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DRAFT Environmental Assessment for Migratory Bird, Wild
Turkey and White-tailed Deer Hunting at DeSoto and Boyer
Chute National Wildlife Refuges
Date: February 11, 2019
This Environmental Assessment (EA) is being prepared to evaluate the effects associated with
this proposed action and complies with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in
accordance with Council on Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR 1500-1509) and
Department of the Interior (43 CFR 46; 516 DM 8) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (550 FW
3) regulations and policies. NEPA requires examination of the effects of proposed actions on the
natural and human environment. Other applicable statutes, executive orders and regulation
compliance is addressed in Appendix A.
Proposed Action:
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is proposing to expand hunting opportunities for:
● Turkey hunting at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge (DeSoto Refuge)
● Turkey, deer, and waterfowl hunting at Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge (Boyer
Chute Refuge).
in accordance with the DeSoto and Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge’s Comprehensive
Conservation Plan.
At DeSoto Refuge,
● Opening portions of the refuge to fall archery turkey hunting.
At Boyer Chute Refuge
● Open portions of the refuge to fall and spring archery turkey hunting.
● Open portions of the refuge to archery deer hunting.
● Expand waterfowl hunting along the boundary of the Missouri River to all units that
border with the river.
This proposed action is often iterative and evolves over time during the process as the agency
refines its proposal and learns more from the public, tribes, and other agencies. Therefore, the
final proposed action may be different from the original. The final decision on the proposed
action will be made at the conclusion of the public comment period for the EA and the Draft
2019-21 Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations.
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Background:
National wildlife refuges are guided by the mission and goals of the National Wildlife Refuge
System (NWRS), the purposes of an individual refuge, Service policy, and laws and international
treaties. Relevant guidance includes the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of
1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Refuge
Recreation Act of 1962, and selected portions of the Code of Federal Regulations and Fish and
Wildlife Service Manual.
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge was established pursuant to Federal Property and
Administrative Service Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 471-535), as amended; Fish and Wildlife
Coordination Act of 1934 (16 U.S.C. 661-666c) as amended; Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16
U.S.C. 742a-742j Stat.1119) as amended; the Act of May 19, 1948, Public Law 80-537 (16
U.S.C. 667b-667d; 62 Stat. 240)as amended; and The National Wildlife Refuge System
Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), as amended.
DeSoto Refuge’s other establishing authorities and related purposes include:
Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929
“…for use as an inviolate sanctuary or for other management purposes, for migratory
birds." 16 U.S.C. 715d
Refuge Recreation Act of 1962
“…suitable for - (1) incidental fish and wildlife-oriented recreational development, (2)
the protection of natural resources, (3) the conservation of endangered species or
threatened species” 16 U.S.C. 460k-460k-4
Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1992 by the Federal Property and
Administrative Service Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 471-535), as amended; Fish and Wildlife
Coordination Act of 1934 (16 U.S.C. 661-666c) as amended; Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16
U.S.C. 742a-742j Stat.1119) as amended; the Act of May 19, 1948, Public Law 80-537 (16
U.S.C. 667b-667d; 62 Stat. 240)as amended; and The National Wildlife Refuge System
Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), as amended.
Boyer Chute Refuge’s other establishing authorities, related purposes and history include:
Emergency Wetland Resources Act of 1986 (U.S.C. 3901-3931). At that time, the
Service agreed to accept long-term management responsibility for the Boyer Chute area
and manage it as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The Service assumed
management of a 2,000 acre area (the island and land adjacent to and west of the chute)
in 1995 under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Papio-Missouri River Natural
Resources District (NRD) which purchased the property under their Missouri River
Corridor Project. On September 30, 1997, the NRD conveyed title to the tract via
donation. Under Fiscal Year 1997 Congressional appropriations, the Service was directed
to expand this original boundary to 9,912 acres as part of the Back to the River project,
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and given $2 million from the Land and Water Conservation fund to begin acquisition.
The mission of the NWRS, as outlined by the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration
Act (NWRSAA), as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act (16
U.S.C. 668dd et seq.), is to:
“... to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and,
where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within
the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans”
The NWRSAA mandates the Secretary of the Interior in administering the System to (16 U.S.C.
668dd(a)(4):
● Provide for the conservation of fish, wildlife, and plants, and their habitats within the
NWRS;
● Ensure that the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of the NWRS are
maintained for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans;
● Ensure that the mission of the NWRS described at 16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(2) and the
purposes of each refuge are carried out;
● Ensure effective coordination, interaction, and cooperation with owners of land adjoining
refuges and the fish and wildlife agency of the States in which the units of the NWRS are
located;
● Assist in the maintenance of adequate water quantity and water quality to fulfill the
mission of the NWRS and the purposes of each refuge;
● Recognize compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses as the priority general public
uses of the NWRS through which the American public can develop an appreciation for
fish and wildlife;
● Ensure that opportunities are provided within the NWRS for compatible wildlife-
dependent recreational uses; and
● Monitor the status and trends of fish, wildlife, and plants in each refuge.
Therefore, it is a priority of the Service to provide for wildlife-dependent recreation
opportunities, including hunting and fishing, when those opportunities are compatible with the
purposes for which the refuge was established and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge
System.
Hunting has been approved on DeSoto Refuge since 1967 and the last Hunt Plan was modified in
1994. Hunting has been approved on Boyer Chute Refuge since 2004.
Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action:
The purpose of this proposed action is to provide compatible wildlife-dependent recreational
opportunities on DeSoto and Boyer Chute Refuges. The need of the proposed action is to meet
the Service’s priorities and mandates as outlined by the NWRSAA to “recognize compatible
wildlife-dependent recreational uses as the priority general uses of the NWRS” and “ensure that
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opportunities are provided within the NWRS for compatible wildlife-dependent recreational
uses.” 16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(4))
The DeSoto and Boyer Chute Refuges’ CCP Objective 3.1: As compared to current conditions,
increase upland (wild turkey and ring-necked pheasant) hunting opportunities, big game (deer
archery) hunting opportunities, and consider increased waterfowl hunting opportunities on the
refuges through the development of a hunting step-down management plan that will be
completed within one year of CCP approval.
Alternatives Considered
Alternative A –In addition to existing opportunities this alternative will do the following:
DeSoto Refuge: Open fall archery turkey season. Boyer Chute Refuge: Open fall and
spring archery turkey, open to archery deer; expand waterfowl hunting to three additional
along Missouri River. Proposed Action Alternative.
The refuge has prepared a hunt plan (Appendix B), which is presented in this document as the
Proposed Action Alternative.
Under the Proposed Action Alternative,
● DeSoto Refuge will open a fall archery turkey season on two refuge units totalling 1,604
acres.
At Boyer Chute Refuge, this proposed action will
● Expand waterfowl hunting along the Missouri River and boundary to include the North-
Central, Nathan’s Lake and West Chute units; (about ¾ mile of shoreline)
● Open every unit except the Horseshoe, Nathan’s Lake South, and West Chute Units to
archery deer hunting. (2,660 acres)
● Open to turkey hunting during spring and fall archery seasons on all units except
Horseshoe, Nathan’s Lake South, and West Chute units. (the same 2,660 acres)
§32.34 Iowa.
The following refuge units are open for hunting and/or fishing in accordance with applicable
Federal and State regulations, and listed in alphabetical order with additional refuge-specific
regulations.
(a) De Soto National Wildlife Refuge.
(1) Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
(2) Upland Game Hunting. We allow youth hunting of ring-necked pheasant on designated areas
of the refuge in accordance with the States of Iowa and Nebraska regulations. The refuge will
annually determine and publish hunting seasons, dates, and designated areas and publish in
refuge hunting brochure.
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(3) Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and wild turkey on designated
areas of the refuge in accordance with States of Iowa and Nebraska regulations and subject to the
following conditions:
(i) The refuge manager will annually determine and publish hunting seasons and dates,
and will include them in the refuge hunting brochure.
(ii) You must possess and carry a refuge access permit at all times while in the hunting
area. Hunters may enter the hunting areas only within the dates listed on the refuge
hunting brochure.
(iii) All areas open to hunting may be accessed by hunters with a valid Iowa or Nebraska
resident hunting permit. Reciprocity exists, with both states allowing hunters with either
resident permit to access refuge hunting land in either state.
(iv) Hunters holding nonresident Nebraska or nonresident Iowa permits may hunt only on
the ground that lies within the state that issued the nonresident permit.
(v) We allow hunters in the designated area from 2 hours before legal sunrise until 2
hours after legal sunset.
(vi) We prohibit the use of a crossbow as archery equipment unless the hunter has
obtained a State-issued disability crossbow permit.
(vii) We prohibit shooting on or over any refuge road open to vehicle traffic within 30
feet (9 meters (m)) of the centerline.
(viii) We prohibit field dressing of any big game within 100 feet (30 m) of the centerline
of any refuge road.
(viiii). You may possess only approved non-toxic shells (see §32.2(k)) when hunting wild
turkey
(x) . We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a “drive” as an organized or planned
effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause game to move in the
direction of any person (s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be
waiting for the game.
(xi) We allow two portable tree stands/blinds per hunter within the hunt area. Of those,
only one stand/blind can be left on the refuge from one week prior to the start of the
designated hunt season to one week after the end of the designated hunt season. Stands
must be labeled with name and state hunting license number.
(4) Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing in DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge in accordance
with the States of Iowa and Nebraska regulations and subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow ice fishing in DeSoto Lake from January 2 through the end of February.
(ii) We allow the use of pole and line or rod and reel fishing in DeSoto Lake from April
15 through October 14.
(iii) We allow the use of archery and spear fishing for nongame fish only from April 15
through October 14.
(iv) When the lake is open to ice fishing, we prohibit motor- or wind-driven conveyances
on the lake.
(v) We allow the use of portable ice fishing shelters on a daily basis from January 2
through the end of February.
(vi) Anglers may use no more than two lines and two hooks per line, including ice
fishing.
(vii) We prohibit the use of trotlines, float lines, bank lines, or setlines.
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(viii) Anglers must adhere to minimum length and creel limits as posted.
(viiii) We prohibit anglers leaving any personal property, litter, fish or any parts thereof,
on the banks, in the water, or on the ice.
(x) We prohibit digging or seining for bait.
(xi) We prohibit the taking of any mussel (clam), crayfish, frog, leech, and turtle
species by any method on the refuge (see §27.21 of this chapter).
(xii) We limit boating to “no-wake” speeds, not to exceed 5 miles per hour.[BD1]
[CTA2]
(xiii) We allow anglers on the refuge from ½ hour before legal sunrise to ½hour after
legal sunset.
§32.46 Nebraska.
The following refuge units are open for hunting and/or fishing in accordance with applicable
Federal and State regulations, and listed in alphabetical order with additional refuge-specific
regulations.
(a) Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge.
(1) Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of ducks, geese, and coots on designated
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) Hunters may access the refuge from 2 hours before legal sunrise until 2 hour after
legal sunset along the immediate shoreline and including the high bank of the Missouri
River. You may access the hunting area by water or, if by land, only within the public use
area of the Island Unit.
(ii). You must remove all blinds and decoys at the conclusion of each day's hunt (see
§27.93 of this chapter).
(2) Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
(3) Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and wild turkey on designated
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The refuge will annually determine and publish hunting season and dates and include
them in the refuge access permit (signed brochure).
(ii) You must possess and carry a refuge access permit (signed brochure) at all times
while in the hunting area.
(iii) Hunters may enter the hunting areas only within the dates listed on the refuge access
permit (signed brochure).
(iv) We allow hunters in the designated areas from 2 hours before sunrise until 2 hours
after sunset.
(v) We allow two portable tree stands/blinds per hunter within the hunt area. Of those,
only one stand/blind can be left on the refuge from one week prior to the start of the
designated hunt season to one week after the end of the designated hunt season.
(vi) Unattended stands and/or blinds must be plainly labeled with the full name and/or
hunting license number of the owner. Labels must be visible from ground level.
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(4) Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
conditions:
(i) We allow personally attended hook and line fishing and archery fishing (rough fish
only) from ½ hour before legal sunrise to ½ hour after legal sunset.
(ii) We prohibit the use of trotlines, float lines, bank lines, or setlines.
(iii) We prohibit digging or seining for bait.
(iv) We prohibit the taking of any turtle, frog, leech, minnow, crayfish, and mussel
(clam) species by any method on the refuge (see §27.21 of this chapter).
(v) Anglers may use no more than two lines and two hooks per line.
Mitigation Measures to Avoid Conflicts:
● The Horseshoe and Nathan’s Lake South units will remain closed to all hunting, except
the managed muzzleloader deer hunt. This is to mitigate disturbance to migratory birds
during critical periods.
The West Chute unit would remain closed to avoid conflict with other public uses.
This alternative offers increased opportunities for public hunting/fishing and fulfills the Service’s
mandate under the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997. The Service has
determined that the hunt plan is compatible with the purposes of DeSoto and Boyer Chute
Refuges and the mission of the NWRS.
Alternative B – DeSoto Refuge: Continue deer hunting on existing units (managed
muzzleloader and archery); continue spring archery turkey hunts; continue special spring
shotgun turkey hunts (youth and hunters with disabilities). Boyer Chute Refuge:
Continued managed muzzleloader hunt for deer; continue waterfowl hunting along the
Missouri River boundary and backwaters of the Boyer unit. – [No Action Alternative]:
Both DeSoto and Boyer Chute Refuges are currently open to hunting as described below: .
DeSoto seasons fall within both Iowa and Nebraska state seasons and are coordinated with both
states. DeSoto would continue to offer:
● Archery deer hunting in the East Dike South Unit and West Side Unit (1604 acres
open),
● Managed muzzleloader deer hunts on all six units of DeSoto unless designated
closed. (7,975 acres open) Up to four managed muzzleloader hunt weekends will
take place during the hunt season.
● Spring archery turkey season in the East Dike South Unit and West Side Unit (1,719
acres open). ● Up to two youth shotgun spring turkey hunts on all six unit of DeSoto unless
designated closed (7,795 acres open). Hunt weekends will be set in coordination with
Iowa DNR and Nebraska G&PC. Limit of 25 youth per hunt weekend.
● One mobility impaired turkey hunt weekend within the Center Island Unit (2,120
acres open). Hunt weekend will be set in coordination with Iowa DNR and Nebraska
G&PC.
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Boyer Chute Refuge is open during Nebraska state seasons for the following:
● Managed muzzleloader deer hunts on all units of Boyer Chute Refuge except the
Norwest, Homestead and Yellowlegs Unit. (3720 acres open) ● Waterfowl hunting along the Missouri River boundary and backwaters of the Boyer
Island Unit. (3.9 miles of Missouri River shoreline)
Alternative(s) Considered, But Dismissed From Further Consideration
No Hunting
An alternative that would have closed either DeSoto or Boyer Chute Refuges to all hunting was
not considered for detailed analysis because:
● The CCP identified hunting as a future use after an Environmental Assessment
determined a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
● A No Hunting Alternative would conflict with the 1997 National Wildlife Refuge
System Improvement Act, which mandates hunting opportunities be provided
when feasible and compatible.
● Hunting is a useful management tool to manage wildlife populations at both
refuges.
Opening Hunting to All State Seasons and Regulations
An alternative that would have opened either DeSoto or Boyer Chute Refuges to all
statewide hunting seasons and regulations was also not considered for detailed analysis.
The relatively small land base combined with the high visitation would result in
additional conflicts between visitors. At DeSoto Refuge, Nebraska and Iowa seasons
don’t align and that would cause additional conflict.
Affected Environment
DeSoto and Boyer Chute Refuges straddle the Missouri River in Nebraska and Iowa 15–20 miles
north of the Omaha–Council Bluffs Metropolitan Area. DeSoto Refuge, in Harrison County,
Iowa, was established in 1958 as a migratory bird refuge and contains 8,365 acres of floodplain
wetlands, grasslands, and forests surrounding DeSoto Lake, an oxbow lake cut off from the main
channel of the Missouri River in 1960. DeSoto Refuge is home to a diversity of resident and
migratory species, hosting over 250 species of birds, 25 mammal species, 40 reptile and
amphibian species, and 80 species of fish. DeSoto Refuge Visitor Center also hosts the
Steamboat Bertrand Museum Collection, one of the largest premier assemblages of Civil War era
artifacts in the United States. The refuge attracts over 160,000 visitors annually—making DeSoto
Refuge one of the more heavily visited refuges in the Refuge System.
Boyer Chute Refuge, in Washington County, Nebraska, was established in 1992 and is located
immediately south of DeSoto Refuge. The Service has acquired 4,040 acres of the refuge, or 40
percent, of its 10,010-acre authorized boundary. When full acquisition from willing sellers is
complete, the refuge will connect with DeSoto Refuge through Wilson Island State Recreation
Area to the north and with the Neale Woods Nature Center to the south. Boyer Chute Refuge
contains wildlife and habitats similar to those found at DeSoto Refuge, and together the refuges
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provide a broad range of wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities and experiences to the
public.
See map of the general area and proposed project site on the refuge at Appendix C.
Tables 1-6 provides additional, brief descriptions of each resource affected by the proposed
action.
For more information regarding the affected environment, please see Chapter 3 of the refuge’s
Comprehensive Conservation Plan , which can be found here:
https://www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/desoto_boyerchute/index.html.
Environmental Consequences of the Action
This section analyzes the environmental consequences of the action on each affected resource,
including direct and indirect effects. This EA only includes the written analyses of the
environmental consequences on a resource when the impacts on that resource could be more than
negligible and therefore considered an “affected resource.” Any resources that will not be more
than negligibly impacted by the action have been dismissed from further analyses.
Tables 1-5 provide:
1. A brief description of the affected resources in the proposed action area;
2. Impacts of the proposed action and any alternatives on those resources, including
direct and indirect effects.
Table 6 provides a brief description of the cumulative impacts of the proposed action and any
alternatives.
Impact Types:
● Direct effects are those which are caused by the action and occur at the same time and
place.
● Indirect effects are those which are caused by the action and are later in time or farther
removed in distance, but are still reasonably foreseeable.
● Cumulative impacts result from the incremental impact of the action when added to other
past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of what agency
(Federal or non-federal) or person undertakes such other actions.
TABLE 1. AFFECTED NATURAL RESOURCES AND ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED
ACTION AND ANY ALTERNATIVES
NATURAL RESOURCES
AFFECTED RESOURCE
ANTICIPATED DIRECT AND INDIRECT IMPACTS
White-tailed Deer Alternative A (proposed action):
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White-tailed deer represent one of the
most important big game mammals in
Nebraska and Iowa. Currently, the
Iowa Department of Natural
Resources (IADNR) population
estimates are 400,000 deer and
harvests are around 100,000 per year.
(IADNR 2017) Iowa DNR is
attempting to reduce the deer
populations to the mid-to-late 1990’s
levels. (IADNR 2017) Nebraska
Game and Parks Commission
(NEGPC) reports annual harvest at
27,000 deer and statewide population
levels between 150,000 to 180,000.
(NEGPC 2017)
Deer hunting at Boyer Chute Refuge would be expanded from the
locations and seasons currently allowed. In addition to the current
muzzleloader deer hunt opportunities, the refuge would expand deer
hunting opportunities to include archery deer hunting on all units except
Horseshoe, West Chute, and Nathan’s Lake. This archery hunt area
will be open concurrent with the State of Nebraska archery deer season.
Season dates and archery deer permits would be consistent with those
set by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. This added deer hunt
opportunity will increase the number of deer hunter use days to 122.
This will lead to increased deer harvest to an estimated 100 deer. Even
with the increased harvest, this increase would still be less than 0.21%
of the total deer harvested in the state of Nebraska.
Alternative B (current management):
The Service has allowed deer hunting on DeSoto since 1963 and at
Boyer Chute since 2004. Harvest data from 2004 through 2013 of both
refuges indicates an annual harvest average of 456 deer.
Helicopter counts ranged from a low of 717 in 2007 to a high of 983 in
2004 on DeSoto Refuge. Boyer Chute Refuge counts ranged from 212
in 2006 to a high of 414 in 2004. Deer populations peaked at 87 deer
per square mile at DeSoto Refuge and 65 deer per square mile at Boyer
Chute Refuge. IADNR estimates deer populations across the state to
range from seven to ten deer per square mile. Prevalent deer habitat
damage increased the annual hunts from 2 weekend hunts to 4 weekend
hunts from 2005 to 2010, which slowly began to decrease the deer
numbers. The flood of 2011 had a much larger impact.
After nearly all the deer fled the refuge or drowned during the flood, a
few returned. In 2012 there was a severe drought and epizootic
hemorrhagic disease hit the deer population throughout much of Iowa
(IADNR 2017). At the time of the writing of this plan the deer have
rebounded. Management does not want to let the population get out of
control again. The refuges will continue to support a deer herd that will
be at the carrying capacity of the habitat of 17 deer per square mile.
Since the 2011 flood, the average deer harvest on DeSoto Refuge is
around 60 deer per season. Sixty deer would represent less than 0.07%
percent of the total harvest within Iowa (100,000) and less than 0.2% of
the total harvest within Nebraska (48,000). The average harvest on
Boyer Chute Refuge is 25, representing 0.05% of the Nebraska harvest.
Wild turkey
Wild turkey populations in Iowa were
extirpated by 1900. Wild turkeys were
captured and released by the Iowa
Department of Natural Resources
throughout the state, including DeSoto
Refuge, during the late 1960s and
1970s. The birds thrived and
repopulated throughout the state to the
extent that hunting of turkey was
opened in 1974. (IADNR 2017) The
2017 Iowa spring season was the 44th
season and an estimated 11,779
Alternative A (proposed action):
DeSoto:
Turkey hunting would be similar to Alternative B except that it would
allow fall archery turkey hunting within the West Side Unit and East
Side South Unit. These areas are already open to archery deer season
which would fall within the same time frame as archery turkey season.
Historically, fall turkey hunting sees low numbers and the refuge
anticipates the majority of hunting for turkeys in the fall will be
harvested by opportunistic archery deer hunters.
According to Iowa DNR harvest report numbers, the 2016 Iowa fall
turkey harvest by all methods totaled less than 2,000 and of that only
11
turkeys were harvested (Figure 4-3).
(IADNR 2017) Nebraska Game and
Parks Commission report essentially
the same history of the turkeys in that
State. (NEGPC 2014a) The 2017
Nebraska spring season had an
estimated harvest of 20,431 (Figure 4-
4).
The population of turkeys in both
states is currently growing or stable.
Turkeys rely on a combination of
forested and open areas for food and
roosting sites throughout the year.
This habitat is readily available on
both refuges and turkey numbers are
strong on both refuges.
142 were taken by archery. For Nebraska, the 2017 fall turkey harvest
totaled an estimated 3,520 (NEGPC 2017). Based on spring archery
turkey hunting numbers at DeSoto Refuge, the refuge anticipates
minimal number of harvested birds (less than 20) which would have
little impact to both states population numbers or harvest numbers
Boyer Chute
In this alternative, Boyer Chute Refuge would be open to spring and fall
archery turkey hunting in all units except Horseshoe, Nathan’s Lake,
and West Chute. The season dates and permit limits would be
concurrent with the state regulations. This opportunity would lead to an
increase of 205 hunter use days for turkey hunting. The refuge feels
harvest numbers and success would be similar to what is seen at DeSoto
Refuge. If the refuge sees 100 turkey hunters throughout the season
than using hunter success rate from Nebraska (~64% in 2017) would be
an average of 64 turkeys harvested each season. This harvest would be
less than 0.32% of the total harvest in Nebraska (20,431).
The refuge anticipates that most of the turkey hunters will be during the
spring season when turkey hunting is more popular. Fall archery turkey
hunting typically gets limited users and is mostly done in concurrence
with archery deer hunting. This statement is primarily based on
professional judgment and by Nebraska Game and Parks permit and
harvest reports (Figure 4-8) (NEGPC 2017).
Alternative B (current management)
Turkey harvest data is not recorded annually for DeSoto Refuge.
Typically, each season the refuge gets 25 youth shotgun turkey hunters,
4 mobility impaired shotgun turkey hunters and 50 archery turkey
hunters. If using hunter success rate from the states of Iowa (~20% in
2016) and Nebraska (~64% in 2017) that would average to a 42%
success rate for DeSoto Refuge turkey hunters. With an average of 80
turkey hunters annually, this would be an estimate of 34 turkeys
harvested each season. Thirty four turkeys would represent less than
0.3% of the total harvest in Iowa (11,779) and less than 0.2% of the
total harvest in Nebraska (20,431).
Waterfowl
The hunting of waterfowl in the
United States is based upon a
thorough regulatory setting process
that involves numerous sources of
waterfowl population and harvest
monitoring data.
Alternative A (proposed action)
Same as Alternative A, except the refuge will expand the hunt area to
the river banks along the Nathan’s Lake Unit, West Chute Unit and
North Central Unit. This expanded access would result in less than 1
mile of river bank added to the waterfowl hunt area. This will lead to
the potential for added number of hunters, but the refuge anticipates that
the harvest would not increase substantially. The location of the added
area along the river is also far enough away from the major wetland
complex where the hunters will not disturb the waterfowl on the
Horseshoe wetland unit. No adverse impacts to waterfowl or other
migratory bird populations on the refuge are expected.
Alternative B (current management)
Currently, fall waterfowl hunting is permitted at Boyer Chute Refuge
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on land adjacent to the river below the top bank on Boyer Island. The
waterfowl hunting is permitted in accordance with the state season and
bag limits. Since the waterfowl hunting is limited to along the river
banks, the refuge does not receive a high number of hunter visits (less
than 50). The refuge does not collect harvest report numbers for Boyer
Chute Refuge. However, based on survey results from US FWS 2018,
Nebraska hunters averaged 12.9 ducks per hunter per season and 11
geese per hunter per season, which would estimate a total harvest of
645 ducks and 550 geese. This harvest would be just 0.47% of duck
harvest and less than 0.4% of the geese harvest in Nebraska.
Other Wildlife and Aquatic Species
DeSoto Refuge is home to a diversity
of resident and migratory species,
hosting over 250 species of birds, 25
mammal species, 40 reptile and
amphibian species, and 80 species of
fish. Boyer Chute Refuge contains
wildlife and habitats similar to those
found at DeSoto Refuge,see Appendix
D for the refuges’ species list
Birds
The refuges provide habitat to many
migratory and resident bird species. A
broad spectrum of birdlife is
represented, from resident game birds
such as quail, pheasant, and wild
turkey to shorebirds, waterfowl,
neotropical migrants, short distance
migrants, resident songbirds, hawks,
owls, and other raptors.
The Missouri River Valley is noted for
its large-scale migrations of water
birds and waterfowl including white
pelican, double-crested cormorant,
greater white-fronted goose, Canada
goose, and a large percentage of the
mid-continent snow goose and Ross’s
goose populations. Also included are
several species of dabbling duck
including the mallard, green-winged
teal, northern pintail, blue-winged
teal, ring-necked duck, lesser scaup,
ood duck, and common merganser.
The Missouri River is a major raptor
flyway for the eastern Great Plains,
Alternative A (proposed action):
Currently, hunting accounts for less than 1% of overall visitation at both
DeSoto (0.7%) and Boyer Chute (0.4%) Refuges. Hunting access is by
foot only (except for waterfowl hunting along the Missouri River and
backwaters).
Hunters can cause some disturbance to wildlife, but the disturbance is
minor and short term. Other wildlife not being harvested (including
birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates) may be
temporarily disturbed by hunters approaching an animal’s resting site
and flushing or moving the wildlife as the animals try to avoid human
contact.
The main concern for wildlife disturbance at DeSoto Refuge is with
migratory waterfowl during the spring and fall migration period.
Disturbance from hunters near wetlands can cause birds to flush and not
utilize the wetlands as a resting/feeding area during their migration.
This disturbance would have a direct impact on the ability of the refuge
to fulfill its mission as a migratory bird sanctuary. To account for this,
only selected areas at DeSoto Refuge are open for public archery deer
and turkey hunting. These public hunt areas on the West Side Unit and
East Dike South Unit do not have large wetland units where disturbance
is a big factor. Another way disturbance factor is accounted for is the
timing of the hunts. The managed muzzleloader hunts are weekend
hunts and are scheduled during weekends that avoid the peak waterfowl
use time period for the refuge. Typically the muzzleloader hunts are
during late October and mid-December, while peak waterfowl use
typically occurs in November.
Another biological impact is the killing of animals, which is a negative
impact to the individual animal. However, the harvesting of animals for
hunting also creates positive benefits by promoting people’s connection
with nature, helping the refuge in achieving its habitat management
objectives, and maintaining quality habitat for other wildlife. Staff
monitors species population trends to ensure that target species can be
hunted on the refuge without adversely affecting the species. These
monitoring activities include direct observation of populations,
consultation with state and Service species specialists, and review of
13
but most of the birds follow the
eastern loess bluffs in Iowa
southward. A number of bald eagle
roosting sites are located at or near the
refuges. Bald eagles migrate across
the refuges in late November and
December; well over 250 have been
observed on the refuges at one time.
A considerable number of shorebirds
utilize the Missouri River Valley
during spring and fall migrations,
although species diversity is typically
greatest in spring when suitable
habitat is more readily available.
DeSoto Refuge has been recognized
as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by
the Audubon Society in both Iowa and
Nebraska. Boyer Chute Refuge was
designated a Nebraska IBA in 2005.
The IBA program identifies sites that
are critical to the survival of bird
species and promotes the conservation
of these sites to maintain healthy bird
populations.
Mammals
At least 30 mammal species have been
observed on the refuges with over
twice that number of species
unconfirmed but expected to occur
based on their known breeding ranges.
A wide variety of mammals including
white-tailed deer, bobcats, coyotes,
red foxes, badgers, raccoons,
opossums, skunks, muskrats, mink,
beavers, squirrels, rabbits,
woodchucks, and smaller species such
as long-tailed weasels, gophers, mice,
voles, and shrews can be found on the
refuges. These species spend much of
their time in uplands, but will use
wetland and riverine areas as well for
water, food, and shelter during dryer
periods.
Amphibians and Reptiles
Surveys have documented 24 species
of reptiles and amphibians on the
refuges, with over 60 total species
expected to occur locally. On Boyer
Chute Refuge, surveys conducted
throughout refuge wetlands by the
University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the
summers of 2004 and 2008 have
current species survey information and research.
Under all alternatives, we would continue to offer opportunities for
visitors to engage in hunting. Visitors using the available infrastructure,
including trails and parking areas, gain an improved understanding and
appreciation for the numerous species that depend on the refuge for
breeding, foraging, and resting. Additionally, visitors would be more
aware of biological facts upon which Service management is based and
why these species are important to people and other wildlife. This
outcome would help increase public support for refuge management
and habitat protection, as well as the Service and the Refuge System
Alternative B (current management)
Impacts would be similar to those described in Alternative A.
14
confirmed nine amphibians species,
and the refuge overlaps the ranges of
at least 14 additional species.
Common amphibian species include
gray tree frogs, leopard frogs, and
cricket frogs.
Reptile species found on the refuges
include six turtle species, eight snake
species, and one species of skink.
Common reptile species include
snapping turtles, false map turtles,
softshell turtles, bull snakes, and
garter snakes.
Fish and Other Aquatic Species
The Missouri River Basin supports
156 native fish species, of which 33
are now listed by the states within the
basin as rare, endangered, or
threatened (Hesse et al. 1989). In
addition to state listings, the pallid
sturgeon has been Federally listed as
endangered since 1990. Of the 156
fish species in the basin, 92 species
are found in the Lower Missouri River
and are associated with the refuges—
64 of which have been confirmed on
the refuges. The refuges have played a
part in a larger, basin-wide effort to
increase habitat for a variety of native
fish species, including many species
that have experienced drastic
population declines over the past
century. The restoration of floodplain
wetlands and riverine habitats such as
chutes, backwaters, side channels, and
sloughs benefit species of concern like
the pallid, shovelnose, and lake
sturgeon; sturgeon and sicklefin chub;
longnose and shortnose gar; blue and
flathead catfish; sauger, burbot,
paddlefish, blue sucker, and silvery
minnow.
In addition to rare, declining,
threatened, and endangered species,
more common fish species, including
game species, are present in the
refuges’ aquatic habitats. Channel
catfish, bigmouth buffalo, and
freshwater drum are examples of
larger fish species that are well
adapted to the backwaters, chutes, and
side channels provided at Boyer Chute
15
Refuge.
Non-native fish such as common and
bighead carp are also abundant in the
Missouri River ecosystem. Large
numbers of these exotic species can be
seen in shallow backwaters and
tributaries of the river. Refuge staff
has noticed an increase in the number
of Asian carp on the refuges, from just
a few scattered sightings in the past, to
large numbers in just about every
shallow water habitat on the refuges.
Stocked game fish in DeSoto Lake
include largemouth and white bass,
black and white crappie, channel and
flathead catfish, bluegill, walleye, and
northern pike.
Threatened and Endangered
Species and Other Special Status
Species
Three Federally listed species have
been associated with refuge habitats in
the past: pallid sturgeon, interior least
tern, and piping plover.
The pallid sturgeon was listed in 1990,
can reach a length of up to six feet,
can weigh as much as 80 pounds, and
occurs in the Missouri, Mississippi,
and Yellowstone Rivers. There are
over 3,300 miles of riverine habitat in
the pallid sturgeon’s range, yet it is
rarely encountered in the Lower
Missouri River. This is primarily due
to the loss of key backwater and side
channel habitat required by the
species.
The interior least tern (Sterna
antillarum) was Federally listed as
endangered in 1985. This species lives
along large rivers and may sometimes
be found hunting fish in shallow
wetlands and along pond/lake
shorelines. The wide river channels
dotted with sandbars that are preferred
by the terns have been replaced by
narrow forested river corridors.
Recreational activities on rivers and
sandbars can disturb nesting terns
causing them to abandon their nests.
Current estimates suggest 4,700 to
Alternative A (proposed action):
DeSoto and Boyer Chute
Pallid sturgeons are associated with the Missouri River and would not
be affected by any of the hunting activities on the refuge.
Least tern and piping plover have not been documented on the refuge
since the 1970s. If nesting birds were discovered it would be in late
spring and summer when minimal to no hunting occurs on the refuge.
The spring turkey hunting that does occur from mid-April to late-May
would not be in habitat associated with these species. If the refuge
manager determines any future disturbances to be at an unacceptable
rate, he/she will administratively close the units, or a portion thereof, to
hunting. To close a tract, the boundary would be posted with No
Hunting signs, law enforcement personnel would be notified, and the
refuge's public use map would be updated to show the changes.
The refuge does have nesting pairs of bald eagles present. While no
longer threatened or endangered, bald eagles are still protected under
the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Most of the hunting on the
refuge occurs in the fall and winter when eagles would not be nesting.
The spring turkey season for the refuge does occur during the eagle
nesting and chick rearing time period. To avoid disturbance during this
critical time period, a 100 yard radius area around any active eagle nest
is closed to hunter access. This closure would be outlined in the hunt
brochure map and would be posted with signs if needed.
Alternative B (current management):
Same as alternative A
16
5,000 adult birds remain.
Piping plovers were Federally listed as
threatened in 1986. These birds make
their nests on open, sparsely vegetated
sand or gravel beaches adjacent to
alkali wetlands and on beaches,
sandbars, and dredged material islands
of major river systems. They winter
along South Atlantic, Gulf Coast, and
Caribbean beaches and barrier islands,
then arrive in their breeding grounds
form mid-March through mid-May,
remaining for three to four months per
year.
Vegetation (including vegetation of
special management concern)
The habitats at DeSoto Refuge are
approximately one-third grassland and
one-third forest with the remaining
third a mixture of open water, and
minor components such as shrub-
scrub, developed areas, seasonal
wetlands, and sandbar habitat. The
grassland component is a mixture of
mesic grasslands and wet prairie.
Forests contain bottomland tree
species, and density ranges from dense
young stands, mature open savannas,
to late successional cottonwood forest.
Nearly all of the land that now
comprises the authorized boundary for
Boyer Chute Refuge was farmed prior
to the creation of the refuge.
Restoration and rehabilitation of
wetland and upland habitats have
been, and will continue to be, an
important part of refuge management
activities. According to restoration
records maintained by the refuge,
habitat restoration has occurred on
2,350 grassland acres, over 370
wetland and riverine acres, and
approximately 570 acres of woodland
and shrubland. Over 60 percent of the
refuge is classified as prairie, and with
wet meadow areas (10 percent), nearly
three-quarters of the land currently
managed by the Service falls into a
mixed grassland and forb cover type.
Wetlands and open water constitute
approximately 12 percent of the
refuge. Forests and open woodlands
Alternative A (proposed action):
Currently, hunting accounts for less than 1% of overall visitation at both
DeSoto (0.7%) and Boyer Chute (0.4%) Refuges. Hunting access is by
foot only (except for waterfowl hunting along the Missouri River and
backwaters). Hunting activity is typically dispersed across the
landscape, resulting in minimal vegetation trampling or effects. Hunters
are prohibited from cutting vegetation.
Alternative B (current management) :
Similar to Alternative A because little additional use is expected.
17
located primarily adjacent to
waterways and wetlands constitute
another 15 percent of the refuge.
18
TABLE 2. AFFECTED VISITOR USE AND EXPERIENCE AND ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF THE
PROPOSED ACTION AND ANY ALTERNATIVES
VISITOR USE AND
EXPERIENCE
AFFECTED RESOURCE
ANTICIPATED DIRECT AND INDIRECT IMPACTS
Both DeSoto and Boyer Chute
Refuges are already open to hunting,
fishing, wildlife observation and
photography, environmental education
and interpretation. By far, wildlife
observation and photography are the
most popular uses on both refuges,
followed by fishing.
Some areas at DeSoto Refuge are
open year round and others are closed
during the winter to allow areas for
migrating waterfowl.
Boyer Chute Refuge has a paved auto
tour route running along the chute
with five parking areas providing
access to the chute and to trails. On
Boyer Island, one ½-mile accessible
trail is maintained. The rest of the trail
system (over 6 miles) is mowed
regularly throughout the growing
season. The refuge also maintains two
kiosks on the refuge where regulation
brochures and the hunting access
permit are posted.
Before the managed muzzleloader
deer hunt, parking areas are mowed at
various locations to provide hunters
with parking areas and better access to
the different units of the refuge.
Alternative A (proposed action):
DeSoto Refuge
Similar to Alternative B, the refuge does not experience any repeated or
re-occurring conflicting uses. Conflicts between users are likely to be
low, due to relatively low participation rate in hunting, and the time of
year at which the activity is engaged in. With the addition of fall
archery turkey hunting, the Service anticipates a slight increase in
overall hunting use (100 hunter use days) resulting in spread throughout
the refuge’s roughly 1,604 acres of open hunt area.
If this low level of participation is consistent with Service expectations,
refuge staff expect negligible conflicts with other public uses at DeSoto
Refuge. The refuge staff will evaluate participation in the turkey hunt
seasons to verify participation levels, where the use is occurring, and
ensure that potential conflicts with other users are avoided. Future
closures may be considered if potential conflicts with other public uses
becomes a habitat management concern.
Boyer Chute Refuge
There would be no change from Alternative B.
Alternative B (current management):
DeSoto Refuge
Hunting is a priority public use for the Service and a way for the public
to gain an increased awareness of DeSoto Refuge and the National
Wildlife Refuge System. According to the RAPP report, there were a
total of 165,000 visitors to DeSoto Refuge in 2017. Of the 165,000
visitors, 1,050 visitors participated in hunting activities. Other wildlife
dependent recreational activities provided at DeSoto Refuge include
wildlife observation (135,300 participants), wildlife photography
(17,000 participants), fishing (16,000 participants), environmental
education (5,500 participants), and interpretation (3,500 participants).
Because of the relatively low participation rate in hunting, the potential
for conflict with other uses is minimized. Also, the public hunt area is
closed to non-hunting visits from October 15 – April 14, which
minimizes user conflicts. During managed muzzleloader deer hunts the
refuge is closed to all other visitors, but this is just for two weekends
every year. Therefore, the effects of hunting access on other public uses
should be minimal.
Boyer Chute Refuge
Hunting is a priority public use for the Service and a way for the public
19
to gain an increased awareness of Boyer Chute Refuge and the National
Wildlife Refuge System. According to the RAPP report, there were a
total of 51,876 visitors to Boyer Chute Refuge in 2017. Of the 51,876
visitors, 210 visitors participated in hunting activities. Other wildlife
dependent recreational activities provided at Boyer Chute Refuge
include wildlife observation (32,076 participants), wildlife photography
(2,594 participants), fishing (7,781 participants), environmental
education (100 participants), and interpretation (40 participants).
Visitors can access all units except Horseshoe and Nathan’s Lake South
from April 15 to October 14 annually. All access is closed during deer
firearm 7 day mgt. hunt.
The Boyer Island and West Chute units are open to other users all year
(except during firearm hunt for safety).
Because of the relatively low participation rate in hunting, the potential
for conflict with other uses is minimized. Also, during the managed
muzzleloader deer hunts the refuge is closed to all other visitors, but
this is just for the one week every year in early winter when other
visitation is typically low. Therefore, the effects of hunting access on
other public uses should be minimal.
TABLE 3. AFFECTED CULTURAL RESOURCES AND ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED
ACTION AND ANY ALTERNATIVES
CULTURAL RESOURCES
AFFECTED RESOURCE
ANTICIPATED DIRECT AND INDIRECT IMPACTS
20
Harrison and Pottawattamie Counties
in Iowa and Washington County in
Nebraska contain numerous properties
listed on the National Register of
Historic Places. One is the Steamboat
Bertrand Museum Collection and
Discovery Site on DeSoto Refuge;
another is Fort Atkinson on the
western border of Boyer Chute
Refuge. Aside from Historic Register
sites, it is believed by some historians
that additional steamboats may have
been lost in the area of
DeSoto/Bertrand Bend.
In addition, the August 3, 1804
campsite of the Lewis and Clark
expedition is believed to be located on
DeSoto Refuge, and two additional
campsites from July 29 and 30, 1804
are thought to be located within the
authorized boundary for Boyer Chute
Refuge (although not on Service-
owned property). To date, no material
artifacts have been recovered on the
refuges from any Lewis and Clark
campsites.
DeSoto Refuge contains 13 reported
cultural resources sites. All of these
sites are a part of the Western culture
historic period, including two
homestead sites. Just under 200 acres
of DeSoto Refuge have been subjected
to archeological survey. This includes
a survey conducted by Wichita State
University in 1978 (the Blakeslee and
King survey) at the location of the
refuge’s Visitor Center.
At Boyer Chute Refuge, the most
recent archaeological survey was
conducted in 2009 prior to the
installation of the maintenance shop’s
geothermal wells. No evidence of
archaeological resources was found at
that time.
Alternative A (proposed action):
As a Federal conservation agency, the Service has a responsibility for
the protection of the many known and undiscovered cultural resources
located on refuge lands. Cultural resources management in the Service
is the responsibility of the Regional Director and is not delegated for the
Section 106 process when historic properties could be affected by
Service undertakings, for issuing archeological permits, and for Tribal
involvement. The Regional Historic Preservation Officer (RHPO)
advises the Regional Director about procedures, compliance, and
implementation of cultural resources laws. The refuge manager assists
the RHPO by informing the RHPO about Service undertakings, by
protecting archeological sites and historic properties on Service
managed and administered lands, by monitoring archeological
investigations by contractors and permittees, and by reporting
violations.
Refuge hunting activities are not expected to disturb archeological
resources that may be buried in the ground. New parking or other
facility enhancement will be reviewed for archeological compliance
before constructed. Hunting as proposed will not affect cultural
resources and there will be no cumulative impacts to such resources.
Activities that might cause an effect to a historic property would be
subject to a case-by-case Section 106 review.
Alternative B (current management):
Same as alternative A
TABLE 4. AFFECTED REFUGE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS AND ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF THE
PROPOSED ACTION AND ANY ALTERNATIVES
21
REFUGE MANAGEMENT &
OPERATIONS
AFFECTED RESOURCE
ANTICIPATED DIRECT AND INDIRECT IMPACTS
Land Use:
Water has always been a primary
driver in the succession of refuge
habitats. Before the Missouri River
was dammed and channelized,
floodwaters and heavy sediment loads
would continually shape and reshape
this landscape, creating and erasing
river system features that evolved
through time from open water and
wetland to upland and back again. Fire
regimes and large herds of grazing
animals were also historically
important to changes in this river
valley landscape. Today, many of
these broader landscape processes
have been removed from the system.
The refuge incorporates prescribed
fire into habitat management to
simulate historic processes where
possible. Aside from active habitat
management conducted by refuge staff
many factors interact to shape the
refuge vegetative communities
including human-altered and remnant
native hydrology; seasonal water
tables, moisture regimes, and
flood/drought cycles; along with local
relief and soil characteristics.
Alternative A (proposed action):
Because of the low volume of hunt use, the dispersed nature, and the
seasons in which most hunting occurs, there are minimal affects on
refuge land uses. The most impacted activity may be prescribed
burning, but that can be managed through signage and other
communications. Both refuges currently include roads, trails, parking
lots and other infrastruture to facilitate refuge uses, including hunting.
Alternative B (current management):
Similar to Alternative A
Administration
The cost for the hunt program includes
staff time from all the various
programs. At the start of the year
decisions are made on how many and
what types of hunts to have each year.
News releases about the hunting
opportunities are sent out. Staff time is
spent answering hunter questions,
coordinating with state agencies for
managed deer hunts, writing and
coping permits, etc. Additionally, staff
are required to manage weekend deer
hunts by working entrance check
stations. Law enforcement staff also
work during the hunts. An estimate for
Alternative A (proposed action):
Administration efforts and costs to manage the hunt program should be
similar for both alternatives. The hunt activities being proposed do not
require additional permit or administration. They are open hunts
according to the state seasons and regulations. There may be some
minor costs associated with communications (brochures, signs) the first
year, but should remain steady after.
Alternative B (current management): Similar to Alternative A. New hunting opportunities do not require
additional administration.
22
a typical hunt year is $14,000.
23
TABLE 5. AFFECTED SOCIOECONOMICS AND ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED ACTION
AND ANY ALTERNATIVES
SOCIOECONOMICS
AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
ANTICIPATED DIRECT AND INDIRECT IMPACTS
Visitors to DeSoto and Boyer Chute
Refuges spend money on a wide
variety of goods and services,
including food, lodging,
transportation, outdoor apparel,
binoculars, cameras, ammunition, and
fishing tackle. Economic benefits also
include annual payroll to 15
employees; tens of thousands of
dollars’ worth of materials,
equipment, and services purchased
from local vendors.
In 2006, DeSoto Refuge was included
in a national study of economic
benefits provided to local
communities by national wildlife
refuges. The study found that there
were 283,781 visits to the refuge in
2006. Most visitors were residents (64
percent). Visitors spent an estimated
$2.9 million related to recreation at
the refuge (residents: $1.9 million, and
non-residents: $1 million). The final
adjusted economic benefit provided by
the refuge after the spending had
cycled through the economy was $2.6
million. Calculations predict that this
economic activity also generated the
equivalent of 52 jobs for the local
economy. Spending on recreation in
2006 also generated $364,500 in tax
revenue. Finally, it is estimated that
for every one dollar in budget
expenditures at DeSoto Refuge ($1.5
million in the 2006 fiscal year), $4.26
worth of recreation-related
expenditures and net economic value
were generated (Carver and Caudill
2007).
In 2004, Boyer Chute Refuge was
included in the national study of
economic benefits provided to local
communities by national wildlife
refuges. The study notes that there
Alternatives A and B:
Less than 1% of visitation to either refuge is from hunting activity.
While there may be an slight increase in visits, it is not expected to be
significant. Wildlife observation/photography and fishing are much
greater drivers in the local economies.
24
were 22,044 visits to the refuge in
2004. Visitors spent an estimated
$123,000 related to recreation at the
refuge (residents: $80,400, and non-
residents: $42,600). The final adjusted
value after the spending had cycled
through the economy was $192,900.
Spending on recreation in 2004 also
generated $26,700 in tax revenue.
Finally, it is estimated that for every
one dollar in budget expenditures at
Boyer Chute Refuge ($494,100 in the
2004 fiscal year), $0.67 worth of
recreation-related expenditures and
net economic value were generated
(Caudill and Henderson 2005).
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
Executive Order 12898, Federal
Actions to Address Environmental
Justice in Minority Populations and
Low-Income Populations, requires all
Federal agencies to incorporate
environmental justice into their
missions by identifying and
addressing disproportionately high or
adverse human health or
environmental effects of their
programs and policies on minorities
and low-income populations and
communities.
The Service has not identified any potential high and adverse
environmental or human health impacts from this proposed action or
any of the alternatives. The Service has identified no minority or low
income communities within the impact area. Minority or low income
communities will not be disproportionately affected by any impacts
from this proposed action or any of the alternatives.
Cumulative Impact Analysis:
Cumulative impacts are defined as “the impact on the environment which results from the
incremental impact of the action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable
future actions regardless of what agency (Federal or non-Federal) or person undertakes such
other actions” (40 CFR 1508.7).
For more information on the national cumulative impacts of the Service’s hunting and fishing
program on the National Wildlife Refuge System, see [Title of Cumulative Impacts Report]
(attached).
TABLE 6. ANTICIPATED CUMULATIVE IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED ACTION AND ANY
ALTERNATIVES
25
Other Past, Present, and Reasonably
Foreseeable Activity Impacting
Affected Environment Descriptions of Anticipated Cumulative Impacts
Hunting/Fishing
White-tailed deer
DeSoto Refuge
DeSoto Refuge includes 8,365 acres
and receives between 165-200,000
visits per year. It’s a significant
migration stopover for waterfowl and
other species during the fall and winter
months. Because of the high visitation
levels and its significance for wildlife
habitat, it’s unlikely deer hunting will
expand past the existing seasons.
Boyer Chute Refuge
Under the proposed alternative,
archery white-tailed deer hunting will
open on 2,660 acres and managed
muzzleloader white-tailed deer hunting
will continue on 3,780 acres at Boyer
Chute Refuge (many of these acres
overlap). The total acquisition
boundary for Boyer Chute Refuge is
10,010 acres. As land it acquired, it’s
possible that hunt opportunities for
white-tailed deer might expand.
Wild Turkey
DeSoto Refuge
The proposed action would allow for
spring and fall archery turkey seasons.
For the reasons listed in the white -
tailed deer discussion, it’s unlikely
additional turkey hunting would be
opened at DeSoto Refuge.
Boyer Chute Refuge
The proposed action opens
approximately 2,600 acres to spring
and fall archery turkey seasons. The
total acquisition boundary for Boyer
Chute Refuge is 10,010 acres. As land
is acquired, it’s possible that hunt
opportunities for wild turkey might
expand.
Waterfowl
DeSoto Refuge is closed to waterfowl
hunting and is not likely to be opened.
White-tailed deer
The Service does not anticipate any increases in white-tailed deer
hunting on DeSoto Refuge. It is possible that as lands are added to Boyer
Chute Refuge, deer hunting might expand to those lands.
In Table 1, the estimated take for deer at Boyer Chute Refuge is 100 deer
per season for archery and managed muzzleloader hunts. Assuming
those hunts continued on all lands within the acquisition boundary, that
would result in approximately 400 deer taken per year. However, not all
lands may be open to hunting for conservation, safety or other reasons,
so that estimate is very high. But even given that high estimate, it would
reflect only 1.5% of the total deer harvest in the state of Nebraska.
Wild Turkey
The Service does not anticipate additional turkey hunting at DeSoto
Refuge.
It is possible that as new lands are acquired for Boyer Chute Refuge,
they could be opened to turkey hunting. Based on the estimated take
under this alternative, it may mean that up to 256 turkey might be taken
on the entire 10,010 acres. That’s an extremely high estimate, because
lands may lack good turkey habitat or may be closed for conservation or
safety reasons. Even if that many turkey were harvested, it would
account for only 1.2% of the harvest in the state of Nebraska.
Waterfowl
Under the proposed action, there is expected harvest of 645 ducks and
500 geese at Boyer Chute Refuge on 4.75 miles of shoreline and 36
26
Waterfowl hunting is open at Boyer
Chute Refuge. Under the proposed
action,
Other Huntable Species
DeSoto Refuge
DeSoto Refuge is closed to all
migratory bird, upland bird, and
furbearer hunting.
Boyer Chute Refuge is closed to other
migratory bird hunting (snipe, rail,
woodcock), upland bird,and furbearer
hunting.
acres of Missouri River backwaters. If waterfowl hunting were
expanded as units are acquired, it would still be limited to the Missouri
River boundary and backwaters (not open to interior wetlands). This
would add 11.75 miles of Nebraska and Iowa shoreline open to hunting.
Even if take tripled to 1,935 duck and 1500 goose, that would be 1.4%
of Nebraska duck harvest and 1.04% of the goose harvest.
Other Huntable Species
Any additional hunting opportunities would require an opening package
that assesses population status, direct and indirect impacts, and
cumulative impacts. It would take into consideration Federal and state
frameworks for seasons and regulations.
The main issues surrounding additional types of hunts at both DeSoto
and Boyer Chute Refuges are hunter safety, visitor safety, and wildlife
disturbance. DeSoto Refuge is a very busy refuge with a lot of public use
and adding hunt opportunities may increase conflicts among visitors.
Boyer Chute Refuge is not as visited, but units are relatively small and
there may be conflicts between types of hunters and other recreational
users. Increased use in the fall, when migration is at its peak, may cause
wildlife disturbance issues.
Other wildlife-dependent recreation (i.e. road and trail development and
use)
Wildlife observation remains the most
popular activity on both refuges.
Residents and visitors enjoy looking at
turkey and deer, birding, bald eagles,
and enjoying nature. DeSoto and
Boyer Chute Refuges both have roads
and trails that visitors can enjoy by
auto, walking, or bike. DeSoto and
Boyer Chute Refuges are the closest
national public lands to the Omaha
area and receive a lot of use.
On the Nebraska side of the Missouri
River, the Omaha Riverfront Trail
North will eventually connect Boyer
Chute Refuge with a trail system that
connects with Omaha and Council
Bluffs. The trail will be paved, but is
currently not always maintained. It has
the potential to connect Boyer Chute
by foot or bike with more than 120
miles of trails in the Omaha area.
On the Iowa side, DeSoto Refuge is
immediately adjacent to Wilson Island
State Recreation Area. In 2017,
visitation to Wilson Island was
DeSoto Refuge is 8,365 acres and includes a visitor center with a
museum exhibit, viewing areas, auto tour route, hiking trails, picnic
areas, and boat ramps.
Boyer Chute Refuge concentrates most visitor use at the West Chute
unit, which includes a self-guided auto route, five miles of trails, a
fishing platform, and parking lots.
In 2011, severe flooding affected the refuges and forced the Service to
examine the amounts and types of facilities that exist in the floodplain.
Some were removed and are not planned to be replaced. The only
anticipated visitor facility improvements might be primitive parking
areas on Boyer Chute units to facilitate hunting access.
27
203,500. The area features 544 acres,
six miles of trails, two picnic shelter,
two group campsites, and 125
campsites.
Development and Population
Increase
DeSoto and Boyer Chute Refuges are
included in the Omaha Metropolitan
Statistical Area, which includes five
counties in Nebraska and three in
Iowa. The entire Metropolitan
Statistical Area is approaching an
estimated population of nearly 1
million. The city of Omaha is
estimated at nearly 467,000 residents
in July 2018. and has grown nearly 4%
since 2010.
Because the refuges use an adaptive management approach for its hunt
program, reviewing the hunt program annually and revising annually ( if
necessary), the Service’s hunt program can be adjusted to ensure that it
does not contribute further to the cumulative impacts of population
growth and development on deer, turkey or waterfowl.
Use of lead ammunition/tackle
Lead ammunition is prohibited for
waterfowl and turkey hunting on the
refuges.
Depending on the weather, bald eagles may be present in large numbers
during the hunting season. There is a possibility of conflict with
predators feeding on gut piles that may contain lead fragments. Research
has indicated that lead is present in gut piles. Bald eagles feed on the gut
piles and may ingest lead. Large concentrations of eagles may be present
on the refuge during the time of t the gun hunt. In 2017 the refuges
began a voluntary non-lead ammunition outreach program to encourage
all hunters to use non-toxic ammunition.
Climate Change
Warming, whether it results from
anthropogenic or natural sources, is
expected to affect a variety of natural
processes and associated resources.
However, the complexity of ecological
systems means that there is a
tremendous amount of uncertainty
about the impact climate change will
actually have. In particular, the
localized effects of climate change are
still a matter of much debate. That
said, the combination of increased
frequency and severity of drought in
the basin and increased frequency of
wildfire could dramatically reduce the
amount and quality of waterfowl
habitat in the basin. As a result
waterfowl would be forced into smaller
and smaller amounts of available
habitat. Concentrating birds into
smaller and smaller areas also has the
potential to more readily allow disease
Under this alternative, the refuges would use an adaptive management
approach for its hunt program, reviewing the hunt program annually and
revising annually ( if necessary), the Service’s hunt program can be
adjusted to ensure that it does not contribute further to the cumulative
impacts of climate change on deer, turkey, or waterfowl.
28
to spread within overwintering
waterfowl populations resulting in
increased bird mortality.
Mitigation Measures and Conditions
Mitigation measures include:
1. Avoidance areas are closed to reduce impacts on migratory birds.
2. Method of take restrictions reduce noise disturbance and for safety concerns.
3. Length of timing of season reduces disturbance of wildlife and conflict with other
visitors.
4. Habitat management strategies for certain units may be adjusted to focus wildlife benefit
during non-hunting seasons.
Monitoring
Per Service policy (605 FW2), the refuges will review hunt plans annually and can make
adjustments to dates, seasons, and methods of take within state and federal frameworks. Because
the refuges use an adaptive management approach for its hunt program, reviewing the hunt
program annually and revising annually ( if necessary), the Service’s hunt program can be
adjusted to ensure that it does not contribute further to the cumulative impacts of population
growth and development on deer, turkey or waterfowl.
Summary of Analysis
The purpose of this EA is to briefly provide sufficient evidence and analysis for determining
whether to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or a Finding of No Significant
Impact (FONSI).
Alternative A – Proposed Action Alternative
As described above, this alternative:
● Adds a fall turkey archery season to DeSoto Refuge
● Adds an archery deer season to Boyer Chute Refuge
● Expands the area for waterfowl hunting at Boyer Chute Refuge
● Opens Boyer Chute Refuge to spring and fall archery turkey hunting.
At DeSoto Refuge, there would be little conflict with other users, because hunting takes place in
areas outside the main public use zone. Fall archery turkey hunting is not as popular as spring, so
there would be very little change to the overall take on the refuge. It will provide additional
opportunities for hunting in an area with very limited public lands.
29
The units at Boyer Chute Refuge tend to be smaller and more dispersed. During most of the
hunting season, visitation is limited to the West Boyer and Boyer Island units (which are closed
during the managed muzzleloader deer hunts). Archery deer and turkey hunting will take place
on scattered units away from most other visitors. Take is estimated to be a small percentage of
Nebraska’s overall harvest.
If all lands within the acquisition boundary were acquired and opened to hunting, the overall use
and take for turkey, deer and waterfowl would still be a small percentage of the overall take in
the state.
This alternative helps meet the purpose and needs of the Service as described above, because it
provides additional wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities on the refuge. The Service has
determined that the proposed action is compatible with the purposes of the DeSoto and Boyer
Chute Refuges and the mission of the NWRS. The Compatibility Determination is attached
(Appendix E).
Alternative B – No Action Alternative
As described above,
DeSoto Refuge would continue to offer:
● Archery deer hunting in the East Dike South Unit and West Side Unit,
● Managed muzzleloader deer hunts on all six units of the refuge unless designated
closed. Up to four managed muzzleloader hunt weekends will take place during the
hunt season.
● Spring archery turkey season in the East Dike South Unit and West Side Unit.
● Up to two youth shotgun spring turkey hunts on all six units of the refuge unless
designated closed. Hunt weekends will be set in coordination with Iowa DNR and
Nebraska G&PC. Limit of 25 youth per hunt weekend.
● One mobility impaired turkey hunt weekend within the Center Island Unit. Hunt
weekend will be set in coordination with Iowa DNR and Nebraska G&PC.
Boyer Chute Refuge is open during Nebraska state seasons for the following:
● Managed muzzleloader deer hunts on all units of the refuge except the Norwest,
Homestead and Yellowlegs Units for one week during statewide muzzleloader
season. (3,780 acres open)
● Waterfowl hunting along the Missouri River boundary and backwaters of the Boyer
Island Unit. (3.9 miles of Missouri River shoreline)
Hunting is already allowed during seasons and using the methods described above. It accounts
for less than 1% of overall refuge visitation and harvest of deer, turkey, and waterfowl is less
than 1% of state harvest for the different species. Conflicts between users are managed by
seasons and zoning of hunt opportunities.
This alternative also meets the purpose and needs of the Service as described above, because it
provide wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities. However, it does not provide the scope of
opportunities that are possible for hunters.
30
List of Sources, Agencies and Persons Consulted:
Alicia Hardin
NEGPC Wildlife Division Administrator
2200 N 33rd St.
PO Box 30370
Lincoln, NE 68503
Lucas Negus
Northeast District Manager
Management Section
2201 N 13th St
Norfolk, NE 68701
402-370-3374
Todd Bishop
Iowa DNR Wildlife Bureau Chief
502 East 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Pete Hildreth
Iowa DNR SW Iowa District Wildlife Supervisor
PO Box 619
Lake View, IA 51450
A larger group of stakeholders were consulted during the 2014 Comprehensive Conservation
Plan where these proposals had been originally developed.
List of Preparers:
Tom Cox
Project Leader
DeSoto and Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuges
Fred Oslund
Wildlife Biologist
DeSoto and Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuges
Peter Rea
Supervisory Park Ranger
DeSoto and Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuges
State Coordination:
31
Refuges host annual hunt coordination meetings with Iowa DNR and Nebraska GPC. Hunt dates
and application process for managed hunts are set in coordination with the respective state.
Proposed hunt changes are discussed with the state during this meeting.
Tribal Consultation:
During the development of the 2014 Comprehensive Conservation Plan, Native American Tribes
were contacted throughout the planning process. All of the hunt expansion listed in this hunt
plan was recommended during this CCP process. Native American Tribes contacted:
● Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe
● Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska
● Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma
● Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas
● Omaha Tribe of Nebraska
● Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Oklahoma
● Ponca Tribe of Nebraska
● Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation
● Sac & Fox Nation of Oklahoma
● Sac & Fox Tribe of Missouri
● Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi
● Santee Sioux Tribe Of Nebraska
● Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate
● Three Affiliated Tribes
● Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
● Yankton Sioux Tribe
Public Outreach:
Public scoping was completed during the 2014 CCP when these hunt changes were originally
developed as a response to public and partner input.
The refuge will conduct an open house during the public comment period at the DeSoto Visitor
Center. The station will send out a news release to local media to alert public of the open house
and commenting period. Neighboring landowners and stakeholders will be contacted regarding
the commenting period.
References:
Carver, E. and Caudill, J. (2007). Banking on Nature 2006: The Economic Benefits to Local
Communities of National Wildlife Refuge Visitation. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:
Division of Economics. Washington D.C.
32
Caudill, J. and Henderson, E (2005). Banking on Nature 2004: The Economica Benefits to Local
Communities of National Wildlife Refuge Visitation. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:
Division of Economics. Washington D.C.
Iowa Department of Natural Resources 2017. Trends in Iowa Wildlife Populations and Harvest
2016/17. http://www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting/Population-Harvest-Trends
Iowa Department of Natural Resources 2017a. Wild Turkey Information.
http://www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting/TurkeyHunting/WildTurkeyInformation.aspx
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 2017. White-tailed Deer. -
http://outdoornebraska.gov/deer/
Nebraska Game and Park Commission 2017a. 2017 Spring Wild Turkey Harvest.
http://outdoornebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/2017-Spring-Turkey-Harvest-
Report.pdf
Raftovich, R.V., S. C. Chandler, and K.K. Fleming. 2018. Migratory bird hunting activity and
harvest during the 2016-17 and 2017-18 hunting seasons. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Laurel,
Maryland, USA.
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2014. DeSoto and Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuges
Comprehensive Conservation Plan. U.S. Dept. of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 3,
Fort Snelling, MN.
Bureau of Labor Statistics 2017. May 2017 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Definitions.
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/msa_def.htm#36540.
United States Census Bureau 2019. QuickFacts: Omaha City, Nebraska.
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/omahacitynebraska.
APPENDIX A
OTHER APPLICABLE STATUTES, EXECUTIVE ORDERS & REGULATIONS
STATUTES, EXECUTIVE ORDERS, AND REGULATIONS
Cultural Resources
American Indian Religious Freedom
Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 1996 –
1996a; 43 CFR Part 7
Antiquities Act of 1906, 16 U.S.C.
431-433; 43 CFR Part 3
Cultural resources management in the Service is the responsibility of the
Regional Director and is not delegated for the Section 106 process when
historic properties could be affected by Service undertakings, for issuing
archeological permits, and for Tribal involvement. The Regional Historic
Preservation Officer (RHPO) advises the Regional Director about
procedures, compliance, and implementation of cultural resources laws.
The refuge manager assists the RHPO by informing the RHPO about
Service undertakings, by protecting archeological sites and historic
properties on Service managed and administered lands, by monitoring
33
Archaeological Resources Protection
Act of 1979, 16 U.S.C. 470aa –
470mm; 18 CFR Part 1312; 32 CFR
Part 229; 36 CFR Part 296; 43 CFR
Part 7
National Historic Preservation Act of
1966, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 470-
470x-6; 36 CFR Parts 60, 63, 78, 79,
800, 801, and 810
Paleontological Resources Protection
Act, 16 U.S.C. 470aaa – 470aaa-11
Native American Graves Protection
and Repatriation Act, 25 U.S.C.
3001-3013; 43 CFR Part 10
Executive Order 11593 – Protection
and Enhancement of the Cultural
Environment, 36 Fed. Reg. 8921
(1971)
Executive Order 13007 – Indian
Sacred Sites, 61 Fed. Reg. 26771
(1996)
archeological investigations by contractors and permittees, and by
reporting violations.
Activities that might cause an effect to a historic property would be
subject to a case-by-case Section 106 review.
Fish & Wildlife
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection
Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 668-
668c, 50 CFR 22
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended, 16 U.S.C. 1531-1544; 36
CFR Part 13; 50 CFR Parts 10, 17,
23, 81, 217, 222, 225, 402, and 450
Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, 16
U.S.C. 742 a-m
Lacey Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C.
3371 et seq.; 15 CFR Parts 10, 11,
12, 14, 300, and 904
Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as
amended, 16 U.S.C. 703-712; 50
CFR Parts 10, 12, 20, and 21
Executive Order 13186 –
Responsibilities of Federal Agencies
to Protect Migratory Birds, 66 Fed.
Reg. 3853 (2001)
The final opening package will include a Section 7 consultation to assess
impacts to endangered and threatened species.
Natural Resources
Clean Air Act, as amended, 42
None of these apply to the proposed action.
34
U.S.C. 7401-7671q; 40 CFR Parts
23, 50, 51, 52, 58, 60, 61, 82, and 93;
48 CFR Part 23
Wilderness Act, 16 U.S.C. 1131 et
seq.
Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, 16
U.S.C. 1271 et seq.
Executive Order 13112 – Invasive
Species, 64 Fed. Reg. 6183 (1999)
Water Resources
Coastal Zone Management Act of
1972, 16 U.S.C.
1451 et seq.; 15 CFR Parts 923, 930,
933
Federal Water Pollution Control Act
of 1972 (commonly referred to as
Clean Water Act), 33 U.S.C. 1251 et
seq.; 33 CFR Parts 320-330; 40 CFR
Parts 110, 112, 116, 117, 230-232,
323, and 328
Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, as
amended, 33 U.S.C. 401 et seq.; 33
CFR Parts 114, 115, 116, 321, 322,
and 333
Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, 42
U.S.C. 300f et seq.; 40 CFR Parts
141-148
Executive Order 11988 – Floodplain
Management, 42 Fed. Reg. 26951
(1977)
Executive Order 11990 – Protection
of Wetlands, 42 Fed. Reg. 26961
(1977)
None of these apply to the proposed action.
35
APPENDIX B
DE SOTO AND BOYER CHUTE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES
HUNT PLAN
See Separate Document
36
APPENDIX C
DE SOTO AND BOYER CHUTE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES
PROPOSED HUNT AREA MAPS
37
38
APPENDIX D
DE SOTO AND BOYER CHUTE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES
SPECIES LIST
See Separate Document
39
APPENDIX E
DE SOTO AND BOYER CHUTE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES
DRAFT COMPATIBILITY DETERMINATIONS
See Separate Documents