a Viking "mooring" stone. It la located within a quarter mile of the original runestone site. Several small native prairie areas and bur oak stands on some WPA's are being man­aged and protected as natural areas.

There ere no other federally endangered plant species In the district.

G. E.»aa»ntB Waterfowl WBn«R«wmt

We were scheduled to aerially check all 339 of our easementa In November but deep snow on November 8 and 9 prevented die flight. Several caaea from the previous year are still pend­ing. One of these Is the DeLoyd Johnson easement (51X-2). Mr. Johnson maintains that he was told by the appraiser that he could clean out an old non-functioning tile that existed prior to the taking of the easement. In moat cases, however, compliance has been obtained without court action.

16.

A matter for management concern la the recent Increase In demand for and construction of dugouts, level ditches, and donuts within small marsh basins under easement. In the past, these practices were requested by landowners and often encouraged by ASCS and SCS through cost share agreements. In some cases they may be beneficial to wildlife, but in most Instances certain conditions and specifications of construc­tion are questionable as to whether wildlife habitat has been enhanced.

It appears obvious In some cases that the real reason for the dugout or level ditch Is to serve as a means of drainage through concentration of water within a deep dugout, ditch, etc. As a result. It has become our policy to reject such marsh "raanagaroent" unless the benefits to wildlife are clear-cut.

IV. WILDLIFE

Endangered and Threatened Species

In cooperation with the Minnesota Prairie Chicken Society, our personnel assisted In the annual prairie chicken booming bird count, Ihe greater prairie chicken (Tympanuchus cupldo) Is now found either on or In close association with five WPA's: Fabian, Horstman-Loomer, and Swenson-Klwanls WPA's In Otter Tall County. In Wilkin County chickens are known to breed on the Brown WPA and are occasionally cited near the Boldlngh-Monson Unit.

"Old Muldoon" has been reported on or near the Horstman-Loomer WPA and Orwell Reservoir during the winter months but no boom­ing grounds have been located there to date.

P COWTY 3L 74-77 WNMPSOTA P^IRIE fflWP INVENTORY DAtt

County

*974 1221 Ml Becker 66 (5) 50 (5) 47 (4) 54 (5) Cass assw mmm mm mmm sees 13 (I) Clay 263 (24) 277 (25) 248 (24) 197 (14) Mahnomen 49 (6) 39 (5) 61 (4) 107 (8) Norman 134 (ID 123 (10) 145 (10) 136 (ID Otter Tall 12 (2) I (D 6 (I) 8 (2) Polk 94 (14) 93 (11) 103 (13) 141 (13) Red Lake 11 (2) 9 (2) 5 (1) 3 (I) Wilkin ^6 (18) 189 (17) 230 (19) 2)6 {121 TOTAL 825 (82) 781 (76) 825 (77) 875 (67)

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CHICKENS OBSERVED PER BOOMING GROUND

1974 * 11.46 1975 - 10.55 1976 - 10.71 1977 - 13.06

The results from the fourth annuel Inventory of prairie chickens are shown in the preceding table. Statewide, there was a re* duction this year from past years when 76-82 grounds were located, but this may be reflected in a lack of manpower rather than an actual loss of booming areas. Despite the reduction in booming grounds, the total number of birds counted was higher than in past years • 875 birds.

This information is useful in evaluating and planning manage­ment programs so desperately needed. Prairie grasslands and prairie chickens are synonomous but may well be doomed without a sound habitat management program on FWS, DNR, and suitable private lands.

Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) which was once widespread across much of the state is now considered threatened because it has been nearly exterminated by herb hunters. There are no other federally endangered plant species in the district.

Migratory Bird.

1. Wat.rfowl

Mild weather with little snow made for an early spring migration. Msllards began arriving about March 20th with blue-winged teal, goldeneye, and wood duck showing up on Msrch 24th • about two weeks ahead of normal.

Breeding pair information gathered by station personnel and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) showed that mallard pairs were up 32 percent over last year on twelve WPA's and State WMA's censused. Blue-winged teal pairs decreased 12 percent. Other species varied only slightly but redheads were up substantially.

The increased local breeding mallard population may be a reflection of the delayed and shortened waterfowl season the year before. We are uncertain as to the reason for the decrease in blue-winged teal.

An estimated 11,345 ducks, 3,400 coot, and 323 giant Canada geese were produced on our WPA's. The three most

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abundant duck species found In the bag are the mallard, blue-winged teal, and wood duck, in that order. A mass migration of ahovelers, rlngnecks, hooded mergansers, pintails, and mallards occurred on Msy 24-26.

Mild, wet weather in Canada plus thousands of acres of swathed small grain In the prairie provinces made for a generally poor hunting season. Major flights of mallards and wigeon were observed late In October but most scaup did not move through until after the November 14th season closure.

Canada geese are well established throughout the district. The resident flock which numbered about 1,400 birds on December 20th began as a local Fish and Game Club project In 1962.

There was much public concern about the welfare of the birds, especially during a lingering cold snap In January. As a result, 29 birds were captured via cannon net on January 14th. With the aid of Dr. Cooper of the University of Minnesota and his students, these birds were banded and examined as to their physical condition. According to Dr. Cooper, the birds were in as good or better condition as captive birds from Jamestown, North Dakota.

Main street bridge. In cooperation with the University of Minnesota 26 giant Canada geese were banded and examined for general health. Temperature -24° F. Note cannon net In foreground. January 13, 1977. M.M.

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Mavis WPA. Twentyfour round bales were put out on 11 WPA's to serve as nesting sites. We are optimistic about the future use of the near natural "structures". December 15, 1977. B.W,

Artificial nest structures have been erected in the past and have received moderate use. This year, on an experi­mental basis, 24 large, round bales (see photo) were put out on eleven WPA's in December. We are optimistic as to their future use.

Several goose depredation complaints on nearby corn fields were received in late December. Immediately district per­sonnel met with these people to explain the various scare tactics that could be employed. This situation is a result of two November blizaards that prematurely halted the corn harvest.

Marsh and Water Birds - •

Some 17 species of marsh and water birds can be found at various times in certain locales throughout the district. Most common are the great blue heron, pled-billed grebe, cbmmon egret, black crowned night heron, aora rail, and American bittern. Low spring water levels allowed these birds easy access to minnows, crayfish, and other aquatic life.

20.

Sandhill cranes usually show up in Hay and use WPA's In the western part o£ the district that border the Glacial Lake Agassis beach line. A breeding colony o£ about 200 western grebes has been observed using a southeastern bay o£ Lake Christina In Douglas County. "Bird Island", which sits In Pelican Lake in Grant County, Is a rookery that serves as a breeding area £or hundreds o£ common egrets, great blue herons, and a host of other water birds.

3. Shoreblrd.. Gull.. Tern.. «nd Allied Specla.

At least 43 species.have been observed throughout the district. Host common species Include Franklin's gull, ring-billed gull, spotted sandpiper, lesser yellowlegs, and Wilson's snipe. An upland plover nest was located on the Bah WPA during a nest dragging study.

Harbled god wita are common on prairie areas In Wilkin and western Otter Tall Counties. An Increase In use-days by shoreblrds was noticed during the spring migration. This can be attributed to the low water levels early in the season.

4. R«Ptor»

Most noteworthy raptors Include the marsh hawk, red-talled hawk, sparrow hawk, Cooper's hawk, and great horned owl. Two Immature bald eagles were observed on February 20th. An influx of marsh and red-tailed hawks began showing up March 23rd.

Conditions In Canada often send several snowy owls into the district for a brief visit in January and February. Short eared owls are quite common on WPA's In the western part of the district where sizeable open areas exist.

5. Other Migratory Birds

An official western Minnesota bird list is currently being printed. One very unusual sighting was that of a vermllllon flycatcher on November 4th eleven miles north of Fergus Falls. This Is the first recorded sighting of the bird In the State of Minnesota. They normally occur in the arid southwest.

A pair of magpies were known to use a bird feeder regularly 1% miles southeast of Erhard, Pileated woodpeckers are becoming quite common In the northern part of the district. First arrivals of kllldeer, robin, flicker, bluebird, vesper

21.

sparrow, and yellow rumped warbler occurred on Harch 10, 14, 26, and April 1, 15 and 24 respectively.

Mmwa^s «nd Non-myjr.torY Bird. «nd Oth«r»

1. Game

White tailed deer are common on nearly every WPA through* out the district. Two early blizzards in November caused the deer to herd up near unharvested com fields, result* ing in several depredation complaints. Mo other big game mammal is considered resident but moose sometimes wander through this area. Unconfirmed reports of mule deer have been received from Wilkin and western Otter Tail Counties.

2. Other Mammals

Nothing significant to report except that we have plenty of pocket gophers and many of our neighbors claim the countryside is overrun by predators • hence no ducks or pheasants. Reports from trappers indicate that coyotes are expanding their range from northeastern Otter Tail County to other sections south and west. Muskrat numbers were extremely low as a result of the 1976 drought. Beaver appear to be thriving throughout the district. High fur prices seem to be keeping the fox and raccoon population in check.

3. Resident B.l,rd»

In areas of suitable habitat, ruffed grouse numbers were the highest in several years. Hungarian partridge are scattered throughout the district and this year especially they were locally abundant in most northwest sections.

The pheasant population this fall was the highest it has been since the late 1960's, and provided some- excellent hunting. By late Movember, however, blizzards had taken 50%-60X of the population.

4. Qthar Anln^l Life

Twelve species of reptiles and amphibians have been iden­tified. Most common are leopard frogs, painted turtles, garter snakes, and tiger salamanders. Early in the growing season cutworms severely damaged many home gardens. European corn borer larvae were a problem in some corn fields in southern sections in the district.

22.

V. INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION

Infonaatlon and Interpretation

I. On-Refuse

At the present time no Interpretive trails or signs exist In the district, the local public schools have been con* ducting environmental education classes on our Ten Klle^ Wlldung, Scribner, Kroneman, Wieger, and Jolllff Units. Several of our units have excellent potential for EE devel­opment once adequate funds become available.

A special use permit was granted to the Grant County Wagon Train Association allowing them to cross FWS land. The "train" followed one of the historic Red River Valley Oxcart trails.

2- Off-R»fuR»

As In past years, personnel set up and manned a booth, answered questions, and distributed literature to some 3,000 people who attended the annual "Save the Wetlands Club" smelt fry. A similar booth display was used in the new conservation building during the West Otter Tail fair In July.

We have been working closely with private Individuals who have proposed a "Water Plan" that would provide private landowners who have an Interest In wildlife conservation an opportunity to use low, unproductive drained areas to establish ponds and wetlands.

Articles which are used in outdoor columns have been sub­mitted on a semi-regular basis to the local newspaper. We have also assisted In setting up a tabloid Insert commem­orating National Hunting and Pishing Day. Publications are continually distributed to schools and other Interested Individuals. The manager spent much time working with local civic organisations and the City Park Planning Commission on layout plana for a municipal park. He also appeared on local radio and TV to explain the welfare of the local resident goose flock.

County Commissioners and township boards ara frequently approached on proposed land acquisitions and management practices. Numerous slide presentations, movies, etc, are presented to area civic, social, and youth organizations. More recently personnel have been working with the regional Environmental Education Council.

23,

Recreation

1. yiWfe Or^nted

The waterfowl hunting season opened on October Ist and was one of the slowest in recent years. Opening weekend provided some good to excellent hunting on blue-winged teal and local mallards and wood ducks but success for the remainder of the season was spotty. Unusually wett mild conditions in the Canadian provinces kept farmers from combining swathed grain crops, hence there was a delay in the peak migration.

Pheasant hunting was good on most WPA's in Douglas, Grant and southern Otter Tall Counties. Birds seemed to be the most numerous since the late 1960*8. Ruffed grouse num­bers are on the upswing of their cycle and provided hunters fair to good success on those VFA's with suitable habitat.

Each year increasing numbers of signs like this appear on the surrounding countryside. Recreation of all types on. MPA,s is steadily increasing as a result. L.S.

24.

The local deer harvest more than doubled over last year. Archers enjoyed a 59 day season while gun hunters were limited to one day only except the extreme southern part of the district where a primitive weapon three day season was held• . -

The following table is a summary showing estimated harvest and hours spent afield for

Specie.

Ducka* Geese** Ruffed grouse Pheasant Woodcock Wilson*s snipe White*tailed deer (gun) White*tailed deer (archery) Gray squirrel Pox squirrel

TOTALS

^Includes all ducks species and coot. Mallard9 wood duckt green-winged teal, and blue-winged teal were most common in that order.

**Include8 Canadian, blue, and snow geese.

2. Mon-Wlldllfe Oriented

The growing desire for clean environment and open spaces is drawing increasing numbers of outdoor buffs who enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoelng, plant identification, and the collection of wild fruits and mushrooms, Especially important are those WPA's supporting remnant parcels of virgin native prairie. One of our future problems will be how to protect the units from overuse.

^nforcaaent

Trespass haying, grazing, drainage systems, rock dumping, advertising billboards, and vehicular trespass are frequently encountered. Most of these cases are satisfactorily closed with personal contacts that are followed up by a certified letter.

sach species.

Estimated Activity Harvest , Hours

9,163 7,695 75 270 45 160

1,238 7,727 30 60 240 210 320 9,600 35 2,591 245 225

—JSL. : 150

11,526 28,688

25.

The problem of treepese vehicular traffic acroaa grassland nesting cover has been greatly reduced in recent yeara. "No trespass" signs installed on field approaches, parking areas, etc. solves moat problems. More persistent problems are solved with permanent fencesf gates, and parking lots. We had one $50.00 violation involving vehicular trespass on the Ten Mile Unit.

VI. OTHER ITEMS

k. n.ld Tnva.tlR.tlona

Pf"; P™« ?WY

TVo Waterfowl Production Areas were nest dragged using a 120 foot cable chain drag during late May and early June. A tractor and four wheel drive pickup with observers were used to pull the drag. After flushing the hen, the nest was located and the number of eggs, stage of incubation, concealment, etc. were recorded. It was then marked with a lath and flagging set one rod north of the nest. Nests were than checked for hatching success on July 7, 1977 (see table).

Acres Number Number Number Unit Searched Acres/nest Successful* Failures Unknown

Bah-Schmita 76.0 1 ne8t/7.6 ac. 9 (90%) I (10%) 0 Stowe Lake J^O 1 nest/3.4 acT 12 (55^) 9 (Al*) 1 W)

Totals 150.0 I nest/4.7 ac. 21 (65.6%) 10 (3l.2%)l (3.2%

*Approximate peak hatching dates for mallards and blue-winged teal were June 15 and June 28 respectively.

Thirty of the thirtytwo nests (93.7%) were blue-winged teal with only two (6.3%) being mallard nests. Brood counts on these same two areas later suggested that not all mallard nests were found. It is believed that some were nesting in thick cattail and bulrush areas and were inaccessible to our dragging.

A wide variety of vegetation types were checked with alfalfa, brome, and quackgrass being most dominant. As best could be determined, nest success was 65.5 per cent. Both mallard nests were destroyed, with mammalian predators (mainly skunks) being responsible for most predation.

According to the Northern Wildlife Research Center, searching should be donw between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. For best results.

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repeated searches should be made at 20 day Intervals. This offers a better chance to find all nests since some of the hens may be off the nest at any one given time.

Cooperative Frogrftas

State and Federal Wetlands Closed Area Program

Twelve WPA's totalling 4,385 acres designated as "State Duck Refuges" remain In the closed area program. No trespassing Is permitted between September 1 and the close of the water­fowl season. They were Initially sat up to reduce hunting mortality on our local breading mallards. Their worth was exemplified during the past two years when droughthy condi­tions sent good numbers of birds to these areas.

In cooperation with the State DUE it was decided to continue the basic refuge program and experiment with Improving their attractiveness. So far, graveled loafing sites have been developed on the Bah and Mud Lake NPA^ In Grant County and the Stowe Lake UFA In Douglas County. A peak population of 3,750 mallards was noted on the Kittelstadt WPA on October 19th (see table).

CLOSED AREA MALLARD COUNTS*

9/27-28* 10^3-4* 10/19-20* .19/22 im

Mud Lake 0 200 200 900 150 Bailey Slough 15 500 350 1,375 2,275 Mlttelstadt 950 1,000 3,750 Bah-Schmldt 110 225 300 280 Reger 25 25 30 110 Belmore 0 0 0 7 Gerlach 0 0 0 T

Horstman 15 40 0 Nachbor 15 0 10 Stowe Lake 0 30 8 Pomne de Terre 50 70 95 Nicholson 10 1.500 215 ,

TOTALS 1,190 3,590 4,961 2,665 2,425

*Aerlal counts. The other two are ground counts which were done only on the units Indicated.

Biological Technician Chuck Vukonlch participated in the joint U.S.-Canadian waterfowl banding project. He was stationed 16 miles southeast of Thompson, Manitoba.

27.

Again this year we cooperated in the Neighborhood Youth Corps (NYC) Program. Three high school students were hired who aided in our weed control efforts, fence construction, and building site cleanup-fence removal projects. Other cooper­ative programs included assisting the SCS on their. "Water Bank Program", marsh management with the DNR, expansion planning of a local municipal park, and numerous projects with area fish and game clubs.

Revenue sharing checks for FY *77 were delivered to the county auditors in early January. As in 1976, these checks covered only 75X of what they should have been. The county boards never fail to remind us of this shortage, and it is just a question of time until it has an adverse impact on the acquis!' tion program.

REFOGE REVENUE SHARING PAYMENT TO COUNTIES IN DOLLARS

YEAR GRANT DOUGLAS OTTER TAIL WILKIN

1970 $ 4,448.23 $ 3,502.18 $ 5,053.45 $ 387.01 1971 5,592.73 4,870.39 6,529.07 728.68 1972 6,039.80 5,050.55 7,857.71 773.68 1973 6,206.00 4,983.92 7,857.71 773.69 1974 6,209,47 4,991.42 8,456,15 773.69 1975 6,659.47 4,991.42 8,615.80 773.68 1976* 16,041.82 11,511.32 23,870.67 1,704.87 1977 13,20640 9,871.9; 21,546.90 2,038t69

TOTALS $64,403.62 $49,773.11 $89,787.46 $7,953.99

$ 13,390.87 17,720.87 19,721.74 19,821.32 20,430.73 21,040.37 53,128.68 46.663.60

$211,918.18

*For a 15 month period

Item, of Interct

Credit for this report goes to th. following people:

Marvin Mansfield: Section I part D Buck Weldon: Section III parts A and B Dave Bennett: Section HI part E; Section VI part D Charles Vukonich: Section 1 parts A, B, and C; Section II;

Section III parts C, D, F and G 5 Section IV; Section V, Section VI parts A, B, and C.

Inga Mae Orkes Typed and assembled the entire report.

The Fergus Falls WMD staff grew with the additions of Weldon (EGO 8/28/77) and Dave Bennett (E0D 6/6/77). Buck transferred from El Centro, California where he was employed by the Bureau

28.

of Land Management. He will be in charge of our upland man* agement program. Dave transferred from Benson WMD as a permanent part•time biological technician.

Biological Technician Chuck Vukonich participated In the Region IIX photo contest, where he earned first and second place in the general category, plus a best of show award.

D. Safety

Ma nag ement personnel conducted and attended monthly Safety meetings in cooperation-with the wetland acquisition staff. The monthly meetings included 5 hours devoted to defensive driving refresher training.

During the period, 38,695 miles were driven. A total of 588,479 miles have now been driven without a lost time injury since 1963 with 268,479 miles driven since the last property damage accident in 1970.

(Xir record of no time lost was broken with an accident to Chuck Vukonich during a banding assignment duty in Canada. His daily routine consisted of carrying sacked barley to banding sites. The several day task of walking through hip high water and knee deep mud caused a dislocation of a disc in his vertebra. Time lost was 8 man-days.