Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Basking Ridge, New Jersey

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT • Calendar Year 1 980

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM Fish and Wildlife Service

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

PERSONNEL

1. John Lo Fillio, Refuge Manager, GS-12 (PFT) 7/17/77 2. Donald J. Schwab, Refuge Manager, GS-9 (PET) 2/25/79 3. Theodore W. Gutzke, Refuge Manager, GS-7 (PFT) 7/17/77 U. Harold P. Laskowski, Refuge Manager, GS-7 (PFT) 8/28/78 5. Louis S. Hinds III, Maintenance Worker, WG-7 (PFT) 6/18/72-5/19/80 6. Philip N. I^rers, Maintenance Worker, WG-7 (PFT) 1/29/78 7. Rosemary Klimas, Administrative Clerk, GS-5 (PPT) 10/27/75 8. Martha M. Clark, Clerk-Typist, GS-3 (PPT) 10/7/79 9. Jeanne Mo Groos, Outdoor Recreation Planner, GS-5 (PFT) 6/01/80-10/10/80 10. Kevin A. Gormley, Maintenance Worker, WG-6 (Temporary) 7/1/79 11. Claire V. Dabel, Biological Technician, GS-5 (Temporary) 11/30/80-12/20/80

1 1 0 6 3 5 7 2

Review and Approvals

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. GENERAL

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

II. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

A. Construction i; B. Maintenance 6 C. Wildfire 7

III. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

A. Croplands 7 B. Grasslands 7 C. Wetlands 8 D. Forestlands 8 E. Other Habitat 8 F. Wilderness and Special Areas 8 G. Easements for Waterfowl Management 8

IV. WILDLIFE

A. Endangered and/or Threatened Species 8 B. Migratory Birds 9 C. Mammals and Non-migratory Birds and Others 17

V.. INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION

A, Information and Interpretation 18 B, Recreation 19 C, Enforcement 22

VI. OTHER ITEMS

A. Field Investigations 22 B. Cooperative Programs 23 C. Items of Interest 23 D. Safety 2l|

1

I. GENERAL

Introduction

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is located 26 air-miles southwest of Times Square in New York City^ where more than 15 million people live. To the north and west the refuge is relatively insulated from the coastal megalopolis of New York, Newark and their neighboring cities by scattered estates and^ restrictive zoning ordinances. Suburbia is rapidly closing in on the refuge boundaries to the south and east. New construction, both commercial and residential is springing up at an ever in­creasing rate placing more and more pressures on the already "pressed" swamp ecosystem.

View of a refuge grassland unit with hardwood swamp in the

background (TWG 1978)

The urban nature of the general area has caused some staffing problems, however, the high cost of living is probably a more limiting factor. The average income in the surrounding commu­nities is $55,000 a year and as a result governmental eiriployees would find the area extremely expensive, housing wise, if not for furnished quarters. Residences for rent are almost non-existant and the local cost for housing with current interest rates is, if not impossible, out of the reach of most GS levels.

2.

The refuge itself is in a beautiful location, protected from the surrounding urban sprawl. The management programs are varied and interesting, i.e. deer tagging, wood duck nesting, goose nesting and an extremely successful bluebird ecology study and nesting program. Many of the problems being faced by Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge are some of the same problems that will most likely be faced by all eastern refuges in the future. Some of these problems are construction along boundaries and in watersheds, pollution from various sources and an ever increasing number of visitors to the refuge.

B. Climatic and Habitat Conditions

A summary of temperature extremes and overall precipitation is presented as follows:

MONTH TEMPERATURE PRECIPITATION MAX. MIN. RAIN SNOW

1980 - 1 0 yr. avg. 1980 - 10 yr. avg.

January 56 0 1.98 3.66 .5 7.10 February 51 0 2.2 2.96 3.U 8.16 March 60 1 6.10 U.30 • 3.5 1+.30 April 75 22 6.08 U.02 1.00 May 88 26 3.25 ' U.15 Trace June 89 30 2.96 U.03 July 98 35 3.39 U.55 August 93 39 2.he 5.23 September 95 27 2.03 h.32 October 78 15 U.65 3.U1 November 67 8 U.6 U.10 .31 1 .20 December 63 -17 .355 3.65 .16 5.20

Totals 98 -17 I1O.05 1+8.38 7.87 26.96

Winter was mild with minimum temperatures dropping only to zero. Only seven inches of snow was recorded for the three-month period with over ten inches of rain (compared to 19+ and 10+ respectively for the ten year average). This reduction in precipitation, especially in snowfall, made for a rather dry and again mild winter.

Spring was generally mild with precipitation being close to the ten year average. Even with the normal rainfall, flooding (which is a common happening in this area) was not a problem this year.

3.

Two factors account for this lack of flooding, (1 ) low precip­itation during the winter and (2) water level manipulations of the two impoundments,

Summer was typically hot and humid, with precipitation levels being five inches below normal. This lack of rain lead to the drying out of many of the smaller ponds and streams and its effect on the entire northern part of New Jersey was in a drought condition which at the time of this writing is still in

effect.

Numerous small ponds dried up during the drought (TWG 1980)

Fall was a bit drier than normal with only 9.6 inches of rain versus (the ten year average) 11.1 inches. However, with 9.2 inches of rain falling in October and November, all pools and impoundments had enough water for migrating waterfowl.

C. Land Acquisition

The Black Brook Land Acquisition program continued during the year with few areas to be acquired. All remaining tracts that are included in the acquisition boundary will wait willing sellers. No new property was acquired in 1980.

u.

D. System Status

1. Wildlife Management System Output Levels for 1980 are presented below:

Categories 1 980 Output Levels

Inte rpre tati on 11 0 ̂ 000 Environmental Education 0 Recreation-Wildlife^ Consumptive 11^500 Recreation-WildlifeNon-consumptive 250^122 Fish and Wildlife Information 90^000 Studies and Publications 12 Cooperative Programs 1 Environments Preserved 6,550 Wildlife Production 5^000

Total U72,185

2. Funding

Fiscal Year 1 980

Operating Funds C.M.

1210 - Migratory Birds $123,000 $25,000

1220 - Mammals & Non-Migratory Birds $ 35,000 $ 5,000 1250 - Interpretation & Recreation $ 63,000 $15,000

H. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

A. Construction

This has been a year of particularly meaningful construction activity. The major project undertaken and completed in 1980 was the establishment of Pools 3A and 3B with its three-mile road/dike and four control structures. These pools have added 155 acres of controlled water level marshland to the refuge. The installation of Amil gates automatically maintains a constant water level on the upstream side of Pool 2.

5.

An east to west view of Pool 2 (MM 1975)

Bidding for the construction of the refuged, new headquarters building was finalized and construction started in December. All things being equal, the new office should be ready to move into toward mid-year 1981,

Rehabilitation of the Middle Brook bridge on Pleasant Plains Road was undertaken and completed during August, Except for the two outside girders, all other support pieces were replaced. A grid of concrete reinforcing rods was laid out and an 8- to 10-inch concrete pad was poured. Pleasant Plains Road, a dawn to dusk through road for the public, was closed to through traffic from about mid-July to mid-August.

Continuing last yearT s effort to reduce flooding and aid drainage of local landowners property, a new ditch, i| feet wide at the bottom, was established. This ditch feeds into the two existing ditches that were cleaned and lowered. This was done by our own staff with the John Deere 350-C bulldozer and backhoeo

A new trail was established from the Wildlife Observation Center parking lot to the metal observation blind. This was a YACC project that involved dismantling the old oak plank boardwalk as well. The trail is three-quarters of a mile long with six bridges.

6.

B. Maintenance

1. Buildings

Five of our six living quarters were fumigated for carpenter ants and paper waspso This was done by a local company.

Quarters 1 received a new electric stove; a combination fan/ light was installed in the bathroom; the picture window in the living room was replaced; and the YCC painted the exterior trim.

Quarters 91 and 189 interiors were painted and Quarters 205 received a fresh coat of exterior paint.

A wood burning stove was installed in Quarters 23k this year. All refuge houses are now equipped with stoves. A new storm door and several screens were replaced at Quarters 23l|.

Extensive damage to water pipes was caused by below freezing temperatures. Repairs were made to the Wildlife Observation CenterTs restrooms; and the well pump at Q-237 (YACC Head­quarters) had to be replaced^ water pipes rerouted and an electric heater installed to prevent future damage.

The metal blind had considerable work put into it by the YACC crew, A new set of stairs was put in, all interior walls were covered with plywood and painted, new indoor-outdoor • carpeting was installed on the interior floor and outside stair treds.

The display panels of the gazebo in the Wildlife Observation Center parking lot were coupletely replaced. Breakage and vandalism have always been a problem in the maintenance of these displays. The staff constructed steel casement frames with a high impact resistant clear plastic cover bolted to the panels and further secured with locks. To date we have had no problem.

2. Equipment

The road grader received extensive repairs to the tune of $^175. Otherwise, routine repair and maintenance was'per­formed on all equipment during the year. No new equipment was acquired during 1980.

Wildfire

A small dump fire (o5 acres) occurred on-refuge this year and was extinguished. Due to the nature of the burn (a duinp with burning down through the layers of litter), the fire required several hours of attention. The potential for a large wildfire to have occurred was high, but due to a quick response by the refuge stall and the assistance of the Stirling Volunteer Fire Company, the fire was restricted to a very small area.

III. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

Mr. Jim Calvin harvested 37 acres of hay while the refuge received 2$% of the total, under a cooperative Special Use Permit. This is the last year of the four-year agreement. The hay was used by the refuge to mulch newly constructed dikes and road edges.

Objectives of the haying program are production of green browse for waterfowl and secondarily to keep fields open^for viewing of wildlife by the visiting public while providing diversified habi­tats for other species, in particular the eastern bluebird.

Grasslands

Approximately 190 acres of grassland were mowed by refuge^and IACC personnel. For the first tine in many years our mowing goal was reached due primarily to very dry conditions wmch allowed

access to most fields.

8o

The Grassland Management Plan is being revised to put all the grassland units on a 2, i; and 8 year mowing schedule. This should reduce the staff-hours and fuel consumption signifi-cantly, while providing varied grassland habitat types which will also provide more wildlife diversity,

C, Wetlands

Work was completed on Pools 2 i 3A and 3B to provide Increased wetland habitat along with the ability to manipulate these areas.

The YCC program continued to wage a battle against the onslaught of purple loose-strife within Pools 1 and 2 by hand pulling this pest plant. The problem is expected to continue until a more effective control method is discovered.

D, Forestlands

Nothing to report.

E. Other Habitat

Nothing to report.

F. Wilderness and Special Areas

In keeping with the Wilderness Act no major work was undertaken in the Wilderness Area with the exception of YCC enrollees re­moving overhanging limbs and tripping hazards along marked trails. The Wilderness continues its slow natural succession and will ultimately return to climax forest due to our inability to mani­pulate the habitat.

Go Easements for Waterfowl Management

Nothing to report.

IV. WILDLIFE

A. Endangered and/or Threatened Species

Two federally endangered species were observed on the refuge dur­ing 1980^ a single bald eagle and a peregrine falcon. Both birds were sighted for only one day during the migration period.

Great Swamp provides valuable habitat to several New Jersey State endangered/threatened species. Among these are the bog turtle.

wood turtle, blue-spotted salamander and osprey. During both spring and fall migrations, up to four ospreys have been observed hunting in open water areas of the refugees waterfowl impoundments. Populations of the two species of turtles and blue-spotted salamander are felt to be stable and doing very well on the refuge.

Bo Migratory Birds

1 . Waterfowl

Fourteen species of waterfowl utilized the refuge during 1980. Total waterfowl use-days for the year was 1,U79^273 with two species, mallards and wood ducks, comprising 78^ of the total use. (Table I)

The refuge is utilized primarily as a resting area during both spring and fall migrations. Of the fourteen species observed during 1980, only five are known to have nested, with estimates of production as follows:

Species Breeding Population Estimated Production

Canada goose 90 200

Mallard 700 1,530

Black duck 100 150

Blue-winged teal 50 100

Wood duck 1,900 i,9i5

The majority of waterfowl nesting habitat management per­formed at Great Swamp is directed at wood ducks, primarily through the placement and maintenance of nest boxes. During 1980, 336 boxes with a total of 527 nesting compartments were available. Wood ducks utilized 81;.6^ of these compart­ments in laying 7^131; eggs. The majority of the nests were dump nests however, and only 12.2^ of the eggs laid actually hatched out. (Table 2)

10

One of many nesting structures used annually by wood ducks (File Photo)

The Canada goose population at Great Swamp is essentially non-migratory with approximately U00-500 birds remaining within the vicinity of the refuge throughout the year. As a result of this resident population along with high human density within the surrounding area ̂.numerous Canada goose nuisance complaints are received annually. During our 1980 goose roundup^ for banding purposes, approximately 60 local birds were sent along with 500 others collected by Animal Damage Control to the State of Georgia which is attempting to establish a breeding population.

TABLE I

1980 WATERFOWL USE-DAYS AT GREAT SWAMP NWR

SPECIES USE-DAY % OF TOTAL

American Coot 2,U20 0.2

Snow Goose 60

Canada Goose 188,100 12.7

Mallard U88,600 33.0

Black Duck 55,220 3.7

Gadwall 910 0.1

American Wigeon 13,000 0.9

Green-winged Teal 38,550 2.6

Blue-winged Teal 15,730 1.0

Northern Shoveler 790 0.1

Pintail 12,950 0.9

Wood Duck 663,560 55.8

Ring-necked Duck 300

Bulllehead 253 —

Total 1,1+79,333

TAB! II

1 980 WOOD DUCK NESTING DATA

BOX # # OPT OPT % OPT EGGS EGGS EGGS DEAD DUCKLINGS % EGGS % TYPE BOXES OPT AVAL USED USED laed HATCH LEFT DUCKLINGS PRODUCED HATCH LEAVE BOX

1 153 153 150 130 86.7 2108 305 1803 22 283 1U.5 13.1+

2 168 336 317 270 85.2 IM6 h33 U013 20 1|13 9.7 9.3

h 15 60 60 U6 76.7 •580 135 iui5 16 119 23.3 20.5

TOTAL 336 5U9 52? hh6 8U.6 713^ 873 6261 58 815 12.2 11.

13

2. Marsh and Water Birds

A total of eleven species of marsh and water birds occur on the refuge. The most common species observed during 1980 were great blue herons^ green herons, and gallinules. A very-high population of Virginia rails is also found on the refuge but these are generally heard and not seen. Only two hardy species remain throughout the year, these being the great blue heron and American bittern.

3. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species

Shorebird habitat is limited at Great Swamp with optimum conditions being created only during infrequent drawdown of impoundments. The most common species observed during 1980 were greater and lesser yellowlegs, along with least, spotted and solitary sandpipers.

The refuge also provides good habitat for American woodcock with numerous singing males being heard during March - April. Woodcock production for 1980 was estimated to be 1^0 birds.

U. Raptors

A wide variety of raptors occurred on the refuge during 1980 with a total of 16 species observed. The most unusual sight­ing of the year was a black vulture which was observed feeding at the "bone yard" during January, (The bone yard is a two-acre field where we deposit road killed deer which are picked up from the surrounding area. This amounts to approximately 50 deer each year,,) The black vulture was observed several times and created considerable excitement among local birdwatchers since its normal range is far south of the refuge. Other unusual sightings were a bald eagle and peregrine falcon observed migrating over the refuge.

Several species successfully nested on the refuge, the most common were red tailed hawks, red shouldered hawks, American kestrels, barred, great horned and screech owls. Refuge screech owls have seemed to take advantage of our wood duck box program as numerous individuals are seen roosting and nesting in these boxes.

5. Other Migratory Birds

A management program for the eastern bluebird was continued and expanded this year. A total of 103 nest boxes were available for nesting and are distributed throughout the refuge grassland

11;.

units, old fieIds, and road edges. An additional 25 boxes were constructed by YCC and will be used at a later date as replacements and/or erected in new habitats.

A male Eastern Bluebird inspecting one of many nesting structures provided for the species (TWG 1980)

The eastern bluebird population in New Jersey remains in deep trouble and is still under consideration for State endangered status. Throughout the country it has not faired much better. Although not listed as a Federal endangered or threatened species, it still ranked second on the National Audubon Society "Blue List" of species recently or currently giving indications of non-cyclical population declines or range contractions, either locally or widespread.

Consequently management efforts were increased with a more intense investigation of this local population which continues to be the largest in New Jersey, Since an active management program was initiated in 1977 successful nesting has increased annually (Figure I). Twenty-eight pair nested on the refuge during 1980 producing 103 fledged juveniles. This is an in­crease of 21$ over the 1979 production of 81;. Along with this, 12 bluebirds fledged from nest boxes at Lord Stirling Park

which borders the refuge, bringing the Great Swamp Basin production to 115. A total of 7U nestlings were banded along with 12 adult and one juvenile. Along with this, six adult females and three adult males were captured and found to be previously banded in 1979 or 1978. All of these individuals were banded by refuge staff and indicates a substantial portion of "the total population return each year to nest at Great Swamp,

The bluebird management program remains very popular with the visiting public, many traveling long distances to view this species. We look forward to 1981 with great expecta­tions for a continued Increase in production.

SUCCESSrUL BLUEBSRD NESTS

vO

H M H

a m «=< EH

an yj

s

LL. o <r LsJ 03 s 3 Z

30

2 5 1

20 4

5 i

I 0 4

5 1

'fu,: i

r</;

iv-vvA'--'

» u •

T-TVT:,/: »P;

-6 9.. - -70

y|

_ ||gf >"5?'

f---rT'-f"-

k:>r

.viV

J*

••••,.,,.'»V ! •••/ '• ̂

' ../ ;f V. V. jfc

.*"-*•• • ,

'V

••-' • _ j ,,-• • " . • .i -• • r/ • T 'n •

V " ^vTiTr-

s V * < > - ^ ̂

r:.Ms {i ^ v>»' ov.- •—t T . , . :t •

r:.Ms {i ^ v>»' ov.- •—t T . , . :t •

" ̂ 7 - : ' '•«.>.• Vv7>H

,v n-»

'mmi

r •-

& ̂

• • •-.

'. ••' vy" 'rQ:k^ yf̂ vv •;.:'

;;>< !•' T*;i-' :•-( v,'

75 7 5' rz)

17.

C. Mammals and Non-Migratory Birds

1• Game Mammals

The white-tailed deer is the largest game mammal found at Great Swamp. The 1 980 pre-hunting season deer population was estimated at 68? animals. From this number a total of Il;8 deer were harvested during the annual refuge deer hunt. Data collected at the refuge check station showed that the herd's health has improved over previous years^ with average weights, antler measurements and reproductive values all increasing,

2, Furbearers

Red fox numbers have decreased from 1978 levels, when a severe sarcoptic mange outbreak resulted in 10 known deaths. Two fox dens near public use areas provided visitors with numerous injoyable viewing opportunities during the spring,

Muskrat populations have increased on the refuge with the com­pletion of two new waterfowl impoundments. The new dikes, although less than a year old have already taken oh the appear­ance of "Swiss cheese". A revised Fur Management Plan, propos­ing a trapping program, and environmental assessment have been submitted, but as yet no approval has been granted.

Waterfowl management of the refuge's Wilderness Area is restricted to the activities of three active beaver colonies, which thus far have all received superior performance ratings.

River otters continue to be sighted on occasion within the Wilderness Area and it is estimated that one family group in­habits the refuge.

The refuse raccoon population remains very high with an estimate of one raccoon per 7.5 acres within the Management Area0 A severe outbreak of distemper occurred within the population this past year, with refuge staff members disposing of approxi­mately 30 animals from the refuge and surrounding area,

3. Resident Birds

Three resident game birds inhabit the refuge. These are ring-necked pheasant, bobwhite quail and ruffed growse. Popula­tions of the two latter species are very low with only infre­quent sighting of each. Pheasant numbers have increased on the refuge to where they are very commonly observed along refuge roads during early mornings.

18

V. INTERPRETATION AMD RECREATION

The Interpretation and Recreation Program of the Great Swamp was again this year very limited as it was in 1979. The refuge did fill a GS-5, Outdoor Recreation Planner position, however, the employee only re­mained with the Service four months. With the ORP position vacant throughout most of the year, all interpretative and public contact programs were carried out by refuge staff members in addition to their other numerous duties.

The public access areas. Wildlife Observation Center and the four Wilderness Area access points, were used by refuge visitors on a self-guided basis. Many other visitors toured the Management Area of Great Swamp by automobiles along Pleasant Plains Road.

A. Information and Interpretation

1. On-Refuge

Public inquiries concerning the refuge regulations, trails, areas for observing wildlife, general information, etc. are: 1,900 requests by telephone and 1,500 requests from visitors to the headquarters.

Approximately 2,000 visitors^ received slide/movie presenta­tions at the headquarter^ auditorium.

The Wildlife Observation Center (W0C) and the Wilderness Area accounted for the majority of visitors (390,000 visitors) to the refuge. The W0C serves as the refugeTs primary inter­pretative facility and it is located off Long Hill Road at the eastern end of the Management Area. Two observation blinds, an interpretative exhibit center (gazebo,), restroom facilities and a 60-car parking area make up the W0C.

2. Off-Refuge

A variety of off-refuge programs were conducted throughout the year. Approximately 390 individuals received off-refuge talks from U. S. Fish and Wildlife personnel during the year 1980.

In September, refuge personnel set up an 'exhibit at a local shopping mall for National Hunting and Fishing Day. Over 2,000 individuals requested information about the refuge and made inquiries about the endangered species display and concerning employment with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

19

Recreation

1. Wildlife Oriented

The 3,660-acre Wilderness Area offers the visitor over nine miles of hiking trails through marshland/forest. Four areas provide access to Wilderness trails. The Wilderness Area received high public use in the spring (April and May) and fall (September and October), Crowds of people are kept to a minimum in the Wilderness Area by limited facil­ities at access points.

Around 9^500 cars used Pleasant Plains Road^ with the majority of this use being for wildlife observation.

Hunting

The 1980 refuge deer hunt took place December 8 thru the 18th with the exception of Sunday^ December llith, for a total of ten days. Refuge regulations were the same as during 1979^ with 600 permittees selected and 2^0 hunters allowed on the refuge at any one time. The season bag limit was two deer of either sex.

A total of 600 permits were issued to hunters but of these only 523 actually attended the hunt, resulting in 87.2% hunter participation. These 523 hunters expended II^UUl man-hours for an average of 21.9 hours hunting time for each individual. Table IV.

Total harvest for 1980 was Il|.8 deer. This resulted in a 28.3^ hunter success rate which is the lowest since the initiation of the refuge's hunting program. This lower success rate is felt to reflect a decreasing deer popula­tion from the previous year.

Anti-hunting demonstrations, along with widespread news media coverage was noted once again. Organizations demons strating included D.E.E.R. Inc., N. J. Humane Society, and Fund for Animals. As during the previous year, it was necessary to have additional law enforcement personnel on hand to oversee the demonstrations. Thus 11 individuals from other refuges and Harrisburg Area Office were tempo­rarily assigned to Great Swamp. Fortunately no action was required as all demonstrators proved to be very peaceful.

Several special agents were in attendance during the hunt to provide assistance to refuge personnel performing law en­forcement duties related to hunter violations. As in the

20.

past, however, all refuge hunters conducted themselves in in a very courteous and sportsman like manner and no major violations were encountered.

Total cost to conduct the deer hunt during 1980 was $16,000. This was $[|,500 less than the figures for 1979. Again, the major contributing factors for such a high cost was the additional law enforcement personnel required to oversee the anti-hunting demonstrations and the ten day season length.

TABLE IV

COMPARISON OF HUNT INFORMATION COLLECTED FROM 1 97M 980

Year #

Hunters Deer

Harvested Overall Success

\ / ° J

Total Hunter Hours

Total Hunter Days

Total Shots Fired

Shots/Deer Harvested

Shots/ Hunter

Hours/Deer Harvested

Average Hunter Hours

197U 371 127 31;.2 1;270 638 392 3.1 1.1 33.6 11.5

1975 329 106 31;.2 1;566 621 361; 3.1; 1.1 1;3.1 13.9

1976 35i4 128 36.2 50l;6 762 389 3.0 1 .1 39.1; 11;.3

1977 351 106 30.2 5010 722 331; 3.2 1 .0 1;7.3 11;.3

1978 350 100 28.6 51;02 785 v 317 3.2 0.9 51;.0 15.1;

1979 502 178 35.1; 11582 1537 h73 2.66 0.9 65.0 23.0

1980 523 Il;8 28.3 11ia;1 1660 1;15 2.80 0.8 77.3 21 .9

rv

22.

Trapping

No trapping was conducted on the refuge in 1980.

2, Non-Wildlife Oriented

Pleasant Plains Road is used almost every day of the week as a jogging route by local residents and employees of AT&T. Somewhere around an average of 20-30 joggers run the road during the lunch hour.

The Wilderness Area receives a small amount of non-wildlife oriented recreation. The majority of people in this category are gathering fruits, such as apples, berries and nuts from old home sites that are located in the Wilderness Area, Ice skating during the colder months is rather common when conditions warrant.

C. Enforcement

Refuge Managers Schwab and Laskowski both attended a nine-week course at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick, Georgia.

The staff-hours of law enforcement duty were determined by the expected public use on the refuge after hours and on weekends. A total of 98 staff-hours were charged towards LE during 1980.

During the deer hunt, additional personnel from the Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service and local police agencies assisted at the Great Swamp.

V!. OTHER ITEMS

A. Field Investigations

RMS-GS 9 "A Study of Whitetail Deer at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge" conducted by refuge staff.

RMS-GS-18 "A Study of the Ecology of Snapping Turtles" con­ducted by Dr. Dan Wilhoft, Rutgers University.

RMS-GS-19 "A Study of Wood Duck Productivity" conducted by refuge staff.

RMS-GS-2i4. "Species Composition and Seasonal Abundance of Carrion Beetles in an Oak-Beech Forest" conducted by Dr. Paul Shubeck, Montclair State College.

23.

RMS-GS-25 "A Study of the Ecology of the Gray Treefrog" conducted by Dianne DeVito, Rutgers University.

RMS-GS-28 "Downy and Hairy Woodpecker Relationships with Mixed Species Winter Flocks" conducted by Kimberly Sullivan, Rutgers University.

B. Cooperative Programs

Twro students from William Paters on College participated in a work/study program. They provided manpower to assist in various refuge programs while earning college credit and re­ceiving a valuable work experience,

A Special Use Permit was again issued to the Morris County Mosquito Extermination Commission to continue a control pro­gram along the refuge boundaries.

A cooperative agreement continued with a local farmer to re­move hay from the refuge (See Section III, A).

An agreement was initiated with the Harding Township Volunteer Fire Company for assistance in fire suppression.

C. Items of Interest

Personnel

Jeanne Groos came on board as an Outdoor Recreation Planner on June 10 and resigned her position October 10th. Jeanne came from the National Park Service and accepted a position with a university in Philadelphia.

Claire Dabel filled a temporary Biological Technician position on December 2 to assist with the annual deer hunt and resigned December 20. Claire^ past experience and knowledge of the refuge was a big help during the hunt.

Kevin Gormley had his temporary Maintenance Worker position extended for another 12-month period.

Maintenance Worker Louis Hinds completed requirements for a B.S. Degree in Wildlife Management from Rutgers University during December 1979. By April Lou had accepted a position at Eastern Neck NWR as the Assistant Manager Trainee and trans­ferred by April 1 8th.

Training

Refuge Manager Fillio coirpleted a course in training on Perform­ance Standards during May.

2h .

Assistant Manager Schwab completed a nine-week Law Enforcement Training Program at Glynco, Georgiao

Don also attended a Regional Banding Workshop in September and completed three OPM National Independent Study courses; Practical Statistics^ Applied Supervision, and Writing Analytical Reports.

Assistant Manager Gutzke completed an OPM National Independent Study course. Practical Statistics.

Tedd also attended the 3rd Annual Meeting of the North American Bluebird Society in Lorton, Virginia. He presented a paper of his work on management of the eastern bluebird entitled, "Bluebirds and Wildlife Management Areas."

Assistant Manager Laskowski completed a nine-week Law Enforce­ment Training Program at Glynco, Georgia and an Independent Study course. Applied Supervision.

Administrative Clerk Klimas traveled to the Regional Office in Boston to attend a Federal Travel Course during March.

Safety

The following accidents occurred bn-refuge during the calendar year 1980:

- Maintenance Worker Myers ran into a tree with a Lpd; vehicle causing approximately worth of damage, February 1, "1980.

- Maintenance Worker Gormley embedded a metal sliver in his finger (going first through the fingernail). Since all safety equipment was worn at the time, instructions on where to place one's hands while operating a grinder were given to the employee, March 6, 1980.

- Maintenance Worker Gormley lost a side window on the Ford van as he was returning from the airport costing the YACC program $75 "to replace said window, March 17, 1980.

- Maintenance Worker Hinds twisted his ankle playing volley­ball while attending the Refuge Managers Academy. He became a refuge mamager and now is someone else's problem (only kidding), April U, 1980.

- Maintenance Worker Myers grazed the side of our Dodge pick up truck with the blade on the JD-3,500 bulldozer causing $3U0 worth of damage, September 18, 1980.

25

- A tree fell on the GSA Concord causing $62[|. worth of damage, October 27, 1980.

- Maintenance Worker Gormley, while operating the Cheverolet LUV truck, had a vehicle pass him throwing up a stone and cracking the windshield of the vehicle, November 10, 1980.

- Maintenance Worker Gormley strained his back while lifting garbage cans filled with apple pumice. Instruction in proper lifting techniques was given to the employee, December 29, 1980.

Credits

The FX 1980 Narrative was written by the following: Don Schwab, Section I, V; Phil Myers, II; Tedd Gutzke, III, VI, B,C; and Hal Laskowski IV, V, B-1 , VI, A. It was reviewed by Manager Jack Fillio and typed by Administrative Clerk Klimas.