mark twain national wildlife refuge - fws
TRANSCRIPT
Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge Brussels District
Brussels, Illinois Fiscal Year 2000
Backwater slough on Portage Island. HAP
fk+-• ., Refuge Supervisor
1{;tyvj. ~ 3-1-Zoov--Regional Chief: NWRS Date
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Table of Contents
Introduction Highlights
Climate Data
Monitoring and Studies ............................................................................................... 1 1 a. Surveys and Censuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1 b. Studies and Investigations .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Habitat Restora.tion .................................................................................................... 10 2a. Wetland Restoration ................................................................................................ 10 2b. Upland Restoration . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 0 2c. Riverine Restoration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 2d. Deep Water/Coral Reef Restoration ......................................................................... 12
Habitat Management .................................................................................................. 13 3a. Water Level Management ........................................................................................ 13 3b. Moist Soil Management ........................................................................................... 16 3c. Graze/Mow/Hay ......... ... ...... .. ..... ..... ........ ... .... .... ............ .............. .. ........ ... . .. ...... .. .. . 22 3d. Farming ....... ....................... ............. ..... ...... .... ....... ............. ........... ..... ...... ...... .. ... . .. . 22 3e. Forest Management .... ........ ............. ......... .. .... .... .... ........ .......... .... .......... .... ........ .. .. . 23 3£ Fire Management ............ ................. .................. ......................... .............................. 23 3g. Pest Plant Control .................................................................................................... 24
Fish and Wildlife Management ................................................................................... 25 4a Bird Banding ..... ....... ....................... .. ................ ... .......... .. .. ........ .. ....... ... .. . ...... .. ....... 25 4b. Disease Monitoring and Treatment ........... ... ............................................ .... .. ........... 25 4c. Reintroductions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 4d. Provide Nest Structures ........................................................................................... 25 4e. Pest, Predator & Exotic Animal Control .......................... ........................ .... .. ........... 25
Coo.rd.ination Activities ............................................................................................... 26 Sa. Interagency Coordination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 5b. Tribal Coordination ...... .......... ....... ............. ...................... .. ...... .. .. .. ........ ... ...... ...... ... 29 5c. Private Land Activities ........... .................... ... . .................. ........ .. .... ...... ........... .... .. ... 29
Resource Protection ............................................................................................ ~........ 30 • 6a. Law Enforcement ........ _............. ........ .. .. . ....... .. ....... ... .............. ..... .......... ... ... .. ........... 30 6b. Permits and Economic Use Management .................................................................. 30 6c. Contaminant Investigations . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 6d. Contaminant and Cleanup ..... ..... .. . ... . ..... .. . .. .... .... .. . . ...... ...... ....... .... ...... .. ... ... .. ... ... .. .. 31 6e. Water Rights Management ...... .......... ..... .. . .. ..... ....... ..... .. . .. . ......... ..... .... ... .. ... .. ... ... . . . . 31 6f. Cultural Resource Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 6g.Land Acquisition Support .... .... .......... ......... .......... .. . ..... ..... .......... ........ .. ... .. . .. .. ...... ... 31
· Public Education and Recreation ............................................................................... 32 7a Provide Visitor Services ........................................................................................... 32 7b. Outreach .................................................................................................................. 32
Planning and Administration ..................................................................................... 34 8a. Comprehensive Conservation Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 8b. General Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Feedback ...................................................................................................................... 37 Appendix
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INTRODUCTION
The 8,501 acre Brussels District is the southern-most District within the Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Most of the district lies in the vicinity of the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. The district includes three divisions, the Apple Creek Wildlife Management Area, and the Portage Island Group. The refuge is managed for migratory birds, endangered gpecies, and interjurisdictional fish. A primary management strategy is to mimic the historic flood cycle of the rivers and create the necessary conditions to support native plant and animal communities characteristic of large river ecosystems. The district provides an important link in the chain of resting, feeding, and wintering areas for migratory species using the Mississippi Flyway, as well as important habitat for many resident wildlife species.
The refuge was established in 1958. General Plan lands were purchased by the U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers as part of their 9 foot navigation channel project. Lands excess to the navigation project came under U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administration through a cooperative agreement in 1963. In 1967, the Service purchased 796 acres of cropland adjacent the Calhoun Division. Another 55 acres were purchased in 1979 for construction of an office and maintenance facilities. Thirty-three acres of flowage easements along Swan Lake were acquired by the Service to facilitate the Swan Lake HREP project. ·
The Calhoun Division is located just north ofthe confluence ofthe Mississippi River and Illinois River in Calhoun County, Illinois. The dominant feature of this 4,836 acre division is the 2,300 acre Swan Lake. Other habitat types include cropland, forest, moist soil units, grasslands, and backwater sloughs. The District office, Visitor Contact Station, and maintenance facilities are located on the Calhoun Division.
Just across the Illinois River from the Calhoun Division lies the 736 acre Gilbert Lake Division which stretches from Illinois River mile 4 to mile 7 in Jersey County, Illinois. The Illinois Department ofTransportation's Brussels Ferry is on the east boundary, while the Illinois Department ofNatural Resource's Pere Marquette State Park lies north and east of the Division. Gilbert Lake, a shallow 250 acre backwater of the Illinois River, is the major feature of the division with forest, cropland, and grasslands also present. The division includes a significant archeological site with two Indian mounds. This site, known as the Duncan Farm Site, is on the List ofNational Historic Places.
The Batchtown division is located on the Mississippi River. This division is just upstream of Lock and Dam 25 in Calhoun County, Illinois. Forest, backwater sloughs, cropland, shallow lakes, and a moist soil unit can all be found within this 2,428 acre division
The Portage Island Group consists of four small, forested islands ip. Pool26 ofthe Mississippi River in St. Charles County, Missouri, totaling 232 acres .
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The Apple Creek WMA is 269 acres of scrub/shrub forest and shallow water in Greene County, Illinois. The unit is located at the confluence of Coates Creek and Apple Creek, about 12 miles upstream of where Apple Creek enters the Illinois River. This area was acquired from FmHA in 1992.
The Brussels District lies within close proximity of the St. Louis, Missouri, metropolitan area. The metro area has a population of over 3 million, with most urban growth occurring to the north and west. Calhoun County (where the Calhoun and Batchtown Divisions are located) consists of a narrow peninsula between the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Calhoun County (population 5,400) has not experienced the same population growth occurring just across the river because commuters must take a ferry across the Mississippi River, or face a long drive north or south to use a bridge crossing the river. Overall, access to the county is limited to two Illinois state routes and small county roads from the north, ferries crossing the Mississippi River from Missouri, and ferries and one bridge crossing the Illinois River from the east.
Middle Swan Lake prior to summer flooding. RAE
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IDGHLIGHTS • • 2000 marks the initial operation ofthe Swan Lake HREP .
• Bald Eagle nest at Gilbert Lake fledges two.
• Ninth annual Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair attracts thousands.
• Work begins on Phase I of the Batchtown HREP.
• Volunteers donate 2,644 hours (330 days).
Snow geese. HAP
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CLIMATE DATA
The winter of 1999/2000 came early when a cold spell in mid-December caused Swan Lake to become completely iced-over. Typical high river levels caused minor flooding in Marc~ but soon receded in April. More serious flooding oc~urred in June when nearly 1 0" of rain fell, swelling local creeks and causing major flooding in Swan Lake and Prairie Pond.
The total of 40.82 inches of precipitation is above the normal annual amount of37.5 inches recorded at St. Louis' Lambert Airport.
Table 1. Weather Data for Fiscal Year 2000 at Mark Twain NWR- Brussels District.
Month Temperature in F Rainfall Snowfall High (date) Low (date) in Inches in Inches
October 90 (18) 28 (25) 1.92 0
November 88 (7) 26 (3) 1.01 0
December 68 (5) 10 (21) 3.55 0
January 68 (2) 6 (24) 1.34 4.3
February 84 (27) 7 (2) 2.46 2.6 .
March 88 (7) 20(13) 2.66 8.0
April 87 (19) 30 (10) 1.76 0
May 97 (31) 48 (22) 5.74 0
June 96 (23) 50 (6) 9.76 0
July 104 (5) 58 (21) 2.66 0
August 108 (17) 62 (22) 5.25 0
September 105 (4) 43 (16) 2.71 0
40.82 14.9
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Monitoring and Studies
la. Surveys and Censuses
Waterfowl Surveys Swan Lake, Gilbert Lake, and the Batchtown Refuge are each surveyed as part of the Illinois Natural History Surveys weekly aerial counts of the Illinois River and that portion of the Mississippi River from Alton to Moline. Begun in 1948, these surveys are conducted from midSeptember through mid-April, and provide insight into general trends in waterfowl populations. During those months in which aerial surveys are not conducted as well as periodically throughout the peak migrations, refuge staff and volunteers conducte weekly ground surveys. However, flood conditions and a lack of staff prevented many of these surveys from being completed in FY2000.
Waterfowl populations began to increase in mid-October when 38,000 ducks were seen on Swan Lake, Gilbert Lake, and the Batchtown Refuge combined. By early November more than 70,000 birds were seen, with peak numbers reaching 97,620 on November 22, 1999 on the three areas (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Duck Use at Mark Twain NWR - Brussels District.
"C Cl)
100000
~ 80000 C: ~
(/J
~ 60000 0 ~
0 0 40000 ~ .8 20000 E ~ z 0
1015 11 B 11 ,22 12.11 1221 I 27 311 3129 10111 113 1115 1130 1214 15 228 313 411
[J Batchtown
Swan Lake
Gilbert Lake
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• Table 2. Monthly Peak Numbers and Use Days For Ducks, by Division .
ea um ers se ays P kN b U D Month Calhoun Batchtown Gilbert Lake Calhoun Batchtown Gilbert Lake District Use
Div. Div. Div. Div. Div. Div. Day Totals
October, 1999 49,200 10,800 3,000 721,300 197,365 143,820 1,062,485
November, 1999 65,850 25,370 7,500 1,938,740 566,320 163,900 2,767,680
December, 1999 36,810 17,600 4,420 698,334 233,450 110,705 1,101,319
Janlllll)' ,2000 6,020 6,250 200 42,323 45,559 3,311 103,363
February,2000 18,250 2,650 600 322,812 43,480 6,400 394,192
March,2000 7,365 1,200 1,520 149,145 12,379 36,591 208,199
April,2000 3,385 60 200 78,288 2,926 3,224 88,083
May,2000
June,2000
July,2000
August,2000 129 8 0 1,806 112 - 2,055
September ,2000 10,030 10 0 157,150 140 - 167,330
4,109,898 1,101,731 467,951 5,894,706
Table 3. Monthly Peak Numbers and Use Days For Canada Geese, by Division.
ea um P kN b ers U D se ays Month Calhoun Batchtown Gilbert Lake Calhoun Batchtown Gilbert Lake District Use
Div. Div. Div. Div. Div. Div. Day Totals
October, 1999 1,000 900 1,790 8,935 7,060 13,510 29,505
November, 1999 5,400 2,300 2,700 35,200 15,500 24,500 75,200
December, 1999 1,550 1,500 2,700 16,685 12,960 24,370 54,015
January,2000 250 1,000 850 6,913 10,045 15,605 32,563
February,2000 85 50 400 39,172 15,280 5,200 59,652
March,2000 245 10 45 1,956 229 621 2,806
April,2000 10 5 10 406 56 140 602
May,2000
June,2000
July,2000
August,2000
September,2000 390 10 0 5,180 140 -- 5,320
114,447 61,270 83,946 259,663
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Snow geese are also counted as part of the INHS aerial surveys and any ground surveys completed by Refuge staff and volunteers. Snow geese were first seen on the Refuge in midOctober (10/19/99), and by mid-November as many as 10,000 birds were using Swan Lake. Typically snow goose numbers continue to rise throughout the winter, peaking in February. However, a hard cold snap in early January resulted in Swan Lake freezing over and most snow geese continued south in search of open water. This meant that our peak number of snow geese occurred on December 21, 1999, at 15,500 (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Peak Numbers of Snow Geese on Swan Lake.
~ 25000 Cb ~ $20000 a c (f)
0 15000 '-Cb
"E 1oooo ~
z ~ 5000 Cb a..
o ~i----~----~--------~----~----~
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 Fiscal Year
Other Migratory Bird Surveys American white pelicans have become a common occurrence on the refuge soon after the flood of 1993. In FY 2000, the fall migration peaked at I ,320 birds on October 4, 1999, with several hundred staying on Swan Lake well into December (Figure 3). The spring migration of pelicans began in earnest in late February, and peaked when more than 500 were seen at Batchtown on April 6, 2000 .
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Figure 3. Peak Numbers of American White Pelicans Seen on Swan Lake .
GJ ~ c.a
4000 ---~ -----
~3000 ~----~--~----~ t'a
~ c 0 2000 UJ L..
GJ .0 E ::J Z1000 ~----~--------~------~ t'a GJ a.
o ~~~------~--~--~--~--~
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 Fiscal Year
Pelicans near the Lower Swan Lake stoplog structure. 4
HAP
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The 1999 Audubon Christmas Bird Count was completed on December 19th. This count uses Meppen, Illinois, as the center of a circle with a 15 mile radius, and includes most ofthe Calhoun Division and surrounding private property. The counters recorded 72 species on the Swan Lake portion of the count.
The 2000 Illinois Spring Bird Count was completed May 6th. Ninety species were seen, an increase over the 83 seen in 1999, and the 58 seen in 1998. Unique sightings on the Refuge included a snowy egret, and 26 western sandpipers.
The annual mourning dove survey for Greene County, Illinois, took place on May 23, 2000. Ten doves were seen while driving, with another 24 doves heard.
Bald Eagles The 2000 Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board mid-winter bald eagle survey was conducted on January 8, 2000. A total of23 bald eagles (10 adult and 13 immature) were seen on the Calhoun Division.
In cooperation with the Eagle Nature Foundation, Refuge staff completed an eagle survey for Swan Lake and the surrounding moist soil areas. The January 19, 2000, count found only 12 bald eagles (6 adult and 6 immature). This unusually low number may be attributed to the poor weather conditions on the day of the count. Snow and blowing snow not only prevented us from surveying the most likely areas for eagles, but also made for low visibility in those areas we did survey.
Vegetation Surveys Each year, Refuge staff conduct vegetation transects in the moist soil units in order to gauge the vegetative response to water level management, and to determine if future rehabilitation is needed. In August and September of2000, SCA Conservation Associate Chuck Walker completed these transects in the Calhoun, Upper Calhoun, Pump Station, County Road, and Batchtown moist soil units. One-meter square sampie plots were spaced along each transect and predominate plant species were identified. An estimated percent cover was used for the most prevalent six species in each sample plot, with the data stored in a FilemakerPro database for future reference.
1 b. Studies and Investigations
Decurrent false aster (Boltonia decu"ens) A small population of the Federally threatened decurrent false aster has been located in the southern portion of Agricultural Unit PM-3 on the Gilbert Lake Division since at least 1989. This plant occurs primarily along the Illinois River, with a few populations known to exist on the Mississippi River in close proximity to the confluence of the two rivers. Although t~ species can
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persist on a site through vegetative reproductio~ it relies on disturbance to create suitable conditions for seed germination.
Dr. Marion Smith, and several graduate students from Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville, have been studying the Gilbert Lake population for several years. In 2000 four studies were continued:
• determine seedling recruitment into the general population. • determine survival of two class sizes of vegetatively-produced rosettes from fall to spring,
and then from spring to late summer (flowering stage). • determine the effects of different moisture levels on seed viability within the seed bank. • determine the course of succession on the population (compete vegetation analysis).
Boltonia decurrens. HAP
Paddlefish (Polvodon spathula) Through consultation with the Illinois Department ofNatural Resources- Division of Fisheries, Swan Lake was reopened to commercial fishing to assist with a long-term paddlefish research effort. The Mississippi Interstate Cooperative Resource Association (MICRA) initiated a study to assess the status of paddle:fish stocks in March, 1995. This effort included a mark/recapture study
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and was scheduled to run for five years, but may be extended. Swan Lake was identified as having critical seasonal importance to paddlefish and saw a considerable amount of tagging effort through this study in 1995-1997. Area commercial fishermen assisted in the study by providing recapture information (paddlefish were a commercial species in Illinois, and can be harvested as such). However, commercial fishing was discontinued in Swan Lake starting in 1996 due to waterborne construction activities associated with the EMP-HREP. These construction activities were completed by the start of 200 I. A Compatibility Determination was prepared and commercial fishing was allowed in Swan Lake during May and June with Special Use Permits. The Service considered paddlefish a "Species of Concern" so no take of paddlefish was allowed on the Refuge under the SUP's (other commercial species such as carp and buffalo could be taken). This limited the collection of recapture data to those times when researchers were on-site to collect the paddlefish from the fishermen, which occurred on several occasions. The commercial fishermen caught an estimated 281 paddlefish in Swan Lake along with an estimated 10,500 other commercial fish.
MICRA biologist marking paddle:fish from Swan Lake. HAP
Red-eared Sliders (Trachemvs scripta elegans) Dr. John Tucker from the Illinois Natural History Survey continued to conduct research on turtles, primarily red-eared sliders at the Calhoun Division. Dr. Tucker was concerned about declining turtle populations in the area. Male turtles rarely leave the water while females must do so to lay their eggs. According to Dr. Tucker, the majority of turtles being taken under Illinois
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:fishing licenses were by hand and were, therefore, female. A Refuge Special Use Permit was issued for this work through September, 2000. Dr. Tucker collected 70 female red-eared sliders and 1 painted turtle (Chrysemys picta). The following papers were published using data from this research:
... J.K.Tucker and D.A. Warner. 1999. Microgeographic Variation in Response of Redeared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) Embryos to Similar Incubation Environments. Journal ofHerpetology 33:549-557.
... Tucker, John K.., Don Moll, and Edward O.Moll. 1999. Growth in slider turtles (Trachemys scripta) in temperate and tropical regions. Chelonian Conservation and Biology.
... Tucker, John K. 2000. Egg size in the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans). Herpetological Natural History. 7:183-186.
Red-eared slider laying eggs. Note the holes drilled in the shell identifying this female as part ofDr. Tucker's research. RAE
Freshwater Mussels (Family Unionidae) Dr. John Tucker of the Illinois Natural History Survey- Longterm Resource Monitoring Program sampled freshwater mussel beds on and near the Calhoun Division. Two sample sites were located in Lower Swan Lake near the new water control structure and levee (see section 5aInteragency Coordination, Swan Lake HREP). The other two sites were in the Illinois River, also near the water control structure. This was a continuation of a study initiated in 1995. Data indicated decreased unionid densities and species diversity at all sites. According to Dr. Tucker,
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likely (although not specifically determined) causal agents were 1) impacts from HREP construction dredging at the Swan Lake sites and 2) dredging and zebra mussel (Dreissena po/ymorpha) colonization on the unionid bivalves at the Illinois River sites.
Related publications include:
~ Tucker, J.K., H. Theiling, K.D. Blodgett, and P.A. Thiel. 1993. Initial Occurrences of Zebra Mussels, (Dreissena po/ymorpha) on Freshwater Mussels (Family Unionidae) in the Upper Mississippi River System. Journal ofFreshwater Ecology 8:245-251.
~ Tucker, J.K. 1994. Colonization ofUnionid Bivalves by the Zebra Mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, in Pool26 ofthe Mississippi River. Journal ofFreshwater Ecology 9:129-134. Tucker, J.K., and E.R. Atwood. 1995. Contiguous Backwater Lakes as Possible Refugia for Unionid Mussels in Areas of Heavy Zebra Mussel (Dreissena po/ymorpha) Colonization. Journal ofFreshwater Ecology 10:43-47.
~ Tucker, J.K., F.A. Cronin, D. W. Soergel, and C.H. Theiling. 1996. Predation on Zebra Mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) by Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio). Journal of Freshwater Ecology 11:363-372.
Nitrogen Cycling on Swan Lake Dr. Bill Richardson from the USGS in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, began a two-year study of the Nitrogen (N) cycling processes and physical/chemical properties of soil, sediment, and water in Swan Lake, the nearby Illinois River, and two tributaries draining into Swan Lake. In August, 2000, 21 samples were collected from the sites and were awaiting analysis at the time ofthis report.
This study should enable us to make suggestive assessments on the effectiveness of water level manipulations in Swan Lake on N removal. A secondary objective was to obtain preliminary data on sediment/water chemistry and N-cycling on the Illinois River and the two tributaries.
Malformed Amphibian Survey As part of a continuing study investigating the occurrence of malformed frogs on National Wildlife Refuges and Wetland Management Districts, two sites on the ·Brussels District of the Refuge were sampled in mid-June 2000. Refuge staff, personnel from the Green Bay Ecological Services Field Office, and personnel from the Illinois Natural History Survey spent two days · sampling the Batchtown MSU and Office MSU for recently metamorphosed individuals of a given Rana species.
Heavy rainfall the previous week caused localized flooding and made sampling difficult. However, we were able to capture 40 southern leopard frogs (SLF) from the Batchtown MSU, and 54 SLF and 53 plains leopard frogs (PLF) from the Office MSU. Ofthese, four SLF and one PLF were found to have some degree of abnormality .
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Habitat Restoration
2a. Wetland Restoration
One wetland restoration project in Scott County was begun in FY 2000. The Havens wetland, located along the Illinois River just south of the Florence bridge, is about 5 acres and has suffered the same fate as many floodplain lakes along the river. Siltation filled the lake to the point that at normal river elevations there is less than two feet of water, or just enough to degrade the forest and prevent any hard mast trees from becoming established.
In cooperation with the landowner and the Illinois Department ofNatural Resources, this restoration project will restore hard mast trees around the lake by constructing low level earthen ridges where trees will be planted. At the end ofFY 2000, this project has not been completed due to the unusually high water levels in the Illinois River.
A second wetland restoration project, this one in Calhoun County, was funded in FY 2000. Eighty-five RPM trees will be planted on the Klaas Easement along an unnamed intermittent creek in the Batchtown watershed. For years the landowner farmed this 2 acre area under a Special Use Permit. However, the terms of the Easement specifically prohibited cultivation. Planting is scheduled for November 2000.
The Root Production Method, or RPM, is a system where the tap root of the tree is exposed to the air. The seedlings are grown in above-ground containers that inhibit the production of a tap root. In response the trees produce huge amounts of lateral roots which translates into taller trees that produce mast much sooner. The increased height is a benefit in areas prone to flooding that might over-top a normal seedling, and the quick mast production provides a wildlife food source. Similar trees were planted in retired crop fields throughout the District after the flood of 1993, with good survival even after subsequent (although less severe than 1993) floods. It remains to be seen if the delayed production of a tap root is a detriment to the long-term health of the tree.
2b. Upland Restoration
A portion of the Swan Lake Habitat Rehabilitation and Enhancement Project (HREP), that began in 1994, was the construction ofupla.J?.d treatments on private lands in the lake's 23,000 acre watershed (Figure 4). An estimated 117,000 tons of sediment was entering the lake each year from this watershed. With 75% cost-share funding provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Calhoun County Soil and Water Conservation District assisted landowners in the watershed to reduce sediment loads entering the lake by 33% each year .
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Figure 4. Swan Lake Watershed .
In 2000, 30.7 acres were enrolled in this program, bringing the total as of September 30, 2000, to 112 basins involving 3,257 acres and 49landowners. These basins reduced the sediment load entering Swan Lake by an estimated 15,200 tons each year, or approximately 282,360 tons over the life expectancy of these projects.
Off-refuge upland restoration work wasn't limited to areas surrounding the Calhoun Division of the refuge. The 7,631 acre watershed entering the Batchtown Division also received several sediment control practices under the Batchtown Waterfowl Habitat Area HREP. Prior to initiation of this project, the Batchtown watershed delivered an estimated 29.000 tons of sediment each year into the floodplain.
In fiscal year 1999, sediment loading was reduced an estimated 645 tons annually by enrolling 447 acres in various conservation practices such as improved crop rotations conservation tillage,
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pasture reseedings, constructing ponds and sediment basins, streambank stabilization, and • livestock exclusions. No new sediment projects were completed in FY 2000.
More information on HREPs can be found in section 5a of this report.
Ten acres surrounding the Boltonia decurrens site at Gilbert Lake was mowed to control encroaching willows. The ten acres were then disked using the Refuge's off-set disk. Although the disk was not heavy enough to completely control the willows, it scarified the soil enough to create the "disturbed" conditions needed for new seedling establishment of Boltonia.
This disking was conducted after consultation with Dr. Marion Smith, an expert on the species, and the Rock Island Field Office's Endangered Species Biologist. The area was to be monitored by graduate students as part of on-going research on Boltonia decurrens conducted at SIUEdwardsville. More information on the Boltonia decurrens can be found in section 1 b.
2c. Riverine Restoration
Nothing to report this year.
2d. Deepwater/Coral Reef Restoration
Nothing to report this year.
Green heron in the Calhoun MSU. RAE
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Habitat Management
3a. Water Level Management
Water level management in the Batchtown Pool, Gilbert Lake and Swan Lake is possible only when the Mississippi and/or Illinois Rivers are not flooding. The low-elevation levees that separate these units from the rivers regularly overtop, providing river connectivity and the associated benefits. During non-flood periods, gravity flow is used as much as possible to manage water levels (due to the high cost of pumping), but is completely dependent on river water levels. However, we often pump water in to or out of these units to meet various management objectives.
River flooding started in mid-April following local rains and melting snow in up-river areas. In mid-May, the flood waters receded almost to flood stage, but came back up before water management operations could be started. Flood waters receded again in mid-June. Low-lying roads on the Calhoun and Batch~own Divisions were closed during this period. In late-June, water management operations were begun.
Batchtown Pool The 2,428 acre Batchtown Division lies entirely within the Mississippi River floodplain just above Lock and Dam 25 (the Winfield Dam). The Batchtown Pool (Prairie Pond) makes up approximately 417 acres ofthe division. The pool is delineated by higher ground to the east and a low-elevation levee to the west that provides limited water management capability within the unit, but frequent connectivity with the river when the levee is overtopped by river flood waters. Water can be pumped in or out using a 20,000 GPM two-way vertical pump system and gravity flow is possible, depending on relative water levels, through the screwgated culverts in the pump structure. Some of these structures will be modified and new structures added under the Batchtown EMP-HREP which continued throughout the year. See section 5a Interagency Coordination for more information on the HREP.
In consultation with the contractor, water levels in the Pool were held high to facilitate the Phase I dredging portion of the HREP.
Gilbert Lake Gilbert Lake is a shallow abandoned channel of the Illinois River. It is approximately 250 acres in size. A low-elevation levee, approximately three miles long, is located on the east and south next to the river. A two-way pump station equipped with a 20,000 GPM vertical pump was damaged in a flood several years ago. Water management capabilities are currently extremely limited. Depending on Illinois River water levels, water can be gravity drained into the river through the
13
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old gated pump station and/or a stoplog structure in the dike on the east side. The only water input sources during non-flood periods is precipitation and runoff from the surrounding area.
Funding was targeted this year to replace the Gilbert Lake pump. Refuge Manager Phillips began coordinating with our Division of Engineering on the design of a new pumping system for the lake. A dual pump system was proposed. A one-way angle pump will be located close to the Illinois River for water input. A second one-way angle pump will be located at the site of the current two-way vertical pump for water discharge. A single portable power unit will be used to power the pumps. We also proposed cleaning out the old dredge cut between the deeper portion of the lake and the discharge pump to ensure maximum draw-down capability. At year's end, the project was still in the design stage with Engineering.
Using parts scavenged from other Divisions on the Refuge, we attempted pumping into Gilbert Lake in October to make the excellent wildlife food in the Unit available. However, we soon realized this arrangement was not going to work, and after two days stopped pumping.
Water levels stayed constant throughout the fall and winter. High water in the late spring pushed the Illinois River over the spillways, flooding the Lake. Water was held high throughout the summer until a late summer drawdown, designed to proVide mud flats for fall migrating shorebirds.
Swan Lake The summer of2000 was the first attempt at using the newly installed pump in the middle unit of Swan Lake. Using the 30,000 GPM pump in middle Swan, we started pumping both the middle and lower units on May 1. Constant minor problems with the 3056 Caterpillar engine came to a crashing climax on June 14 when the engine failed and was returned to Fabick, Inc. for a complete overhaul. At this time, the middle unit was about 50 percent mud flats, and a fine crop of moist soil plants were starting to emerge.
The engine was repaired and pumping resumed until June 20 when the 1 5/8" hardened steel shaft of the gearhead failed. This setback, combined with the more than 7" of rain that fell the same week, resulted in the middle Swan unit refilling with water. This combination of events only reinforced the growing opinion that one 30,000 GPM pump was not going to be sufficient to accomplish the goals of the Swan Lake HREP. Of particular concern was the growing evidence that another pump would be necessary if we were to accomplish our goal of drawing down the entire lake for sediment consolidation.
The gearhead was soon back in place, and pumping resumed. To try and recover lost time and to determine what size pump would be needed for lower Swan Lake, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers agreed to provide contract pumping in the lower Swan Lake unit. On June 26, a 15,000 GPM portable pump was installed at the lower Swan Lake water control structure. Also, the screwgate between the two units was closed and each unit was now isolated .
14
• On June 27, the middle Swan engine failed and was replaced with a larger unit borrowed from the Illinois Department ofNatural Resources. This engine continued pumping until our original one could be replaced under contract by Calhoun County Construction.
The new 3056 Caterpillar engine arrived on August 1. It generates more horsepower than the original at the lower RPM's called for by the gearhead and pump manufacturer.
On August 2, the gearhead suffered the same failure as on June 20, and was once again taken to Awerkamp Manufacturing in Quincy for repairs.
By now, even the most optimistic (or dense) ofus realized this was not going to be the year we accomplished the initial complete drawdown of Swan Lake. The contract pumping on lower Swan Lake with a 15,000 GPM pump barely kept up with rainfall, only reinforcing our opinions that any new pump had to be at least 50,000 GPM.
In an attempt to salvage some benefits from this "lost year", 300 acres of exposed mud in middle Swan Lake was aerially seeded with Japanese millet on August 3, and our 12" Crissafulli pump was put to work in the hope we could keep up with any rain events.
This arrangement worked and water levels in middle Swan Lake remained steady throughout the remainder of summer and early fall. By using the Crissafulli we were able to keep middle Swan Lake about one foot lower than the Illinois River. The planted millet along with a good burst of late season nutsedges resulted in good seed production and very good waterfowl use.
Middle Swan Lake, August 2000. Middle Swan Lake one month later. RAE
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3b. Moist Soil Management
Water level control in all refuge MSUs is limited to those periods when the rivers are not flooding. During non-flood periods, gravity flow is used as much as possible to manage water levels (due to the high cost of pumping), but is completely dependent on river water levels. However, we often pump water in to or out of these units to maintain the proper conditions for moist soil plant production and making these resources available to migratory birds at the appropriate time.
In February 2000, Maintenance Worker Nienke and Refuge Operations Specialist Engelke replaced the worn out pump in the Calhoun MSU pumping station. This 20,000 GPM pump was the original two-way system constructed in the 1970's. The new pump, also 20,000 GPM, was compatible with the existing Cummins power unit and gearhead, and was soon put to use in filling MSU's for the spring migration.
New pump being installed at the Calhoun pumping station. RAE
Heavy rains in late June resulted in extremely high river levels and flood conditions in all MSU' s. In general, we were forced to try late-season drawdowns in the MSU's that did not get specific manipulations .
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Table 4. Refuge Moist Soil Units and Their Acreage, by Division .
Division Moist Soil Unit Acres
Batchtown Batchtown MSU 56.7
Calhoun Calhoun MSU (1) 64.3
Calhoun County Road MSU (3) 31.0
Calhoun Duck Club MSU (7) 18.5
Calhoun Little Swan MSU (4) 14.5
Calhoun Office MSU (6) 16.0
Calhoun Pumpstation MSU (2) 44.8
Calhoun Schoolhouse Unit 38.0
Calhoun Upper Calhoun MSU (5) 37.1
Total MSU Acres 320.9
Batchtown MSU This unit is a subdivision of the Batchtown Pool (see 3a Water Level Management) and floods regularly. The unit is bounded on the west by the Batchtown Pool low-elevation levee and on all other sides by an interior dike. Water is drained directly to the Mississippi River through a stoplog structure. Water is pumped in from the Batchtown Pool feeder ditch (adjacent to the south side of the unit) using a portable pump.
Primrose willow (Ludwigia spp. ), an undesirable species, infested the unit again as it did last year. In 1999, the Batchtown Sportsman Club disked and planted millet in most of the unit for Ludwigia control. Although we were hoping for two or three passes over the unit with a disk to remove the primrose willow, equipment problems limited the club to a single pass. Primrose willow could be seen in streaks throughout the unit following the operation.
So in 2000, we contracted with Eldon Johnes (a Coop farmer at Batchtown) to disk and plant com in the unit. In return for this weed control Mr. Johnes was to receive all the com harvested. However, late June rains flooded the MSU and killed all the com.
Once flood waters receded a good crop of moist soil vegetation, primarily pigweeds and millet, emerged. The continued Ludwigia problem persisted and the overall health of the MSU was only fair .
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Flooded com in Batchtown MSU. HAP
Calhoun MSU This MSU, the largest on the statio~ lies next to Swan Lake. Water can be pumped into the unit through the Calhoun Wetlands Pump Station (a 20,000 GPM vertical pump connected by gated culverts to Calhoun MSU, Pumpstation MSU, and the Calhoun Wetlands Main Feeder Ditch and by another feeder ditch to Swan Lake- this pump station supplies water, directly or indirectly, to all but one of the Calhoun Division MSUs). Calhoun MSU can accept water from Upper Calhoun MSU to the south through a stoplog structure and is the only source of water to Office MSU (and, therefore, Duck Club MSU) to the west via a portable pump. Water can drain from Calhoun MSU through the Calhoun Wetlands Pump Station and through a stoplog structure leading directly into Swan Lake.
The unit was dominated by perennial smartweed, cocklebur, and buttonbush. In July, most of the unit was mowed to control the cocklebur and buttonbush. In late September, the eastern Yz of the unit was sprayed with RoundUp and 2,4-D to control the smartweed.
A fair stand of millet, smartweed and nutsedges emerged in the mowed areas, but the combination oflow plant height and the late spraying resulted in only marginal waterfowl use. It remains to be seen if the late herbicide application will control the smartweed.
County Road MSU This unit is a depressional area in the floodplain between the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Waters from the Mississippi flow over this section of the Refuge during floods. During non-flood
18
• periods, a small dike equipped with a screw gated culvert on the upper (south) end controls the entry of run offfrom the surrounding watershed. The unit drains from south to north into a long ditch that is separated from the Calhoun pump station main feeder ditch by a stoplog structure. Water can be pumped into the unit via the Calhoun Wetland Pump Station and Main Feeder Ditch.
In 1999, we attempted to control the monoculture of smartweed by a combination of chisel plowing and field cultivation as recommended by a local IDNR land manager. This met with only marginal success, so in 2000, we contracted with a Coop farmer (Francis Toppmeyer) to disk and plant com on most of the MSU. Late June rains flooded this planting and the smartweed was soon the dominate plant over most of the unit. Overall habitat conditions for the County Road MSU were poor.
Flooded com in County Road MSU. HAP
Duck Club MSU Duck Club MSU is located below Office MSU. Fall water is normally supplied by gravity draining water from Office MSU (fall water for Office MSU is normally pumped from Calhoun MSU which receives water from Swan Lake via the Calhoun Wetlands pump station). Water can be gravity drained from Duck Club into Swan Lake through a stoplog structure. The bottom elevation of most of this unit is too high to flood with the existing dike. A portion of the unit (the eastern most 10 acres) was scraped in years past and can be managed for moist soil plants.
Once the summer flood waters were drained. twelve acres on the west (higher) side were planted to buckwheat in early August. The dry conditions of August and September resulted in poor seed
19
production and waterfowl use in this unit was low. The buckwheat did however attract deer and • turkeys well into FY 01.
•
Planting buckwheat in Duck Club MSU. RAE
Little Swan MSU Like County Road MSU, this unit is a depressional area in the floodplain between the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. A small dike, equipped with a stoplog structure, on the north end impounds the water. This is the only MSU on the Calhoun Division that cannot receive water via the Calhoun Wetlands Pump Station. Instead, a portable pump is used to move water over the small dike from a shallow feeder ditch connected directly to Swan Lake. The shallowness of the feeder ditch often precludes fall pumping and the unit is often used to supply waterfowl food resources during the spring migration.
The late season drawdown forced by unusually late flooding resulted in a combination of smartweed, millet, and pigweed covering most of the MSU. No water was pumped into the unit in the fall. Consequently, waterfowl use was low.
OfficeMSU This MSU is located in front of the Visitor Contact Station and is easily viewed from the observation deck. It is a popular birding spot, especially during the Refuge closure from October 15 through December 15 when it is one of only two open Refuge areas. Using the binoculars mounted on the deck, visitors can get an up-close look at wildlife on this MSU. This is a perched
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unit, bounded by dike on the south and east sides and high ground on the other sides. Fall water is normally pumped in from the Calhoun MSU using a portable pump. Water is drained into Duck Club MSU through a stoplog structure.
In 2000, Office MSU received a gradual late season drawdown. Then in September, Yz the unit was mowed to control cocklebur. This water regime resulted in good moist soil plant production and waterfowl use on the area was good throughout the fall of2000.
Pumpstation MSU This unit is bounded on the north, west and south by a dike (the west and south sections separate the unit from the Main Feeder Ditch). Like Calhoun MSU, water can be pumped directly into Pumpstation MSU from the Calhoun Wetlands Pump Station. Water can be pumped out or drained through the pump station and can be drained directly to Swan Lake through a stop log structure in the dike on the north side.
Although not as severe as in County Road MSU, Pumpstation MSU also suffered from a lack of plant diversity with most of the unit covered by perennial smartweed. In an attempt to control smartweed we included this unit in the Coop farming program (Wayne Fuhler) to disk and plant com throughout the unit. Unlike in County Road MSU, this unit did not flood during the growing season and a good crop of com was produced. Even though we did not get complete control of the smartweed, we anticipate Pumpstation MSU will get good waterfowl use in fall of 2000, and should have improved plant diversity in 2001.
Schoolhouse Unit Like County Road and Little Swan MSUs, Schoolhouse Unit is a depressional area in the floodplain between the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. This unit is managed for a higher more stable water level during most growing seasons to maintain its bulrush marsh habitat. A small area around the perimeter of the unit is managed for moist soil vegetation. A dike on the north and west sides impounds the water. Water can be pumped in or out via the Calhoun Wetlands Pump Station and Main Feeder Ditch. A stoplog structure in the northern section of the dike connects the unit with the Main Feeder Ditch. A stoplog structure on the feeder ditch to the south and east of the unit controls water coming into the unit from the surrounding watershed.
Upper Calhoun MSU Upper Calhoun MSU is located above Calhoun MSU. It has an irregular shaped dike on the east, north, and west sides with high ground to the south. Water can be pumped into the unit via the Calhoun Wetlands Pump Station and Main Feeder Ditch through a gated culvert on the east side. Water can be drained from the unit back into the Main Feeder Ditch or into Calhoun MSU through a stoplog structure.
Once the spring flooding recedes, it is a priority to get the water off this unit so that our cooperative farmer and nearby private landowners can work the adjacent crop ground. This fast drawdown usually results in a thick stand of cocklebur over most of the unit and willow and
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cottonwoods on the higher ground. The unit was mowed in September to control these problem species. Periodic summer and fall rains created some very good conditions for migrating shorebirds and the Upper Calhoun MSU was popular with both birds and birdwatchers.
3c. Graze/Mow/Hay
In 2000, mowing was used as a means of reducing noxious weeds and invasive woody vegetation at the Gilbert Lake Division. Approximately 15 acres ofwillows surrounding the Boltonia decurrens were mowed in late July. The eastern~ of these willows was then disked to mimic the "disturbed" conditions Boltonia needs for seed germination. The western~ of the Boltonia site received no treatment.
Three acres of encroaching woody growth at the Gilbert Lake Mounds Prairie were mowed.
3d. Farming
The farm program is conducted under Cooperative Farming Agreements with seven local farmers. Most of these farmers have held the Agreements for many years and have become accustomed to the procedures and methods of the program. Half of the agricultural ground is planted in com and half in soybeans with the locations being rotated each year. Winter wheat is aerially seeded on many of the soybean acres, providing goose browse and a green manure for the following season's crop. The basic tenet of the agreements is that the farmer is required to provide all farm inputs including seed, herbicides, cultivatio~ harvest, and mowing. In return they receive 3/4 of the crops. Because we strive to have half of the fields in com and half in soybeans, the farmer's share is normally all of the beans and half of the co~ leaving half of the com standing for use by wildlife. Each spring the farmer harvests any remaining com. The farmer's share of the spring harvested com is 20%. Revenue from the remaining 80% is returned to the Government.
In 2000, summer flooding meant that much of the fields intended for com were planted to soybeans and later, winter wheat. Some fields were not planted due to wet conditions or were left idle for use as dredge spoil sites as part of ongoing HREP projects.
Crop yields varied widely, depending on location and planting time. Com yields ranged from a high of 155 bushels/acre on the Calhoun Division to 23 bushels/acre on the Batchtown Division. Soybeans ranged from a high of 43 bushels/acre on the Calhoun Division to 19 bushels/acre at the Batchtown Division. Table 5 highlights the farming program in 2000 .
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Table 5. Highlights of the 2000 farm program on the Brussels District of Mark Twain
• NWR. crop acres acres estimated average
planted harvested yield/acre
Com 550.8 268.8 122.9
Soybeans 260.9 * 40.9
Hay 6.0 6.0
Totals 817.7
*We do not require any beans be left unharvested as wildlife food. However, in 2000, yields were so low on some fields that the cooperator chose not to harvest the crop.
3e. Forest Management
Nothing to report this year.
3f. Fire Management
Two prescribed fires were conducted on the District in FY2000. The 40 acre Little Swan Prairie was burned to retard encroaching woody vegetation. Twelve acres of prairie on the south side of the headquarters were also burned to reduce woody vegetation and to stimulate seed production.
Little Swan Prairie, 3/22/2000. RAE
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3g. Pest Plant Control
The use ofbiological controls for noxious musk thistle has been used on several areas of the Refuge, most recently in 1998 when 1,500 seedhead and 200 rosette weevils were released on the Gilbert Lake Division and Eichen Conservation Easement. The effectiveness of these releases was not assessed due to lack ofstafftime. Table 6 summarizes the herbicides used by cooperative farmers and Refuge staff.
Table 6. Herbicide use on the Brussels District of Mark Twain NwR. Herbicide Target Species Acres Treated
Imazethapyr grasses and 121.2 broadleaves
Primisulfuron grasses and 34.8 broadleaves
2-4-D thistles and 31.0 smartweeds
Nicosul:furon grasses and 36.2 broadleaves
Glyphosate grasses and 623.9 broadleaves
Shorebirds using the Upper Calhoun MSU. HAP 24
Amount Applied (Pounds of AI)
6.82
8.16
22.5
7.96
598.15
Average Application Rate
0.056/acre
0.23/acre
0.725/acre
0.22/acre
0.96/acre
• 4
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Fish and Wildlife Management
4a. Bird Banding
Jon Handel, IDNR District Biologist for Calhoun and Jersey Counties, was issued a Special Use Permit to band wood ducks on Swan Lake. Using a swim-in trap, he banded wood ducks from the Murphy Slough area adjacent Swan Lake. Trapping success improved substantially from the previous year. In 17 trap days, 44 wood ducks were banded in 2000.
4b. Disease Monitoring and Treatment
Nothing to report this year.
4c. Reintroductions
Nothing to report this year.
4d. Provide Nest Structures
Twenty galvanized steel wood duck boxes were purchased from the Migratory Waterfowl Hunters, Inc. in late FY 99. The boxes were painted "olive drab" green and placed throughout the Refuge in January 2000. Another two plastic "Bellrose" style boxes were placed in March 2000. These boxes were checked, cleaned, and maintained in November 2000. None were used by wood ducks.
Another 10 wooden boxes were placed on the Portage Island Division by the St. Louis Canoe and Kayak Club in September 2000. The Club asked U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers staff at the Riverlands office for a suitable location for the boxes and Portage Island was selected. The Refuge provided the materials for these boxes, the Club and Corps Rangers provided the labor for construction and placement.
The eleven bluebird houses on the Calhoun Division have never been very successful in producing any bluebirds. So in 2000 the boxes were removed, repaired or rebuilt as necessary, and reinstalled in areas with a higher likelihood of attracting bluebirds in 2001.
4e. Pest, Predator & Exotic Animal Control
Nothing to report this year .
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• 5
•
Coordination Activities
Sa. Interagency Coordination
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
The Environmental Management Program (EMP), authorized by Congress in 1986, was designed to protect and balance the resources of the Upper Mississippi River. The Corps of Engineers is responsible for implementing the program in cooperation with the Service and the five states of Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
One of the elements of the EMP is the design, construction, and evaluation of Habitat Rehabilitation and Enhancement Projects (HREP's) to protect fish and wildlife habitat. A variety of techniques are used in various combinations to address the unique circumstances of each particular area. Techniques may include dredging to remove sediment from backwaters and side channels, construction of dikes and levees to control water levels and keep out silt, building islands to decrease wind-generated turbidity, and modifying wing and closing darns to alter the flow of water to side channels. Several HREP's are in various stages of completion on the Refuge.
Swan Lake HREP Construction of the final phase of the Swan Lake HREP began in 1998 and was completed in December 1999. This ''final" phase included the lower Swan Lake water control structure (site 3), the middle Swan Lake water control structure and 30,000 gpm two-way pump (site 2), and a 17,000 gpm pump in Fuller Lake (site 1). The Fuller Lake portion, managed by IDNR, was completed in 1999.
As used here, the term ''final" is a misnomer. When the Service accepted the Swan Lake HREP and began operation of the various components beginning in the spring of2000, it soon became obvious that the project would not meet the anticipated objectives as outlined in the Swan Lake Definite Project Report (DPR). Difficulty in operating the 18' high stoplog bays, mechanical problems with the pump and power unit, and unusually high precipitation all combined to reiterate concerns of previous managers that additional pumping capacity and several retrofits would be needed to make this HREP successful. Throughout the year Refuge Manager Phillips, ROS Engelke, and Complex Biologist Westphall met with COE representatives to discuss the need for and ultimately the design of these modifications. A more detailed narrative on the initial operation of the Swan Lake HREP is found in section 3a
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Middle Swan Lake water control structure. RAE
Calhoun Point HREP Progress on the Calhoun Point HREP continued throughout the year. The project includes installing several water control structures and pumps on the IDNR managed area adjacent the Calhoun Division. Two Rivers staff is working with COE on the Calhoun Point HREP to include the Swan Lake HREP repairs under this contract.
We are proposing a one-directional pump station in lower Swan Lake capable of moving around 50,000 GPM and several safety modifications to the existing stoplog structures. The COE is exploring several options such as a series of smaller pumps designed into the existing stoplog bays or portable, trailer-mounted pump units. However, none ofthese alternatives would provide the volume we think is required to complete a successful drawdown on the 1,300 acre lower Lake. Our experience this past summer on the 1,100 acre middle Swan Lake only solidifies our opinion that you can't have too much pump.
Batchtown HREP Designed to be completed in three phases, the Batchtown HREP is intended to increase riverine habitat diversity for the benefit of fish, wildlife, and freshwater mussels in the lower portion of Mississippi River Pool25. The Final DPR was completed in July, 1996.
Phase I of the project includes primarily dirt-work ie dredging and constructing earthen sediinent traps. Phase II would include the pumps and water control structures. Phase III would be the construction of a closing structure on the IDNR-managed portion of the project between Lock
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• and Dam 25 and the natural levee west of Cockrell Hollow. Although Phases II and III have not been finalized or funded, it was decided to proceed with Phase I and hope for additional funding to complete the entire project.
DKW construction was selected as the contractor for Phase I and in May 2000, their subcontractor, Magruder Construction ofEolia, MO., began dredging of Prairie Pond. Three dredge placement cells were constructed and dredging proceeded until Refuge staff discovered that the water level gauge used for determining the depth of the dredge cut was incorrect. The gauge was set .85' too hi~ making the first 3,700' of dredge cut too shallow. This was corrected, the previous dredging was redone, and soon the project was back on track.
As part of Phase I, eight "deep holes" were dredged in Prairie Pond. Each hole was designed to be 100' by 1 00' by 12' deep at normal water levels. Because of the limitations ofMagruder's dredge, the deep holes were actually made 80' by 150' in size.
The northern-most deep hole (#1) was lined on three sides with a rock dike extending about 1' above normal pool level. At high water the dike should increase velocities directly downstream and help keep the deep hole scoured out.
Magruder Construction placing rock around 'deep hole" at Batchtown's Prairie Pond. RAE
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OTHER COORDINATION EFFORTS An MOU with Sarah Kinder was entered into to facilitate the maintenance of the road leading into the Gilead Access Area at Batchtown Division. The access road is privately-owned and often .does not receive sufficient maintenance. The MOU allowed the Service to purchase gravel for the road in exchange for the land owner providing routine maintenance. The end result is a safer, more enjoyable public experience for Refuge visitors.
In recent years Refuge staff fostered a strong working relationship with local IDNR managers and personnel. This helped in coordinating activities that benefit both the management ofTwo Rivers Refuge and adjoining State-managed areas. For example the primary access road into the Batchtown Division, which was normally closed to public access from October 15 through December 15, also provides the safest access to many of the nearby State-managed duck blinds. The Service agreed to re-open the road during the duck season as a safety concern. In return, the IDNR helped educate the hunting public about the need to provide inviolate areas for migrating waterfowl.
Also at Batchtown, several features ofPhase I of the HREP were being constructed on Refuge land. However, with the anticipated changes to the Corps Master Plan due in early FY2001, this land will be managed by IDNR. Coordination on the design and construction of these features is necessary and will ultimately make the completed project more manageable.
5b. Tribal Coordination
Nothing to report this year.
5c. Private Lands Activities
The District had responsibility for a four county Private Lands Coordination Area in Illinois including Calhoun, Greene, Jersey, and Pike counties. Refuge staff assisted with two private lands projects in 2000.
Technical assistance was provided to the Natural Resources Conservation Service at the Longview County Club in Jersey County. NRCS is working with the Club to repair erosion problems on several ponds with steep banks and other erosion problems. The recommendations provided by NRCS and the Service turned out to be too costly for this private Club and to date, the project is still on hold.
The IDNR biologist working in Scott County asked for technical and cost-share assistance on restoration ofFerry Lake near Florence. The landowner and IDNR wanted to reforest portions of the lake with hard-mast trees. Although Scott County was not in our Coordination Area, we agreed to provide $2,500 in cost-share funding. Illinois River Refuges, which normally covers Scott County, agreed because of our proximity to the area, our working relationship with the state biologist, and their lack of available personnel.
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• 6
•
Resource Protection
6a. Law Enforcement
Throughout all ofFY 2000, the Brussels District had two collateral duty law enforcement officers. This made for improved coverage on most of the Divisions, and an increased law enforcement presence during the waterfowl hunting seasons on the many duck clubs bordering the Refuge."
Over the course ofthe year, the number ofViolation Notice's issued was evenly divided between those associated with fishing and those associated with duck hunting, especially during the early teal season. Illinois' teal hunters appeared to have a difficult time distinguishing between wood ducks and teal. That, or they had a difficult time not pulling the trigger. The updated Forfeiture of Collateral Schedule, which took effect in January 2000, raised the fee for these violations to $500.00 plus $100.00/bird replacement costs. Word soon spread that shooting a woody could be a costly proposition, especially if the "feds" caught you.
Along with the new Forfeiture Schedule, the District got a new Location Code from the Central Violations Bureau. The new Code, IS37, now distinguishes the District from the Springfield, Illinois, LE office.
6b. Permits and Economic Use Management
Table 7 shows the nine Special Use Permits issued in FY 2000. In addition, one Golden Age Passport and 21 Migratory.Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps (duck stamp) were sold for a total of$325.
A review of the commercial fishing program was done in FY 2000, including completion of a new Compatibility Determination. Signed on March 23, 2000, this CD allowed for commercial fishing as a means of salvaging fish trapped during the middle Swan Lake drawdown. Stipulations that reduced the risks commercial fishing may have on trust species like paddlefish and migratory birds included restricting the open season, prohibiting possession of paddlefish, and requiring fishermen to tend their nets at all times .
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Table 7. Special Use Permits Issued at Mark Twain NWR- Brussels District .
Permittee Purpose
Il. Audubon Society Conduct Bird Surveys
Klaas' Farming on Conservation Easement
Gary Shaw Commercial Fishing
James Beasley, Jr. Commercial Fishing
Stanley Underwood Commercial Fishing
Kevin Fox Commercial Fishing
Reid Adams/SIUC Sample Fish at Batchtown
Schmidt Brothers Maintain 1 0' Buffer Strip on Easement
Jon Handel/IDNR Wood Duck Banding
Total
6c. Contaminant Investigations
Nothing to Report this year.
6d. Contaminant Cleanup
Nothing to report this year.
6e. Water Rights Management
Nothing to report this year.
6f. Cultural Resource _Management
Nothing to report this year.
6g. Land Acquisition Support
Nothing to report this year .
31
Amount of Fee
0
0
50
0
0
0
0
0
0
50.00
• 7
•
Public Education and Recreation
7 a. Provide Visitor Services
An estimated 26,000 people visit the Refuge annually. Public use areas include the boat ramps at the Batchtown (Mississippi River, Prairie Pond, and Gilead) and Calhoun (Headquarters and Bim's Road) Divisions, the Visitor Center, and the Gilbert Lake Overlook.
Except for the seasonal closure from October 15 through December 15, the Refuge is open to public use. Wildlife observation and fishing are by far the predominate uses at Calhoun, Batchtown and Gilbert Lake, while hunting and wildlife observation account for most use at Apple Creek. The Portage Island Group receives heavy use from boaters, especially on summer weekends.
Naturalists and educators from surrounding communities utilized the Refuge for programs and outdoor classrooms. Staff from Pere Marquette State Park tour the Gilbert Lake and Calhoun Divisions throughout January and February in search ofbald eagles while classes from the Brussels school system, Thompson Middle school, Principia College, and Washington University conduct field trips and outdoor laboratories. Refuge staff gave environmental education programs to 25 students this year.
7b. Outreach
The Refuge and nearby Pere Marquette State Park co-sponsored a fishing fair in observance of National Fishing Week. The tenth annual Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair was held Saturday June 10, with an estimated 2,000 people attending. This years event had 8 hands-on stations where kids learn basic skills required for fishing such as knot-tying, casting, fish cleaning and preparation, and fish identification. After demonstrating the skill at each station the child gets a packet of educational fishing information and a donated gift, either a tackle box or cane pole, and then has the opportunity to demonstrate these new-found skills fishing for trout in a temporary pool.
Special demonstrations using the 5,000 gallon ''Hog Trough" stocked with native riverine fish, a virtual fishing simulator, and the IDNR mobile Conservation Police trailer were also on hand for adults and young adults to enjoy .
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Fishing demonstration using the ''Hog Trough" at the 10tb annual Family Fishing Fair. HAP
In conjunction with National Wildlife Refuge Week, the District hosted an Open House on October 16, 1999. Guided tours of the Swan Lake HREP project as well as birding hotspots were offered. Twenty-five people attended.
The annual Refuge Revenue Sharing payments were made to Calhoun and Greene Counties on May 15, 2000. Calhoun County received a check for $4,278.00, Greene County received $198.00. The Gilbert Lake Division, Batchtown Division, and Portage Island Group are Corps of Engineers property managed by the Service and therefore not entitled to Revenue Sharing .
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• 8
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Planning and Administration
8a. Comprehensive Conservation Planning
Work continued in FY 2000 on the Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for the Mark Twain NWR Complex through a series of staff meetings, conference calls and draft document reviews that included all five of the Complex refuges. Habitat, water quality, and floodplain objectives and strategies were further refined based on continuing review of baseline biological information. In addition to the biological information, initial public use objectives and strategies were developed.
8b. General Administration
Funding - FY 2000 Refuge Operations Volunteer Program Outreach Cf¥illenge Grants RONS (VC Displays) Maintenance Management MIPR Private Lands Fire
1261 1261 1261 1261 1261 1262
1121 925119263
$255,013 $ 1,300 $ 2,000 $ 4,000 $ 38,000 $ 40,000 $ 16,393* $ 8,250** $ 1,587
*MIPR is a reimbursable agreement with the Corps of Engineers. These funds were applied to the costs for initial drawdown of Middle Swan Lake including diesel fuel and pump and engine reparrs. **An additional $4,050 originally funded to the District was not obligated and instead was used by Minnesota Wetland Management Districts.
Personnel There were no personnel changes on the Brussels District in FY 2000. One SCA volunteer worked on the District. Chuck Walker, a recent graduate of McNeese State University in Louisiana, began his six month Conservation Associate position in June. Chuck's interest in botany proved very helpful in completing vegetation transects and updating the station herbarium .
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The following is a list of employees on staff at the Mark Twain NWR - Brussels District in FY 2000.
Permanent Full-time Grade EOD Departure Date
Howard Phillips, Refuge Manager GS-12 11/22/98
Russell Engelke, Refuge Operations Specialist GS-11 06/14/99
Fred Nienke, Maintenance Mechanic WG-9 07/12/93
Permanent Part-time
Debra Kuhn, Administrative Technician GS-7 07/21/83
Elaine Titus, Administrative Technician GS-7 04/08/91
Volunteers A total of79 volunteers contributed 2,644 hours during fiscal year 2000. These volunteers dedicate time and experience to many programs offered on the Refuge including bird surveys, staffing the Visitor Center, outreach during the Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair, bluebird and wood duck box programs, maintenance, and flood cleanup.
Some of the many volunteers working the Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair. HAP
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Highlights of this years volunteer program are the removal of trees from two sediment trap levees by members of the Migratory Waterfowl Hunters, Inc., updating and expanding the Refuge herbarium by SCA volunteer Chuck Walker, continued bird surveys by members of the Great Rivers Chapter of the Illinois Audubon Society, and the annual cleanup of the Portage Island Group by members ofillinois Audubon Society and Sierra Club.
Members ofMigratory Waterfowl Hunters Inc. clearing trees and brush from a sediment trap near the Gilbert Lake Boltonia decurrens site. HAP
Equipment and Facilities Following is a list of the major equipment and upgrades to Refuge facilities purchased with station funds during fiscal year 2000.
+ Sony Digital Zoom Camera and Accessories + Herbarium Cabinet + Lanier Model7320 Copier + Drop Ceiling in Office and Visitor Center + Power Assist Door Opener for Visitor Center + Body Armor for Refuge Officers + Interpretive Panels for Visitor Center (yet to be received)
Items purchased in FY 99 that arrived in FY 2000.
+ Four-door Ford Explorer to Replace Dodge Pickup + OkiPage 8c Color Printer
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• Feedback
A special edition of Time Magazine devoted to life along the Mississippi River featured a photograph of one of the four Portage Islands on the cover. The magazine was devoted to the people living and working along the River and the many challenges and benefits the mighty Mississippi provides including recreational opportunities on Mark Twain Refuge - Brussels District. Taken from the 200' high bluffs at Principia College, the cover shows one of the few remaining forested islands in this stretch ofthe Mississippi River.
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