Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan

              Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 1
U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Flint Hills
National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive
Conservation Plan
2 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 3
Flint Hills
National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
September 2000
Prepared For:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
134 Union Blvd., Suite 350
Lakewood, Colorado 80228
Prepared by:
Research Management Consultants, Inc.
1746 Cole Blvd., Suite 300
Golden, Colorado 80401
4 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan Approval
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 6
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 5
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ...................................................................................... 7
Vision .............................................................................................................. 10
Introduction
Regional Setting ........................................................................................ 11
Refuge Purpose Statements .................................................................... 12
Planning Perspectives and Considerations
Purpose of and Need for the Plan ........................................................... 15
Planning Process ....................................................................................... 16
Planning Perspectives ............................................................................... 17
Expected Planning Outcomes .................................................................. 17
The Ecosystem Approach to Management ............................................ 18
The Arkansas/Red Rivers Ecosystem .................................................... 18
Refuge and Ecosystem Planning Issues and Opportunities ............... 21
Ecosystem and Refuge Resource Description
Area of Ecological Concern ..................................................................... 24
Vegetation ................................................................................................... 27
Wildlife ........................................................................................................ 28
Threatened and Endangered Species ............................................. 28
Exotic Species ............................................................................................ 29
Climate ........................................................................................................ 29
Geology ....................................................................................................... 29
Soils ............................................................................................................. 29
Water Management ................................................................................... 30
Cultural and Historic Resources Features ............................................ 35
Socio-economic Features .......................................................................... 35
Public Use ................................................................................................... 36
Refuge Staffing .......................................................................................... 36
Flint Hills NWR Management Program
Biological Diversity, Land Protection, Wildlife,
and Habitat Protection ...................................................................... 44
Hydrological Restoration and Water Quality ........................................ 47
Public Use, Recreation, Wildlife Interpretation, and Education ....... 53
Cultural Resources .................................................................................... 55
Interagency Coordination and Relations ............................................... 55
Improvement of Staffing, Funding, and Facilities ................................ 56
Legal, Policy, Administrative Guidelines, and Other Special Considerations
Legal Mandates ......................................................................................... 57
Agency-Wide Policy Directions ............................................................... 58
National Wildlife Refuge System: Mission and Goals................... 59
Refuge Purpose Statements .................................................................... 61
Plan Implementation
Resource Projects ..................................................................................... 62
Proposed Funding and Personnel ............................................................ 64
Partnership Opportunities ....................................................................... 65
Step-Down Management Planning ......................................................... 66
Completed Plans and Other Documents ......................................... 66
Plans and Documents to be Developed in the Future ................... 66
Wilderness Review ............................................................................. 67
Refuge Program Monitoring and Evaluation ........................................ 67
Monitoring and Evaluation of the CCP .................................................. 67
6 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
References....................................................................................................... 68
List of Preparers............................................................................................. 69
Glossary ............................................................................................................ 70
Abbreviations and Acronyms .................................................................... 73
Appendices
A. Plant List .................................................................................................... 74
B. Fish List ...................................................................................................... 82
C. Amphibian and Reptile List ..................................................................... 83
D. Wild Bird Species List .............................................................................. 84
E. Mammal List .............................................................................................. 87
F. Threatened and Endangered Species List ............................................ 87
G. Arkansas/Red Rivers Ecosystem Plan ................................................... 88
H. Key Legislation and Policies .................................................................... 97
I. Cooperative Agreements .......................................................................... 98
J. Contaminant Assessment Process ......................................................... 113
K. Compatibility Determinations ................................................................ 115
L. Finding of No Significant Impact and
Environmental Action Memorandum ............................................. 119
M. Mailing List ............................................................................................... 121
N. Public Involvement................................................................................... 122
O. Intra-Service Section 7 Biological Evaluation ..................................... 123
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 7
Executive Summary
The Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for the Flint Hills National
Wildlife Refuge (NWR) would serve as a management tool to be used by
the Refuge staff and its partners in the preservation and restoration of the
ecosystem’s natural resources. In that regard, the Plan will guide management
decisions over the next 15 years and set forth strategies for achieving
Refuge goals and objectives within that time frame. The management
actions presented within this document reflect the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (Service’s) efforts to meet the goals of the Refuge Improvement
Act of 1997.
The goals listed below will guide Refuge management:
Goal 1: To restore, enhance, and protect the natural diversity on the Flint
Hills NWR including threatened and endangered species by
appropriate management of habitat and wildlife resources on
Refuge lands and by strengthening existing and establishing new
cooperative efforts with public and private stakeholders.
Goal 2: To restore and maintain a hydrological system for the Neosho River
drainage by managing for wetlands (Map #8), control of exotic
species, and management of trust responsibilities for the maintenance of
plant and animal communities.
Goal 3: Provide opportunities for wildlife-dependent public access and
recreational opportunities to include compatible forms of hunting,
fishing, wildlife observation, photography, interpretation, and
educational activities.
Goal 4: To protect, manage, and interpret cultural resources on the Flint
Hills NWR for the benefit of present and future generations.
Goal 5: To strengthen interagency and jurisdictional relationships in order
to coordinate efforts with respect to the Refuge and surrounding
area issues resulting in decisions benefitting fish and wildlife
resources while at the same time avoiding duplication of effort.
Goal 6: Improve staffing, funding, and facilities that would result in long-term
enhancement of habitat and wildlife resources in the area of
ecological concern and support the achievement of the goals of this
Plan and the goals of the National Wildlife Refuge System (System).
8 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Objectives with measurable outcomes would guide the Refuge staff in a
consistent direction toward the accomplishment of each goal beginning
with short-term activities or strategies to occur within five years followed
by implementation of long-term activities within 5 to 15 years. Completion
of the following objectives depends upon funding and staffing from year-to-year:
1. Document existing flora and fauna of wetland, grassland, riparian,
savanna, and wooded habitats through baseline surveys and monitor
habitats affected by management activities.
2. Continue to protect populations of endangered and threatened species
and maintain or improve their habitats on Refuge lands.
3. Manage waterfowl in accordance with the North American Waterfowl
Management Plan focusing on target species including the mallard,
pintail, wood duck, and gadwall.
4. Monitor population status of priority species of neotropical migratory
birds, shorebirds, and other nongame migratory birds.
5. Determine population objectives of key resident wildlife species and
monitor the status of these species.
6. Restore and maintain native species on Refuge lands to reestablish
native habitat communities through appropriate land management
techniques and monitor reestablishment of native species as a result of
restoration efforts.
7. Reestablish native plants along the riparian areas of the Neosho River
and its tributaries to benefit native aquatic and riparian communities
of the Arkansas/Red Rivers Ecosystem and monitor reestablishment
of native species as a result of restoration efforts.
8. Encourage research with universities and other institutions that would
improve the biological database of the Refuge or contribute to habitat
restoration and management activities that are compatible with Refuge
goals and requirements of the Refuge Act. These activities would be
reviewed periodically by the Service and other representatives to
evaluate the effectiveness for Refuge needs.
9. Improve water management to maintain and enhance 4,500 acres of
current wetlands and restore another 600 acres of wetlands. Monitor
and document habitat components through annual biological surveys
of two to three key components (birds, vegetation, water quality,
invertebrates, and fish).
10. Develop and improve wildlife compatible recreational opportunities on
Refuge lands that further the public’s involvement and appreciation of
the System. Through the completion and implementation of the Public
Use Plan in tasks outlined in short-term and long-term phases, public use
would increase 15 percent over the next five years and by 50 percent by
the year 2015.
11. Develop and implement educational and interpretive programs to
increase the public’s understanding of the natural resources of the
Refuge and issues within the Arkansas/Red Rivers Ecosystem. Develop
educational or interpretive programs specific to the Flint Hills NWR
and initiate Refuge participation in national educational programs. Host
various special events to offer the public an opportunity to participate
in Refuge activities.
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 9
12. Initiate a variety of innovative outreach strategies to strengthen the
existing Refuge constituency and develop a broader base of public
support in east-central Kansas. Create and develop one outreach
product and/or publication to generate interest in the Refuge over the
next five years. Increase community presentations, community involved
habitat restoration projects, and Refuge staff representation at public
events.
13. Work with the community to develop an organization or avenue for
receipt of private funding to subsidize environmental education
programs, habitat restoration projects, or other community based
efforts benefitting wildlife habitats on Refuge lands by the year 2010.
14. Document, map, and monitor archaeological sites on current Refuge
lands and future acquisitions through a baseline archaeological survey
and monitor known sites for disturbance or deterioration. Incorporate
information about the archaeology of the area into one Refuge educational or
interpretive product or program by the year 2005.
15. Strengthen partnerships with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps)
and other private stakeholders within the community, Kansas Department of
Wildlife and Parks, and other public agencies that are mutually
beneficial and would ultimately benefit the fish and wildlife resources
of the Refuge and surrounding lands.
16. Provide the personnel needed to accomplish the goals of this Plan through the
addition of specific staff specialists and programs that encourage
community volunteers.
17. Provide a safe, efficient, and productive work environment for Refuge
employees and a safe infrastructure for Refuge visitors.
The goals and objectives of this Plan are the management framework
providing direction and continuity in the Refuge programs over a short-term
period (five years) and long-term period (5 to 15 years.) Strategies
and management activities are suggested to progressively work toward
achieving the specific objectives and can, over time, be modified to reflect a
broader understanding or knowledge of an issue through research or
experience, staff management styles, or resource specialties and regional
funding priorities.
10 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Vision
Flint Hills NWR contains biologically significant habitats in the Neosho
watershed within Kansas. This unique unit of the System plays a crucial
role in the conservation of biodiversity and protects a significant number of
species which depend on these habitats. The Refuge straddles the Neosho
River and is important for terrestrial and aquatic species. During the past
decade, many research efforts have focused on the unique habitats of the
Refuge. Yet much remains to be learned at Flint Hills NWR and management
of the biological resources protected by the Refuge. The area is dominated by
complex resource management issues revolving around the flood control
function of John Redmond Reservoir. Activities associated with agriculture,
flood control, and public recreation have placed increasing demands on the
landscape and identified the need for more responsible utilization of land
and water resources that support the remaining native ecosystem
components.
Flint Hills NWR must continue to protect habitat for the diverse array of
native plants and animals that rely upon the resources of the Refuge for
survival. The foreseeable future is one of protection and enhancement of
the existing landscape and active research and management for a diversity
of native species at every trophic level within all environments on the
Refuge. With continually improving data gathering and analysis, better
decisions can be made regarding natural resource conservation thus
leading to the secure abundance and population recovery of rare and/or
state and federally listed endangered species.
The Service envisions cooperative working relationships with other Federal
and State agencies along with nongovernmental organizations (NGO) and
the interested public to accomplish its complex mission. These progressive
working relationships would result in the Refuge’s improving role in
protecting resources from negative impacts while still providing a wide
range of wildlife-dependent opportunities and activities. Flint Hills NWR
continues to contribute to the economic development and enhancement of
the quality of human life in the Neosho River Valley. As local communities
become more and more aware of this, the Refuge would increasingly be
promoted as a regional tourist destination. Such attention must be channeled
to focus on the mission and benefit of the System and the promotion of an
increased understanding and support for the Service’s efforts to protect
native plants and animals and their associated habitats.
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 11
Introduction
This CCP provides a description of the desired future conditions and long-range
guidance for achieving the primary purpose for which Flint Hills NWR
was established: to provide habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. The
Flint Hills NWR is one Refuge in a system that now encompasses over 92
million acres of public land and water and is the world’s largest collection
of land providing habitats for more than 5,000 species of birds, mammals,
fish, amphibians, reptiles, and insects.
The mission of the System is to administer a national network of lands and
waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration
of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the
United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans
(National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act of 1997). Established in 1903 by
President Theodore Roosevelt, the System now includes 516 refuges and
38 wetland management districts in all 50 states and the U.S. territories.
National wildlife refuges host a tremendous variety of plants and animals
supported by a variety of habitats from arctic tundra and prairie grasslands
to subtropical estuaries. Most national wildlife refuges are strategically
located along major bird migration corridors. This ensures that waterfowl,
raptors, and other migratory birds have publicly owned resting and feeding
stops on their annual migrations.
The Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving,
protecting, and enhancing fish and wildlife and their habitats. The agency
has specific trustee responsibilities for migratory birds, threatened and
endangered species, anadromous fish, and certain marine mammals as well
as the land and waters administered by the Service for the protection of
these resources.
The following sections discuss the purpose of and need for the Flint Hills
NWR CCP, the planning process used, and the general background of the
Refuge. It also describes the geographic ecosystem the Refuge is located
within and the legal context of the planning project.
Regional Setting
The Flint Hills NWR lies in the broad, flat Neosho River Valley, historically a
native tallgrass prairie region of natural scenic beauty. The Refuge is
named for the gently rolling Flint Hills 30 miles to the west. These fossil
studded limestone hills were formed when seas washed across the region
250 million years ago (Oblinger-Smith Corp., 1982).
The Refuge is readily accessible by turnpike and interstate highways, lying
just eight miles south of I-35 in eastern Kansas. Large cities such as Wichita,
Kansas City, and Topeka are within 100 miles of the Refuge. Nearly 1.5
million people live within a 100 mile radius (Map #1). Other refuges within
the immediate area include the Marais des Cygnes NWR (approximately
90 miles to the east on the Kansas-Missouri border) and Quivira NWR
(approximately 150 miles to the west in south-central Kansas).
12 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Refuge Purpose Statements
Each national wildlife refuge was established for a particular purpose.
Formal establishment is usually based upon a statute or executive order
specifically enumerating the purpose of the particular unit. However,
refuges can also be established by the Service under the authorization
offered in such laws as the Endangered Species Act of 1973 or the Fish and
Wildlife Act of 1956. In these cases, lands are identified by the Service that
have the right elements to contribute to the recovery of a species or the
maintenance of habitat types. Oftentimes, the Service works in cooperation
with private nonprofit organizations in efforts to acquire suitable lands.
Flint Hills NWR was established in 1966 and “. . .shall be administered by
him (Secretary of the Interior) directly or in accordance with cooperative
agreements . . . and in accordance with such rules and regulations for the
conservation, maintenance, and management of wildlife, resources thereof,
and its habitat thereon, . . .” 16 U.S.C. § 644 (Fish and Wildlife Coordination
Act, 1958).
The Refuge Recreation Act (16 U.S.C. § 460-1) states that each refuge is:
“suitable for incidental fish and wildlife oriented recreational
development, the protection of natural resources, and the conservation
of endangered or threatened species.”
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 13
14 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 15
Planning Perspectives
and Considerations
Purpose of and Need for the Plan
The purpose of the CCP is to “provide long range guidance for the management of
national wildlife refuges.” As such, all lands of the System are to be managed
in accordance with an approved CCP that will guide management decisions
and set forth strategies for achieving refuge purposes. The Refuge
Improvement Act of 1997 requires all refuges to have a CCP and provides
the following legislative mandates to guide the development of the CCP:
• Wildlife has first priority in the management of refuges.
• Recreation or other uses are allowed if they are compatible with wildlife
conservation.
• Wildlife-dependent recreation activities such as hunting, fishing,
wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental education,
and interpretation will be emphasized.
This CCP provides management direction to present and future Refuge
Managers for the next 15 years. It describes all management activities that
occur on the Refuge and provides management goals, measurable objectives,
and management actions or strategies designed to enhance and protect
existing habitats and restore degraded habitats for the benefit of wildlife
including endangered species. The goals and objectives shall guide
management toward the Refuge vision or the ecologically desirable
outcome for Flint Hills NWR.
16 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Planning Process
This CCP establishes the goals, objectives, and management strategies for
Flint Hills NWR. A CCP is guided by the established purposes of each refuge, the
goals of the System, Service compatibility standards, and other Service
policies, legal mandates, and laws directly related to refuge management. The
Plan is in compliance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA). It addresses the National Wetlands Priority Conservation
Plan, the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, conservation
initiatives such as the Partners-in-Flight (PIF) Plan and private land
initiatives, and the Service’s ecosystem management plans.
The Plan is developed with specific activities to be implemented during a
short time frame. Activities proposed for implementation over a longer
term, 5 to 15 years, are sometimes stated broadly with the intent that a
detailed step-down plan be developed. Step-down plans for a particular
management program such as farming, public use, and prescribed fire
include budgets, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation criteria.
This CCP will direct the preparation or revision of step-down management
plans, affect performance standards for Refuge personnel, and justify
budget approval for specific programs over the next 15 years.
The CCP and step-down plans provide the Refuge Manager a rationale and
justification to guide management decisions affecting the Refuge’s natural
resources. The plans will be most useful if the Manager provides a detailed
record of management actions and outcomes. It is the intent of the planning
process that management actions developed in both the CCP and step-down
plans be documented, reviewed, and evaluated within a reasonable
time frame. To optimize the effectiveness of the plans, amendments need to
be incorporated based on management outcomes and current Service
policy.
Following the publication of a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register on
October 2, 1998, a fact sheet was prepared and sent to a mailing list of
citizens, interest groups, and agencies that have expressed interest in Refuge
programs and issues. An open house was held at the Flint Hills NWR
headquarters in Hartford, Kansas on November 5, 1998. In an ongoing
effort to involve the local community and officials in the CCP process, the
availability of the Draft CCP would be announced in the Federal Register
by the Service. The Draft CCP would be sent to a current mailing list of
citizens and interest groups and agencies previously expressing an interest
in Refuge programs and issues.
As part of the process of developing a Final CCP, public meetings would be
provided, if necessary, based on public response to this Draft CCP document.
Any comments received from the public will be reviewed and considered
throughout the CCP process. RMCI continually updates the mailing list
based on responses from interested parties. The public comments can be
found in Appendix N.
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 17
Planning Perspectives
This comprehensive planning effort would integrate three perspectives so
that the management direction over the next 15 years would produce
holistic management approaches for the Flint Hills NWR. The Plan
includes:
1. A broad perspective for overall environmental contextual issues
including endangered species, biological diversity, water issues,
inter-jurisdictional cooperation, socio-economic considerations, etc.
2. A focused perspective for the System related policy issues which
affect the Flint Hills NWR programs (compatibility, endangered
species management, water rights, etc.).
3. A local perspective for Refuge related activities and strategies
affecting management units (grasslands, endangered species,
research, etc.).
An understanding of these three perspectives and the relationship between
them lead to the formulation of an integral set of Refuge goals and
objectives for the next 15 years.
Expected Planning Outcomes
The planning effort should bring about the following outcomes which are
all objectives of comprehensive conservation planning:
1. Ensure that management of Flint Hills NWR lands reflect the
policies and goals of the System and the purposes for which the
Refuge was established.
2. Ensure that Flint Hills NWR contributes to the conservation of
biological diversity and to the structure and function of the
ecosystem in which it is located.
3. Provide a clear statement of desired future conditions for Flint
Hills NWR as it should be when the System and individual unit
purposes are accomplished.
4. Provide a systematic process to aid decision making by identifying
opportunities, issues, and concerns; collecting, organizing, and
analyzing information; and developing and considering a range of
management alternatives.
5. Provide a forum for determining the compatibility of uses on Flint
Hills NWR.
6. Ensure Service programs, other agencies, and the public have
opportunities to participate in management decision making for
Flint Hills NWR.
7. Provide a uniform basis for budget requests for operational,
maintenance, and capital development programs that accomplish
Flint Hills NWR and system purposes.
8. Provide a basis for monitoring progress and evaluating Plan
implementation on Flint Hills NWR.
9. Identify objectives and management strategies for Flint Hills
NWR leading to their achievement.
10. Provide long-term continuity in the management of Flint Hills
NWR.
18 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
The Ecosystem Approach to Management
The Service has adopted an ecosystem approach to more effectively
achieve its mission of fish and wildlife conservation for future generations.
The ecosystem approach is defined as protecting or restoring the natural
function, structure, and species composition of an ecosystem while
recognizing that all components are interrelated.
Ecosystem management includes preservation of the natural biological
diversity, ecosystem health, and sustainable levels of economic and recreational
activity. This approach emphasizes the identification of goals that represent
resource priorities on which all parts of the Service will collectively focus their
efforts. These cross program partnerships within the Service and partnerships
with outside entities assist in the identification of common resource goals and
contribute to the accomplishment of those goals in an effective and timely manner.
The Service has defined 52 ecosystems within the United States, based primarily
on watershed designations. In order to implement the ecosystem approach, the
Service has established ecosystem teams consisting of members representing the
various field stations and programs within the Service in any given area. The
Refuge plays an integral role in the coordination of, and is an active participant
in, projects identified by the ecosystem team as priority projects in order to
accomplish the overall goals of the team. Management decisions incorporate
pertinent biological and socio-economic parameters within the ecosystem
(Map #2).
The Arkansas/Red Rivers Ecosystem
Flint Hills NWR is part of the Arkansas/Red Rivers Ecosystem. This ecosystem
contains approximately 245,000 square miles and extends from the Rocky
Mountains to the bayous of Louisiana and contains all of Oklahoma and
parts of seven other states. Flint Hills NWR is located in the north-central
portion of this ecoregion. Threats to important fish and wildlife resources
in this system include construction and operation of stream impoundments,
improperly conducted livestock grazing, and further fragmentation of the
prairie ecosystem. Opportunities exist to improve grazing regimes and
work with Federal, State, and local agencies, as well as private organizations, to
gain information and to better manage the declining resources in the Flint
Hills NWR ecoregion. The Refuge plays an integral role in the participation and
coordination of various projects identified by the ecosystem team as priority
projects in order to accomplish the overall goal of the team.
Based upon a broad set of issues identifiable throughout the entire defined
Ecosystem, the Service has developed a management goal and a set of sub-goals.
The Ecosystem goal is “To protect, restore, and maintain viable levels of biotic
diversity within the Arkansas Red/Rivers Ecosystem.” Sub-goals of the plan
include:
n Recovering federal and state listed threatened and endangered species and
their habitats and ensuring that species not currently listed are managed to
avoid a future need to list them under the Endangered Species Act.
n Maintaining migratory bird populations at healthy levels.
n Reversing declining trends in quality and quantity of riparian/wetland
habitats.
n Restoring, maintaining, and enhancing the species composition, aerial
extent, and spatial distribution or riparian/wetland habitats.
n Protecting, restoring, and maintaining native fish and aquatic communities
and to promote sport fisheries management where native fish and other
aquatic organisms are not adversely affected.
n Protecting, maintaining, and restoring upland terrestrial communities
at the landscape level.
n Interpreting the link between healthy, stable ecosystems and human/
community health.
n Protecting and enhancing water quality and quantity for aquatic,
wetland, and riparian habitat.
To view the Arkansas/Red Rivers Ecosystem Plan, please refer to Appendix G.
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 19
20 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 21
Refuge and Ecosystem Planning Issues and Opportunities
The following is a list of the major issues that confront the Flint Hills NWR
programs. An issue is an area of concern or an opportunity identified
through the planning process that requires more intensive management
efforts or decisions to change the Services’s approach to future management
planning. Examples include Service initiatives, opportunities, management
problems, threats to the resources, conflicts in uses, public concerns, and
undesirable resource conditions. Issues are identified by input and
feedback from sources within the Service, a variety of other government
agencies, NGO’s, and the public.
The issues identified in the planning process present various challenges for
the Service and the Refuge staff. However, the process of resolving these
issues provides several opportunities that further the mission of the Refuge
and benefit the natural resources of the Arkansas/Red Rivers Ecosystem.
The issues with associated challenges and opportunities are identified
below:
Issue 1. Habitat Management
The restoration and maintenance of native habitats on the Refuge is essential
for effective wildlife management. Historic records, databases, and other
information can be utilized to determine the natural conditions and processes
that should be restored on the Refuge. This baseline assessment is essential
for determining what habitat restoration actions should be conducted and
as a method for gauging the success of habitat restoration and maintenance
activities. Restoration may involve strategies such as prescribed burning,
exotic species control, or hydrological restoration and maintenance. The
intermittent flood hydrology of the Neosho River Basin above the John
Redmond Reservoir poses serious problems for all management activities
on the Refuge. At high pool level, 95 percent of the Refuge may be flooded
for extended periods of time. These flood events can result in damage to
facilities, nature trails, roads, embankments, and water control structures.
Flood events can also result in the extermination of desired vegetation
types and add to the introduction of exotic species.
Challenge: Restoration and management efforts must take into account
and prepare for the effects of flooding on the Refuge. Many conventional
management and restoration techniques are not tolerant of the flooding
conditions likely to be encountered. Techniques used in habitat management
for the Refuge must be flood tolerant. Management efforts would rely
more on the harnessing of natural processes and may therefore take longer
to accomplish. Implementation of various land management practices
include assisting area landowners to modify farming practices to reduce
erosion and sedimentation and improve water quality.
Opportunity: Due to the seasonal abundance of water, increased ability
exists to restore wetlands and conduct moist soils management for the
benefit of wildlife.
22 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Issue 2. Public Use, Environmental Education, and Public
Outreach
The Refuge has had a history of recreational public use and access for
wildlife-dependent recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, and
wildlife viewing. Increasing the quality of wildlife-dependent activities, as
well as allowing for increased public use, is a major challenge, especially
when considering the damage and disruptions caused by periodic flooding.
Challenge: Construction and maintenance of flood tolerant nature trails,
viewing blinds, and other essential structures would require long-term
commitment, effort, and a flexible approach.
Opportunity: Increasing environmental education, as well as public outreach,
would be possible by utilizing the expanded visitor center and increased
educational activities on and off the Refuge. Activities such as hiking,
environmental interpretation, wildlife photography, and wildlife viewing
could occur at increased levels on the Refuge. Compatibility determinations
and documentation to determine appropriate locations and levels of public
use activities would need to be continued.
The acquisition of an Outdoor Recreation Planner (ORP) position for the
Refuge is seen as vital to the success of the environmental education and
public outreach program.
Issue 3. Cultural Resources Management
Flint Hills NWR has been inventoried systematically for archaeological
sites. One of the sites identified is of national significance. Continued
coordination with the appropriate State agencies is needed to ensure the
protection of significant sites. Educational outreach and appropriate law
enforcement are two possible strategies to improve cultural resources
protection.
Challenge: Develop additional strategies and methods for protecting and
preserving identified sites.
Opportunity: Provide interpretive information regarding cultural resources
for the public in the form of pamphlets or the incorporation of interpretive
information kiosks into current and future public access trails and areas.
Issue 4. Interagency Coordination
Coordination with other agencies and institutions is essential for accomplishing
Refuge goals and to ensure success of the management program. Proposed
permanent increases in the John Redmond Reservoir pool elevations would
cause inundation of some current public use facilities. Close coordination
and negotiation with the Corps and other agencies would be needed to
mitigate these impacts.
Challenge: To coordinate reservoir level manipulation in times of drought
or increased rain events to benefit fish and wildlife resources. Proposed
permanent increases in John Redmond Reservoir pool elevations may need
to be mitigated.
Opportunity: Continued close cooperation with the Corps would allow for
the continued manipulation of reservoir levels for the benefit of wildlife.
Examples are the drawdown of the reservoir to allow for shorebird habitat
and vegetation growth that would provide waterfowl forage when the
reservoir is full.
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 23
Issue 5. Staffing and Funding
Currently, the Refuge staff consists of eight permanent full-time employees.
Additional staff is needed to ensure the accomplishment of the management
plan goals. Acquisition of funding for proposed actions is one limiting factor
in the accomplishment of Refuge goals.
Challenge: Acquiring funds to support proposed staffing increases.
Opportunity: The hiring of an ORP, biologist, biological science technician,
and maintenance worker are seen as needs to accomplish the goals of this
Plan.
Issue 6. Threatened and Endangered Species
Four threatened or endangered species are known to occur on the Refuge
or within the Neosho River drainage. These species are the bald eagle,
peregrine falcon, Neosho madtom fish, and the flat-floater mussel.
Challenge: Maintaining Refuge habitat, particularly in and along the
Neosho River, free from disturbance or impact that allows the continued
presence of healthy populations of these species.
Issue 7. Farming
Farming practices on national wildlife refuges is a controversial practice.
When the Refuge was established, approximately 14,000 acres were farmed.
Since that time, the acreage has been reduced to approximately 4,000
acres. Currently, farming on the Refuge is used as a management tool for
wildlife and to further accomplish Refuge objectives. Farmed acres will
continue to be reduced as needed to accomplish management objectives.
Challenge: Farmed acres would be continually reduced as croplands are
retired. These acres would be managed as wildlife habitat, i.e., wetlands,
buffer strips, moist soil units, etc.
Opportunity: Farming would be used as a management tool to produce
forage for wildlife and reduce depredation on neighboring lands.
24 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Ecosystem and Refuge
Resource Description
The Flint Hills NWR lies in the broad, flat Neosho River Valley in east-central
Kansas neighboring the native tallgrass prairie region of natural
scenic beauty (Map #3). The Refuge is named for the gently rolling Flint
Hills 30 miles to the west.
Flint Hills NWR, established in 1966, currently consists of 18,463 acres located at
the upstream end of the John Redmond Reservoir. The land is owned by the
Corps and is managed under a cooperative agreement. Refuge habitat
consists of 4,572 acres of wetlands, 1,400 acres of open water, 599 acres of
riparian wetlands on the Neosho River and associated creeks, 3,917 acres of
croplands, 3,200 acres of grasslands, 2,400 acres of woodlands, 2,255 acres of
brushlands, and 120 acres of administrative and recreational roadways.
The Refuge is managed primarily to benefit migrating and wintering
waterfowl in the Central Flyway. Thousands of ducks and geese utilize the
area during the spring and fall migrations and many winter on the Refuge.
A variety of management practices are utilized on the Refuge to meet the
needs of all wildlife, such as neotropical migrants, shorebirds, and native
plant communities. Feeding and resting areas for migratory birds are
provided through aggressive moist soil and cropland management programs.
In addition, farming practices and prescribed burning are used to provide
food and cover for waterfowl and resident species as well. Along with large
numbers of migrating birds, the Refuge is also a haven for white-tailed
deer, wild turkey, bobwhite quail, and an assortment of other mammals,
birds, reptiles, and insects.
In addition to the lands managed by Flint Hills NWR, the Corps has
licensed the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to manage 1,472
acres adjacent to the Refuge. This land is known as the Otter Creek Game
Management Area and is managed primarily for bobwhite quail, mourning
dove, wild turkey, cottontail rabbit, squirrel, and white-tailed deer.
The 3.05 billion dollar Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Plant, located eight miles
east of the Refuge, was commissioned for operation on September 3, 1985.
The nuclear power plant has a cooling reservoir of 5,500 acres (Coffey
County Lake) which has open water all year long. Wolf Creek has contracted
with the Kansas Water Office for the majority of the storage capacity of
John Redmond Reservoir. To transfer this water from John Redmond to
Wolf Creek, two 36 inch pumps and pipelines are located below the base of
the John Redmond Dam. Coffey County Lake is open to fishing but closed
to hunting and is used extensively by waterfowl (USFWS, 1997).
Area of Ecological Concern
Flint Hills NWR encompasses more than 18,000 acres in the floodplain of
the Neosho River near the town of Hartford, Kansas (Map #3). With an
average elevation of 1,050 feet above MSL, the Refuge straddles the Neosho
River at the upper end of the John Redmond Reservoir in Lyon and Coffey
Counties and the majority of the Refuge is in the flood pool of the Reservoir.
Most of the surrounding land is characterized by gently rolling prairies
now primarily agricultural land. The hydrology of the Neosho River and
the John Redmond Reservoir profoundly effects management practices
and most of the Refuge land uses. In addition, the land management
practices conducted by the Refuge have an effect on the hydrology and
natural resources within the Neosho River watershed. The broader area of
ecological concern is the Neosho River basin. The Refuge was established
under a cooperative management agreement with the Corps to provide
habitat for migratory waterfowl in the Central Flyway. The major management
objective for Flint Hills NWR focuses on protecting the unique Refuge
habitats essential for the survival of the diverse species that utilize the
Refuge.
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 25
26 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 27
Vegetation
Refuge habitat consists of approximately 4,572 acres of wetlands, 1,400
acres of open water, 599 acres of riparian wetlands on the Neosho River
and associated creeks, 3,917 acres of croplands, 3,200 acres of grasslands,
2,400 acres of woodlands, 2,255 acres of brushlands, and 120 acres of
administrative and recreational roadways.
The Refuge provides habitat for a myriad of plant species. A summary of
the more common species is contained in the table below:
(Oblinger-Smith Corp., 1982, USFWS, 1997)
For a complete list of plants found on the Refuge, please refer to Appendix A.
Traditionally, retired farm fields were targeted for native grass restoration.
Several restoration sites were destroyed due to flood events since 1993.
Only a few protected areas located on higher elevated sites would now be
considered for native prairie restoration. Johnson grass and Sericea
lespedeza, both considered noxious weeds, have been difficult to control.
Chemical application within a floodplain is a concern and, therefore, other
methods of control are being explored, i.e., mechanical and biological
control.
Vegetation of Flint Hills NWR
Acres Habitat Type Common Species
4,572 Wetlands smartweed, common millet/barnyard grass,
buttonbush, willow, sedge, cocklebur, and
foxtail grass
599 Riparian cottonwood, ash, sycamore, hackberry, locust,
walnut, elm, and silver maple as well as
bittersweet, greenbrier, dogwood, American
plum, gooseberry, buckbrush, moonseed,
dock, ragweed, nettle, and violets
3,200 Grasslands big bluestem, little bluestem, Indian grass,
switch grass, prairie cord grass, rice cutgrass,
dropseed, and foxtail
2,255 Brushlands buckbrush, greenbrier, dogwood, American
plum, and wild grape
2,400 Woodlands cottonwood, willow, ash, pecan, red oak, bur
oak, silver maple, redbud, Osage orange,
mulberry, American elm, Chinese elm, walnut,
hackberry, and sycamore
3,917 Croplands corn, milo, soybean, winter wheat, alfalfa, and
sunflowers
28 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Waterfowl Counts 1993-1997
Year Canada
Geese
Snow
Geese
White-fronted
Geese
Ducks
1997 1,400 21,305 2,800 33,535
1996 2,561 20,000 1,215 39,570
1995 3,000 9,100 4,000 48,750
1994 3,100 20,000 1,900 44,550
1993 2,500 31,000 650 16,400
Wildlife
Flint Hills NWR offers a diverse assortment of wildlife species. The various
habitats present on the Refuge support a variety of species of mammals,
birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Mammals common to the Refuge are
white-tailed deer, coyote, beaver, opossum, raccoon, bobcat, cottontail
rabbit, fox squirrel, and other small mammals. River otters have also been
reported on the Refuge since their reintroduction several years ago on the
Cottonwood River upstream of the Neosho River (reference used to verify
mammal scientific names, Burt and Grossenheider 1976).
Bird species commonly seen on the Refuge include an abundance of waterfowl
such as Canada goose, snow goose, white-fronted goose, mallard, northern pintail,
and blue-winged teal. Marsh and water birds on the Refuge include American
white pelican, great (common) egret, snowy egret, great blue heron, little blue
heron, green-backed heron, American bittern, least bittern, double-crested
cormorant, and pied-billed grebe. Shorebirds, gulls, and terns seen on the Refuge
include greater yellowlegs, dowitchers, ring-billed gull, Franklin’s gull, and
Forester’s tern. Raptors include red-tailed hawk, northern harrier, Swainson’s
hawk, Cooper’s hawk, great horned owl and sharp-shinned hawk. Other common
birds are bobwhite quail, wild turkey, and eastern bluebird (references used to
verify bird scientific names included DeGraaf, and Rappole 1995; Ehrlich et al.
1988; National Geographic Society, 1987; and Peterson, 1961).
Fish found on the Refuge include carp, channel catfish, white bass, crappie,
and flathead catfish. It should be noted that the collection of wildlife
inventory data is still ongoing and new species are found periodically. For
an inventory of wildlife species, see Appendices B through E.
Waterfowl management has been the primary focus of many management
strategies over the years. While the wildlife management perspective has
broadened, waterfowl continues to be a major focus and the numbers of
waterfowl give an indication of the intrinsic value of the Refuge. The table
below includes the waterfowl counts from 1993 to 1997 and gives an
indication of the vast numbers of birds that utilize the Refuge.
(USFWS, 1997).
Threatened and Endangered Species
Two federally listed threatened birds are known to occur on the Refuge,
the bald eagle and the peregrine falcon. Peregrine falcons are observed
passing through the area during spring and fall migrations. Bald eagles generally
arrive in the late fall and spend the winter around the John Redmond Reservoir
and surrounding areas. Eagle use on the Refuge is monitored from October
through March and nesting attempts have been documented (USFWS, 1997).
In addition to the above mentioned species, the Neosho madtom is federally
listed threatened and the flat-floater mussel is listed as state endangered
and are known to occur within the Neosho River drainage and within the
Refuge boundary. For a complete listing of threatened and endangered
species, please refer to Appendix F.
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 29
Exotic Species
The most prevalent problems on the Refuge are the State and county listed
noxious weeds, Johnson grass and Sericea lespedeza. The Refuge is mandated by
State and county law to control the two species. Control efforts usually
consist of mowing and farming. Because the Refuge lies in a floodplain, the
use of pesticides and herbicides is restricted. An integrated pest management
approach is taken utilizing farm management practices, prescribed
burning, and chemical application. Biological controls are being investigated.
Another exotic species invasion which may become a problem in the future
is the zebra mussel which causes numerous filter clogging problems as well
as out-competing native species for food and habitat.
Climate
The climate of Flint Hills NWR and the surrounding region is typical of the
temperate continental climate. The average annual precipitation is 36.01
inches and temperatures range from below zero to above 100o F. The frost
free season averages 188 days a year.
Precipitation is usually heaviest in late spring and early summer. Normally
75 percent of the precipitation occurs during the growing season. Annual
snowfall averages about 14 inches with an average of 30 days with more
than a trace of snowfall. Winds in the area are predominately from the
south (USFWS, 1997).
Geology
The Refuge lies in a physiographic region known as the Osage Cuestas
(Oblinger-Smith Corp., 1982). The land forms in this area are of Pennsylvanian
age shales, limestone, sandstone, chert, and conglomerates that were
deposited in this area approximately 300 million years ago when Kansas
was covered by swamps and shallow seas. The Shawnee group of the
Virgilian series is the specific formation that the majority of the Refuge lies
on. To the west of the Refuge in the Flint Hills region, the formations are
of the Permian period, deposited approximately 250 million years ago.
Portions of the sediments deposited in the alluvium along the Neosho River
are eroded from this Permian formation (Oblinger-Smith Corp., 1982).
Soils
Soils on the Refuge are predominately productive Class I, II, III, and IV
soils of silty loam and silty clay loam (Map #4). While 27 different soil types
exist on the Refuge, the majority of the soils fall into the Class II rating
and are suited for cultivation, pasture, woodlands, or wildlife (Oblinger-
Smith Corp., 1982).
30 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Water Management
Flint Hills NWR is located within
the Neosho River and Eagle Creek
flood pool of the John Redmond
Reservoir which was constructed by
the Corps as a flood control project.
When the reservoir is at normal
conservation pool, very little
Refuge land is inundated. Water
management on the Refuge is
dependent on the relative abundance
of water available. During abundant
water periods, as much as 95
percent of the Refuge may be
inundated by flooding from the
rising pool level of John Redmond
Reservoir. Floods of this severity
are not uncommon (1973, 1985,
1986, 1993, 1995, and 1998). Most
precipitation is received during the
spring and some degree of flooding
can be expected, while fall flooding
of the Reservoir is less common.
During drought periods, or other
periods of low precipitation,
pumping may be necessary to
sustain wetlands and maintain
wildlife habitat (USFWS, 1997).
Flint Hills NWR has two types of
water rights. The Certificates of
Appropriation allow for either
pumping or natural flow diversion
for recreational purposes which
includes fish and wildlife. Eighteen
Certificates are approved for the
diversion of water from the natural
flows of the Neosho River and its
tributaries by low profile dikes.
Ten additional Certificates cover
the pumping of water from the
Neosho River and its tributaries
into constructed and natural
wetlands (Map #5). One approved
Permit remains for natural flows
that has not yet been certified.
Approved Certificates of
Appropriation, their type, and
acre-feet authorized are listed in
the table to the right.
Water Rights - Flint Hills NWR -
All Recreational Use (to include
fish and wildlife.)
Water Unit Certificate
No.
Diversion
Type
Acre-feet
Bench Marsh Unit
Bench
Lower Bench
West Bench
38,287
39,580
Permit 42,848
Natural Flow
Natural Flow
Natural Flow
500
125
156
Beschka Marsh 38,280
38,282
Pump
Natural Flow
73
150
Boes Marsh 21,939 Natural Flow 60
Burgess Marsh 38,278
38,279
Pump
Natural Flow
206
300
Coon Hamman-Indian
Hills Unit
Coon Hamman --
7 Pools Combined
Indian Hills --
17,606
38,274
17,601
38,275
Pump
Natural Flow
Pump
Natural Flow
19
80
205
330
Goose Bend Marsh 17,609
38,276
Pump
Natural Flow
172
200
Hammerton Marsh 38,286
38,285
Pump
Natural Flow
90
180
Hartford Unit
Hartford/Maxwell (Pools 2&3)
Hartford (Pools 1&2)
Maxwell MSU (Pool 3)
39,581
38,283
39,115
Pump
Natural Flow
Natural Flow
476
300
270
Lairds Pond 13,712 Natural Flow 70
Monypeny Pond 5,336 Natural Flow 6
Palin Slough 38,273
38,271
Pump
Natural Flow
25
25
Pintail Marsh 21,938 Natural Flow 110
Rummel Marsh 38,284
38,277
Pump
Natural Flow
100
100
Strawn Flats 38,281 Natural Flow 110
Troublesome Unit
Troublesome East
Troublesome
39,582
5,339
Pump
Natural Flow
106
30
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 31
32 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
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34 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 35
Cultural and Historic Resources Features
Archaeological survey investigations conducted on the Flint Hills NWR have
identified numerous archaeological sites. The majority of these sites
represent Middle Ceramic occupation presumed to date from 1,000 to
1,500 A.D. According to Thies (1981), the archaeological sites thus far
discovered represent occupations ranging from the Paleo-Indian era up to
and including the Historic era, or from approximately 12,000 B.C. to the
earliest days of Euro-American settlement. Thies goes on to say it is probable
that more sites exist in the areas which could not be adequately investigated
during the 1979 and earlier surveys. One archaeological site of note, the
Williamson Site, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Human remains have been discovered at that site. A number of the identified
sites have been recommended for preservation and further study (Thies
1981). Coordination with the appropriate authorities would be required should
any construction activities take place in the vicinity of the identified sites.
Socio-economic Features
The Refuge is located in Lyon and Coffey Counties. The combined population
of these counties, according to 1997 estimates, is 42,826. The population of
Hartford is approximately 550. The socio-economic impacts of the Refuge
on Lyon and Coffey Counties consists primarily of permitted public use,
contributions of the staff, and supplies purchased within the counties for
the Refuge.
In 1997, 53,565 visits were recorded at the Refuge. While many of the visits
may be local or repeat visitors, the visitation rate represents considerable
economic benefit to Lyon and Coffey Counties.
Lyon and Coffey Counties have significant agricultural resources. The
percentage of land in farms for both counties average about 88 percent in
1992 and the combined farm acres for both counties was 839,027. In 1996 in
both counties, an estimated 1,829 people were employed on farms as well
as 285 agricultural service employees out of a combined total civilian labor
force of 23,065. Approximately 9 percent of the labor force for the combined
counties is involved in agriculture or agricultural services (IPPBR 1999).
Cooperative farming agreements have resulted in the annual cultivation of
almost 4,000 acres of Refuge land (Map #6).
36 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Public Use
Public use activities currently permitted at the Refuge include wildlife
observation, hiking, photography, sight-seeing, boating, picnicking,
camping, fishing, wild food gathering, and hunting (Map #7 and 8). Fish
bait collecting is allowed for personal use only and firewood cutting is also
allowed with a special permit from the Refuge Manger. All State and
Federal regulations are in effect on the Refuge (USFWS, 1997).
Refuge Staffing
Current Refuge staff consists of the following 12 positions, 10 of which are
full-time positions:
Refuge Manager GS-14
Supervisor Refuge Operations Specialist GS-12/13
Fish and Wildlife Biologist (Private Lands) GS-7/9/11
Wildlife Biologist GS-9/11
Administrative Support Assistant GS-7
Bio-Science Tech GS-8
Biological Aid GS-3
Maintenance Mechanic WG-9
Engineering Equipment Operator WG-10
Fire Management Officer GS-7/9
Range Technician GS-4
Range Technician GS-5
For a proposed full level staffing chart, please refer to Proposed Funding
and Personnel section.
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 37
38 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 39
40 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 41
42 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 43
Flint Hills NWR
Management Program
Flint Hills NWR was established to provide habitat for migratory birds, and in so
doing, serves as an inviolate sanctuary providing habitats for many other species
of wildlife and plants. This purpose is fundamental in determining the
Refuge mission. Both the purpose and mission are the foundation of
Refuge management, the direction of which is guided by general goals with
specific objectives. The protection of natural resources and the conservation of
endangered or threatened species is the first priority in Refuge management;
public uses are secondary as long as the activities are compatible with
wildlife conservation. As appropriate, opportunities for the development of
wildlife-oriented recreational development are considered. Specific projects
or strategies within each objective are identified as a means of attaining the
Refuge vision.
Guide for present and future management direction
The objectives and strategies presented are the Service’s response to the
issues and concerns expressed by the planning team and the public. These
objectives and strategies reflect the Service’s commitment to achieve the
mandates of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997,
the mission of the System, The Arkansas/Red Rivers Ecosystem Plan, the
North American Waterfowl Management Plan, and the purpose, vision, and
goals for Flint Hills NWR.
Objectives with measurable outcomes will guide the Refuge staff in a consistent
direction toward the accomplishment of each goal beginning with short-term
objectives and strategies to occur within five years followed by implementation of
long-term strategies within 5 to 15 years. The time frame for implementing
objectives may vary depending on funding, staff support, and Service
directives. Due to the fact that the Flint Hills NWR CCP is a working
document, modifications to the following objectives and strategies are
anticipated. Where applicable, the Refuge Operating Needs System
(RONS) project has been included with the associated strategy.
Special Note of Management Constraints
The Army Corps of Engineers retains control and authority over all operations at
the John Redmond Reservoir, including pool level, which can change
drastically year-to-year. The periodic flooding of the Neosho River Basin
above the reservoir poses serious problems for all management activities
on the Refuge. At high pool level, 95 percent of the Refuge may be flooded
for extended periods of time. These flood events can result in damage to
facilities, nature trails, roads, embankments, and water control structures.
They can also exterminate desired vegetation types and add to the introduction of
exotic species.
This unnatural and uncontrollable flood pattern calls for continual adaptive
management and, at times, unusual management strategies. For instance,
many native plant communities cannot withstand extensive and prolonged
floods. Therefore, carefully selected more flood-resistant nonnative plant
species that also benefit wildlife (cover, forage) may be the best way to achieve
some Refuge goals. Similarly, setting specific acreage treatment objectives
is not always practical because the Refuge staff does not know how much land
will be flooded year-to-year, making project planning difficult. As an additional
consideration, it would be a poor use of limited funds and resources to
invest in costly and extensive projects that are not likely to withstand
major flood events.
For these reasons, some strategies normally available for Refuge management
may not be utilized here. Specific measurable objectives have been set
where feasible. Elsewhere, objectives and strategies establish a framework
in which work will proceed, with progress being the measurable factor, not
specific numerical targets.
44 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Biological Diversity, Land Protection, Wildlife,
and Habitat Protection
Goal 1: To restore, enhance, and protect the natural diversity on the Flint
Hills NWR including threatened and endangered species by
appropriate management of habitat and wildlife resources on
Refuge lands and by strengthening existing and establishing new
cooperative efforts with public and private stakeholders.
Objective 1: Restore and maintain native grassland and riparian
communities within the Refuge to meet the needs of native flora and fauna.
Rationale for Objective: Native tallgrass prairies have been reduced to
less than 5 percent of the historic amount in North America. Riparian
communities support diversity and have high wildlife values.
Strategies
3 Within two years following funding approval, develop a biological
monitoring program managed by a Wildlife Biologist. The program
would include conducting biological inventory studies and habitat
surveys to gather baseline information to evaluate impacts of
management decisions on the Refuge. Hire a GS-9/11 Wildlife Biologist
in 2000 (RONS Projects).
3 Strengthen existing and develop new cooperative efforts with Federal
and State agencies, and private landowners regarding interrelationships
between wildlife, livestock, hydrology, public use, and the ecosystem.
Throughout the term of this Plan, the Refuge would provide technical
assistance to landowners on land management issues.
3 Maintain approximately a 200-foot wide buffer strip on each side of the
Neosho River to preserve riparian habitat. Assess the need to increase
the width of the buffer zone where terrain conditions and habitat needs
require additional protection.
3 Gradually reduce farmed acres to allow for the development of riparian
zones, field buffer strips, wetlands, and prairie grassland and bottomland
hardwood restoration. Approximately 75 acres of habitat would be
restored annually.
3 Utilize available management tools to control noxious weeds on the
Refuge. These tools include but are not limited to biological, chemical,
mechanical (farming, mowing), prescribed fire, and timber management.
3 Within 10 years, restore 400 acres of native prairie sites that have been
invaded by noxious weeds. Biological control would be the preferred
method but chemical, mechanical, and burning methods as well as
reseeding may need to be utilized. (RONS Project)
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 45
Objective 2: Maintain and restore habitat for native wildlife including
invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and provide wintering
grounds for waterfowl.
Rationale for Objective: While the Refuge has historically been managed
primarily for the benefit of migratory waterfowl in the Central Flyway, the
purposes of the Refuge state that the Refuge would be managed for the
“conservation, maintenance, and management of wildlife resources.” In
order to provide the life requirements for the native species that have
historically inhabited the Refuge, habitat needs to be provided and maintained.
Additionally, lesser known native species need to be researched to determine their
possible presence and habitat needs.
Strategies
3 Monitor wildlife populations including neotropical migrants (i.e.,
passerine, shorebirds, marsh birds, and waterfowl), reptiles, amphibians,
and mammals on a periodic basis.
3 Provide food, habitat, and feeding areas for migratory and resident bird
populations (i.e., shorebirds, marsh birds, waterfowl, and neotropical
migrants) through crop production, wetland restoration, and moist soil
and riparian area management.
3 Promote research and conservation of lesser known native species,
typically amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, invertebrates, and
native vegetation. Address potential hazards from zebra mussels and
other exotic invasions.
3 Identify, protect, and maintain/restore sites where habitats of concern
are found. These sites include but are not limited to wet meadows,
oxbows, virgin/native prairie, and bottomland hardwoods.
Objective 3: Follow existing recovery plan objectives, manage, monitor,
and study threatened, endangered, and candidate species such as the bald
eagle, peregrine falcon, Neosho madtom, and flat-floater mussel, their
habitat requirements, predator susceptibility, exotic species encroachment,
and human induced impacts to prevent further decline and eventual loss.
Rationale for Objective: Any threatened or endangered species found on
the Refuge should receive the consideration of habitat management
decisions that enhance the survival of the species by providing appropriate
protection to enhance the existing Refuge habitat for that species.
Strategies
3 Provide protected habitat free from disturbance (i.e., all terrain vehicles,
hunting, aircraft, trampling, etc.) as required to protect sensitive
species on a case-by-case basis through opportunistic management
practices such as temporary or seasonal road closures.
3 Support education about local endangered species for area schools and
NGO’s by conducting informative talks and promoting research of
habitat requirements, population dynamics, and the problems
endangered and threatened species face in the Ecosystem.
46 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Objective 4: Utilize appropriate fire management strategies and tactics to
maintain, protect, and/or restore Refuge habitats. Fire management would
comprise approximately 10 percent of the total annual habitat management
capabilities on the Refuge.
Rationale for Objective: Fire is a useful management tool for the restoration
and maintenance of Refuge habitats.
Strategies
3 Suppress wildfires, including trespass fires, in a safe, efficient, cost
effective manner consistent with resources and values at risk. This will
vary from aggressive initial attack to allowing fires to burn themselves
out.
3 Utilize minimum impact strategies and tactics to minimize environmental
impacts in both wildfire suppression and prescribed fire operations.
3 Prescribed fire will be used to modify vegetative communities for
improved habitat for native flora and fauna, ecosystem function, and
hazard fuel reduction.
3 Cooperate with other agencies in wildfire suppression and prescribed
fire operations.
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 47
Hydrological Restoration and Water Quality
Goal 2: To restore and maintain a hydrological system for the Neosho
River drainage by managing for wetlands (Map #9), control of
exotic species, and management of trust responsibilities for the
maintenance of plant and animal communities.
Objective 1: Restore a more natural hydrology to the reach of the Neosho
River and its associated wetlands within the Refuge boundaries in order to
benefit native aquatic and riparian plant and animal communities. Restore
approximately 600 acres of habitat to more natural conditions.
Rationale for Objective: With the construction of the John Redmond
Reservoir, native habitats have been lost as a result of man-made impacts.
Restoration of those portions of habitat that can be restored to more
natural conditions would benefit the native wildlife (Map #10).
Strategies
3 Within five years, restore the hydrology of wetlands that were drained
for farming, road construction, and other developments. Approximately
600 acres are to be restored to more natural conditions. (RONS
Project)
3 Continue to develop communication and cooperative efforts concerning
ongoing projects within the area that affect channel morphology with
the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Corps.
3 Update the comprehensive Water Management Plan to provide guidance
for the management of existing and potential water rights for natural
and man-made wetlands within the Refuge.
3 Within 15 years, develop and maintain a total of approximately 3,500
acres as moist soil units.
3 Conduct a long-term contaminant monitoring program on the Refuge
using the September 1999 Contaminant Assessment Report (Appendix J)
as a baseline.
48 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Objective 2: Protect and conserve populations of aquatic species designated
as endangered, threatened, or species of concern.
Rationale for Objective: Any threatened or endangered species found on
the Refuge should receive the consideration of habitat management decisions
that enhance the survival of the species by providing appropriate protection
and enhance the existing Refuge habitat for that species.
Strategies
3 Develop cooperative management strategies with other Federal, State,
and NGO’s to support maintenance and restoration of habitats supporting (or
potentially supporting) native communities with special emphasis on
federal and state listed species.
3 Assist in developing and revising recovery plans for listed species found
on the Refuge.
3 Promote a public outreach campaign that stresses the importance of
restoring endangered species and their relationship to sound
ecosystem management.
Objective 3: Develop and support ongoing resource management practices
that emphasize the control of invasive species.
Rationale for Objective: Due to the introduction of nonnative species,
including state listed noxious weeds, native vegetation has been replaced
by exotic species. Control of these species on the Refuge is a difficult task.
Constant vigilance and control efforts are required to preserve habitats on
the Refuge.
Strategies
3 Control nonnative vegetation in riparian areas of the Neosho River and
its tributaries through succession.
3 Within five years, retire approximately 600 acres of cropland to allow
for the development of buffer strips adjacent to riparian zones and
wetlands.
3 Continue to participate and cooperate with the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) and other organizations in approved biological
efforts to control exotic species. The Refuge would provide test study
sites when practical.
3 Utilize interactions with the public (media releases, public meetings,
etc.) to disseminate information on the negative impacts that most
nonnative species have on native species and the natural ecosystem as
a whole.
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 49
50 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 51
52 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 53
Public Use, Recreation, Wildlife Interpretation, and Education
Goal 3: Provide opportunities for wildlife-dependent public access and
recreational opportunities to include compatible forms of hunting,
fishing, wildlife observation, photography, interpretation, and
educational activities.
Objective 1: Maintain and improve quality wildlife-dependent recreational
opportunities on the Refuge.
Rationale for Objective: Wildlife-dependent recreation is a priority as
mandated by the Wildlife Improvement Act of 1997.
Strategies
3 Within two years of funding approval, formulate and implement a
comprehensive Public Use Plan. This Plan would address all forms of
public use and access.
3 Following funding approval, add a GS-5/7/9 ORP position to develop
and conduct the Outdoor Recreation Program which would include off
Refuge outreach programs. (RONS Project)
3 Develop a visitor service center.
Objective 2: Provide compatible hunting and fishing opportunities.
Rationale for Objective: While hunting currently occurs on the Refuge,
the value and quality of the activity could be improved through close
cooperation with other agencies and through careful management of
hunting access. Law enforcement would play a vital part in monitoring the
hunting and other public use activities on the Refuge.
Strategies
3 Add one full-time law enforcement officer to be shared between Flint
Hills NWR and Marais des Cygnes NWR. (RONS Project)
3 Use local media and other public outreach tools to keep the public
informed and to enhance hunting and fishing on the Refuge.
3 Maintain the quality of the fishing and hunting opportunities on the
Refuge by utilizing road closures and access restrictions.
54 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Objective 3: Improve existing and/or develop new compatible recreational
opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography at Flint Hills NWR to
allow for increases in public use.
Rationale for Objective: Over the years, wildlife viewing and wildlife
photography have become more popular with the public. To meet this
increased demand, additional facilities and programs are needed.
Strategies
3 Following funding approval, develop two viewing and photography
blinds with access trails. The blinds would be flood tolerant and/or
removable to avoid damage during the flood season. (RONS Project)
3 Following funding approval, enhance three existing nature trails for
public use. (RONS Project)
3 Following funding approval, develop informational and interpretive
signs on the Refuge. (RONS Project)
3 Use local media and public outreach to inform the public about
opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography at Flint Hills NWR.
Objective 4: Promote understanding of the Service’s mission and the
Refuge’s role in wildlife conservation.
Rationale for Objective: Educational activities and public outreach are
essential to inform and educate the public about recreational opportunities
and public use on the Refuge.
Strategies
3 Revise and expand brochures to inform and educate the public regarding
the Service mission and the recreational and educational opportunities
provided by the Refuge. (RONS Project)
3 Conduct school and educational programs that include field activities
throughout the year. (RONS Project)
3 Host on-site events and participate in community events to promote
the Refuge and the Service.
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 55
Cultural Resources
Goal 4: To protect, manage, and interpret cultural resources on the Flint
Hills NWR for the benefit of present and future generations.
Objective 1: Protect cultural resources on the Refuge in compliance with
all applicable Federal mandates.
Rationale for Objective: The presence of cultural resources on the Refuge
has been documented as required by Federal mandates.
Strategies
3 Verify locations of known cultural resources using GPS technologies.
3 Sample inventory one-third of the Refuge to determine if additional
cultural resources exist.
3 Utilize standard law enforcement practices and strategies to protect
identified and unidentified cultural resources.
3 Revegetate cultural resource sites to stabilize the surface area while at
the same time reduce the site’s visibility.
Objective 2: Interpret the cultural resources of the Refuge and educate the
Refuge visitor to foster appreciation and understanding of current and past
cultures.
Rationale for Objective: As public use increases, increased efforts to
educate the public and protect cultural resources would be needed.
Strategies
3 Within three years following funding approval, prepare an information
pamphlet for distribution from the visitor center concerning the nature,
value, and need for protection of cultural resources on the Refuge.
3 Install interpretive panels to inform the public of the nature, value,
and need for protection of cultural resources on the Refuge.
Interagency Coordination and Relations
Goal 5: To strengthen interagency and jurisdictional relationships in order
to coordinate efforts with respect to Refuge and surrounding area
issues resulting in decisions benefitting fish and wildlife resources
while at the same time avoiding duplication of effort.
Objective 1: Cultivate interagency, jurisdictional and community relationships to
support the Refuge mission.
Rationale for Objective: Because the Refuge is on land owned by the
Corps and managed under an agreement with the Corps, close cooperation
with the Corps is essential. Additionally, numerous other groups and
communities have interests in the operations of the Refuge.
Strategies
3 Continue to develop a close relationship with the Corps and other
stakeholders that would define and implement policies and requirements
that concern the Refuge.
3 Develop a stronger relationship with local agencies, landowners, counties,
and other stakeholders to influence land development adjacent to the
Refuge in a way that would benefit wildlife.
3 Develop a Refuge support group to improve community involvement.
3 Work closely with the Corps to help mitigate impacts from proposed
increased pool elevations.
56 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Improvement of Staffing, Funding, and Facilities
Goal 6: Improve staffing, funding, and facilities that would result in long-term
enhancement of habitat and wildlife resources in the area of
ecological concern and support the achievement of the goals of this
Plan and the goals of the System.
Objective 1: Increase staffing to the “Proposed Staffing Level” or its
equivalent in order to provide the level of support needed to accomplish the
goals of this Plan.
Rationale for Objective: In order to accomplish Refuge goals and objectives,
additional staff would be required. Additionally, foreseeable increases in
public use would be difficult to accommodate without additional staff.
Strategies
3 Add additional staff required to support the goals of this Plan.
3 Utilize internal mechanisms such as RONS to justify and acquire the
additional funding and personnel to accomplish Refuge goals within 15
years.
3 Pursue agreements with other interested agencies and public partners
to provide the needed personnel and funds to accomplish Refuge goals.
Objective 2: Improve facilities in order to provide the infrastructure needed to
accomplish the goals of this Plan.
Rationale for Objective: Facilities provide the infrastructure that allows
the accomplishment of all Refuge goals and activities. Periodic improvements,
replacements, and additions are an integral part of the development of the
Refuge.
Strategies
3 Construct an all steel storage building to store heavy equipment to
better protect and preserve equipment and comply with current
contaminant control regulations. (RONS Project)
3 Construct a fire equipment storage facility. (RONS Project)
3 Construct housing for seasonal fire fighting personnel. (RONS Project)
3 Expand office space to accommodate additional staff.
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 57
Legal, Policy, Administrative
Guidelines, and Other
Special Considerations
This Section outlines current legal, administrative, and policy guidelines
for the management of national wildlife refuges. It begins with the more
general considerations such as laws and executive orders for the Service,
and moves toward those guidelines that apply specifically to the Flint Hills
NWR.
This unit also includes sections dealing with specially designated sites such
as historical landmarks and archaeological sites, all of which carry with
them specific direction by law and/or policy. In addition, consideration is
given to guidance prompted by other formal and informal natural resource
planning and research efforts.
All the legal, administrative, policy, and planning guidelines provide the
framework within which management activities are proposed and developed.
This guidance also provides the framework for the enhancement of cooperation
between the Flint Hills NWR and other surrounding jurisdictions in the
ecosystem.
Legal Mandates
Administration of the refuges takes into account a number of laws. These
statutes are considered to be the law of the land as are executive orders
promulgated by the President. The following is a list of most of the pertinent
statutes establishing legal parameters and policy direction to the National
Wildlife Refuge System. Included are those statutes and mandates pertaining to
the management of the Flint Hills NWR.
For those laws that provide special guidance and have strong implications
relevant to the Service or Flint Hills NWR, legal summaries are offered in
Appendix H. Many of the summaries have been taken from The Evolution
of National Wildlife Law (Bean 1985). For the bulk of applicable laws and
other mandates, legal summaries are available upon request.
58 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Agency-Wide Policy Directions
Fish and Wildlife Service Agency Mission — Since the early 1900s, the
Service mission and purpose has evolved, while holding on to a fundamental
national commitment to threatened wildlife ranging from the endangered
bison to migratory birds of all types. The earliest national wildlife refuges
and preserves are examples of this. Pelican Island, the first refuge, was
established in 1903 for the protection of colonial nesting birds such as the
snowy egret and the endangered brown pelican. The National Bison Range
was instituted for the endangered bison in 1906. Malheur National Wildlife
Refuge was established in Oregon in 1908 to benefit all migratory birds
with emphasis on colonial nesting species on Malheur Lake. It was not
until the 1930s that the focus of refuge programs began to shift toward
protection of migratory waterfowl (i.e., ducks and geese). As a result of
drought conditions in the 1930s, waterfowl populations became severely
depleted. The special emphasis of the Service (then called the Bureau of
Sport Fisheries and Wildlife) during the next several decades was on the
restoration of critically depleted migratory waterfowl populations.
The passage of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 refocused the
activities of the Service as well as other governmental agencies. This Act
mandated the conservation of threatened and endangered species of fish,
wildlife, and plants both through Federal action and by encouraging the
establishment of State programs. In the late 1970s, the Bureau of Sport
Fisheries and Wildlife was renamed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to
broaden its scope of wildlife conservation responsibilities to include
endangered species, as well as game and nongame species. A myriad of
other conservation oriented laws followed, including the Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Act of 1980, which emphasized the conservation of nongame
species.
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 59
National Wildlife Refuge System: Mission and Goals
The National Wildlife Refuge System is the only existing system of federally
owned lands managed chiefly for the conservation of wildlife. The System
mission is a derivative of the Service mission. This mission was most
recently revised in October 1997 by passage of the National Wildlife Refuge
System Improvement Act (P.L. 105-57). This Act followed up on Executive
Order 12996 (April 1996) Management of Public Uses on National Wildlife
Refuges to reflect the importance of conserving natural resources for the
benefit of present and future generations of people.
This Act amends the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act
of 1966 in a manner that provides for the Refuge System. It would ensure
that the Refuge System is effectively managed as a national system of lands,
waters, and interests for the protection and conservation of our nation’s
wildlife resources.
The Act gives guidance to the Secretary of the Interior in the overall
management of the Refuge System. The Act’s main components include a
strong and singular conservation mission for the Refuge System, a
requirement that the Secretary of the Interior maintain the biological
integrity, diversity, and environmental health of the Refuge System, a new
process for determining compatible uses of refuges, and a requirement for
preparing comprehensive conservation plans. The Act states first and
foremost that the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System be
focused singularly on wildlife conservation.
The Refuge Improvement Act is an overarching Act with both general and
specific elements that provide long-term management direction for the
Refuge System. It became law the day it was signed; however, pending
development and approval of final rules and regulations, the Service has
issued the following as interim policy guidance with respect to the Act’s
Sections:
Sec. 1 Purpose
This Order provides guidance for implementing specific provisions of the
National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, pending
development of new policies and regulations responsive to the Act.
Sec. 2 Scope
This policy applies to management of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Sec. 3 Existing policy
Existing policy and directives for management of the National Wildlife
Refuge System remain in force except for those which are in conflict with
provisions in the Act, in which case the Act prevails.
Sec. 4 Mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System
The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is:
“To administer a national network of lands and waters for the
conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration of the
fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United
States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.”
60 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Sec. 5 Administration of the National Wildlife Refuge System
a. The term “refuge” means a designated area of land, water, or an
interest in land or water within the Refuge System, but does not
include Coordination Areas.
b. Each refuge shall be managed to fulfill the mission of the Refuge
System, as well as the specific purposes for which that refuge was
established.
c. Each refuge shall be managed in a manner that maintains the biological
integrity, diversity and environmental health of the Refuge System.
d. The status and trends of wildlife resources on each refuge shall be
monitored.
e. The purposes of each refuge are the purposes specified in or derived
from the law, proclamation, executive order, agreement, public land
order, donation document, or administrative memorandum
establishing, authorizing, or expanding a refuge, refuge unit, or refuge
sub-unit.
f. Each refuge shall ensure effective coordination, interaction, and
cooperation with neighboring landowners and appropriate State fish
and wildlife agencies.
g. Each refuge shall cooperate and collaborate with other Federal agencies and
appropriate state fish and wildlife agencies in refuge acquisition and
management.
Sec. 6 Public Uses
a. When determined to be compatible, the following six wildlife-dependent
recreational uses are the priority general public uses of the Refuge
System: hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and
environmental education and interpretation.
b. Compatible priority public uses shall receive enhanced consideration
over other public uses in refuge planning and management.
c. Priority public uses are appropriate and legitimate uses of the Refuge
System. Refuges are strongly encouraged to seek opportunities to
permit these activities when ways can be found to ensure their
compatibility. Reasonable efforts should be made to ensure that lack of
funding is not an obstacle to permitting these uses through development
of partnerships with the States, local communities, and private and
nonprofit groups.
d. The following general hierarchy between refuge activities and public
uses would apply: Priority 1 - activities necessary to fulfill the refuge
purposes and the Refuge System mission; Priority 2 - provide opportunities
for wildlife-dependent recreational uses, when determined to be
compatible. All other public uses would be a lower priority.
e. In providing priority public uses, refuges shall emphasize opportunities
for families to experience compatible wildlife-dependent recreation,
particularly opportunities for parents and their children to safely
engage in traditional outdoor activities, such as fishing and hunting.
Sec. 7 Compatibility
a. Compatibility determinations prepared during the period between
enactment of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of
1997 (October 9, 1997) and issuance of a new compatibility policy would
be made under the existing compatibility standards and process.
Sec. 8 Comprehensive Conservation Planning
a. The Act provides that Comprehensive Conservation Plans shall be
completed for all refuge units within 15 years from the date of
enactment.
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 61
Refuge Purpose Statements
Formal establishment of a unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System is
usually based upon a specific statute or executive order specifically enumerating
the purpose of the particular unit. However, refuges can also be established
by the Service under the authorization offered in such laws as the Endangered
Species Act of 1973 or the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956. In these cases,
lands are identified by the Service that have the right elements to contribute
to the recovery of a species or the maintenance of habitat types. Often, the
Service works in cooperation with private nonprofit organizations in efforts
to acquire suitable lands.
Flint Hills NWR was established in 1966 and “. . .shall be administered by
him (Secretary of the Interior) directly or in accordance with cooperative
agreements . . . and in accordance with such rules and regulations for the
conservation, maintenance, and management of wildlife, resources thereof,
and its habitat thereon, . . .” 16 U.S.C. § 644 (Fish and Wildlife Coordination
Act, 1958).
The Refuge Recreation Act (16 U.S.C. § 460-1) states that each refuge is:
“suitable for incidental fish and wildlife oriented recreational
development, the protection of natural resources, and the conservation
of endangered or threatened species.”
62 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Plan Implementation
Refuge objectives are intended to be accomplished over the next 15 years.
Many of the management activities for Flint Hills NWR would require the
development of step-down management plans. Implementation of new
management activities would be phased in over time as described within the
step-down plans and would be contingent upon funding, staffing, regional
and national Service directives. This section identifies major resource
projects or planning to be accomplished within 5 to 10 years, estimated
initial costs, staffing and funding needs, partnership opportunities, and
step-down management plans.
Resource Projects
Listed below are a summary of major resource project needs addressing
the goals and objectives of this Plan. Each project summary includes
planning links to this CCP. This list only reflects the basic needs identified
by the planning team based on available information and are subject to
modification depending on future conditions, needs, and cost adjustments.
Project 1. Riparian Habitat Restoration and Protection
Provide and maintain riparian habitats and increase the diversity of wildlife
communities. Restoration management includes establishment of riparian
buffer strips, control of exotic vegetation, and prescribed fire in some areas.
Planning Links: Goal 1, Objectives 1, 2, 3, and 4
Goal 2, Objectives 1 and 3
Goal 5, Objective 1
Project 2. Water Management
Develop and implement a Water Management Plan. The Plan would determine
water needs to maintain wetlands acres and restore riparian habitats of the
Neosho River, and estimate water rights needed for the beneficial use of
fish and wildlife. The Plan would include water management strategies for
the production of quality wetland habitat components, and inventory and
monitoring strategies for evaluating the diversity of wetland communities.
Planning Links: Goal 2, Objectives 1 and 2
Goal 3, Objective 3
Goal 5, Objective 1
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 63
Project 3. Wetland Restoration and Management
Restore and maintain wetland habitats to more natural conditions. Restoration
management includes retiring cropland and constructing and restoring
wetlands to benefit wildlife resources.
Planning Links: Goal 1, Objectives 1, 2, and 3
Goal 2, Objectives 1, 2, and 3
Goal 5, Objective 1
Project 4. Grassland Management
Restore 400 acres of native prairie sites that have been invaded by noxious
weeds. Restoration management would include biological control, chemical
control, mechanical control, burning and reseeding. Identify, protect and/or
restore remaining tracts of true native prairie grasslands.
Planning Links: Goal 1, Objectives 1, 2, 3, and 4
Goal 2, Objective 3
Goal 5, Objective 1
Project 5. Outdoor Recreation Improvement
Improve the outdoor recreation component of the Refuge by adding an
Outdoor Recreation Planner to the Refuge staff. Outdoor recreation
improvements would include adding or improving trails, wildlife viewing
and photography blinds, development of informational pamphlets, and
increased public education and outreach.
Planning Links: Goal 1, Objective 3
Goal 3, Objectives 1, 2, 3, and 4
Goal 4, Objective 2
Goal 5, Objective 1
Goal 6, Objective 1
Project 6. Public Use Plan and Visitor Services
Develop a Public Use Plan which emphasizes visitor services at the headquarters
and increased opportunities for wildlife related recreation activities.
Planning Links: Goal 1, Objective 3
Goal 3, Objectives 1, 2, 3, and 4
Goal 4, Objective 2
Goal 5, Objective 1
Goal 6, Objective 1
64 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Proposed Funding and Personnel
Proposed Staffing Level:
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 65
Current base funding and other funds
Total annual budget for the Refuge varies depending on the Service
priorities for the resource projects each year and the national and regional
allocation of RONS and Maintenance Management System (MMS) funds.
The following is a general breakdown of the annual operation budget of the
Refuge (amount $K):
*Description of funding categories:
1261 funds include annual fixed costs: salaries, utilities, gasoline, diesel,
equipment repair, mandatory training/travel.
1262 funds includes routine maintenance and vehicle replacement,
maintenance on refuge facilities, and infrastructure.
8260 funds are from receipt of sales from the farming program and can
be used to fund Refuge operations.
9100 and 9251 are funds used for fire preparedness.
1121 monies fund the Private Lands Program.
Partnership Opportunities
Many opportunities exist to partner with county, State and Federal agencies,
NGO’s, private landowners, and conservation groups such as PIF, Ducks
Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, Wild Turkey Federation, and Quail
Unlimited to combine efforts on resource issues or projects that would
mutually benefit all with the greatest benefits to the area’s natural resources.
The benefits of the following partnerships or relationships are emphasized:
n Establishing relationships through partners for fish and wildlife programs,
private landowners, and conservation organizations could result in the
development of conservation agreements or other options for land
protection, habitat enhancement and restoration, and opportunities for
continuity of management.
n Strengthening partnerships with Kansas Wildlife and Parks and local
law enforcement agencies could lead to sharing of volunteers to conduct
activities associated with public use on the Refuge wetlands, enhancing
biological programs and management strategies of habitats and wildlife
populations on adjoining lands, sharing research opportunities and
information that would mutually benefit management of adjoining
resource areas, coordinating water management to enhance wetland
habitats, improving wildlife-oriented recreation opportunities through
joint efforts, and coordinating efforts for more efficient law enforcement
coverage.
n Partnerships or joint efforts with the Corps, Kansas Department of
Wildlife and Parks, Kansas Water Office, and Neosho Basin Advisory
Committee, the timing and amount of water flows could be maximized
for beneficial use on riparian, wetland, and aquatic communities of the
Neosho adjacent to the Refuge. Improved relationships with area
water users and the Corps would provide better communication on
water issues. A coordinated effort for the protection of water rights
and efficient use of this limited resource would benefit all users.
Annual Operations Budget (amount $K)
Year 1261* 1262* 8260* 9100*
9251*
1121* Total
1999 320.69 86.0 86.69 97.70 230.0 $821.08
1998 301.23 70.0 118.00 49.80 216.3 $755.33
1997 302.25 25.0 286.49 62.58 207.0 $883.32
1996 286.85 65.0 74.08 26.60 180.0 $632.53
66 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Step-Down Management Planning
The following is a list of step-down management plans that include mandatory
plans, programmatic plans, and special use plans. Often these plans would
require compatibility determinations, environmental assessments, or other
supporting justification before they can be implemented. The preparation
and execution of these plans is dependent on funding and the availability of
staff or technical support.
Completed Plans and Other Documents
Station Safety Plan: describes actions and improvements necessary to
make station facilities and operations comply with Federal occupational
health and safety standards and other applicable regulations.
Fire Management Plan: determines the best use of prescribed fire in
managing and enhancing the Refuge habitats and addresses wildfire
preparedness and suppression. Plan was last updated in 1997.
Sign Plan: provides a record of all signs installed throughout the Refuge
and guidelines for sign replacement.
Hunting Plan: addresses specific aspects of the Refuge hunting program
defining the species to be hunted, season structure, hunting methods,
and applicable Refuge specific hunting regulations. Completed
between 1980-1984.
Migratory Bird Disease Contingency Plan: describes strategies to be
implemented during migratory bird disease outbreaks. Completed
between 1980-1984. Needs to be reviewed and updated.
Integrated Pest Management Plan: describes biological, mechanical, or
chemical methods for the most effective eradication and control of
exotic weeds and woody vegetation and specific pests including those
damaging crops without impacting the natural resources of the area.
Plans and Documents to be Developed in the Future
Public Use Management Plan: addresses specific wildlife related public
recreation issues and needs.
Refuge Inventory and Monitoring Plan: describes specific wildlife
inventory activities and techniques to be conducted to monitor wildlife
populations including specific species population objectives, census/
survey methods, data analysis, and reporting requirements.
Habitat Management Plan: describes the most appropriate management
strategies for habitat protection, enhancement and restoration,
emphasizes specific habitats and areas for management activities,
provides monitoring methods and evaluation criteria.
Cultural Resources Management Plan: identifies areas with significant
sites and develops methods for the management of these resources. The
Cultural Resources Management (CRM) Plan also identifies areas with high
potential of significant resources and provides the manager with information
to make better decisions regarding development or management
activities. A comprehensive cultural resource inventory is a prerequisite to
the development of the CRM plan as land management activities
including public access could impact unidentified or unevaluated
resources.
Water Use Plan: describes annual water management strategies including
quantities of water delivered, place of use and timing, and habitat objectives.
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 67
Wilderness Review
This Refuge does not conform to the definition of a wilderness, as described in the
Wilderness Act of 1964. The Refuge is an overlay of Corps property and is
managed under a cooperative agreement with the Corps. Additionally, the Refuge
is fragmented by numerous county roads and heavily impacted by man-made
flooding events from the Reservoir that inundate as much as 95
percent of the Refuge.
Refuge Program Monitoring and Evaluation
Where possible, the CCP identifies and incorporates monitoring and
evaluation activities as strategies under the objectives developed for
Flint Hills NWR. Each Refuge program has specific guidelines described
in the appropriate step-down plan. Step-down plans include approaches
and methods to monitoring management activities and specific criteria to
evaluate the outcomes of the activities. As new information becomes
available through baseline data, research, or outcomes of management
projects the existing Refuge programs would be adjusted. Step-down plans
including the monitoring and evaluation sections would require periodic
review, program evaluation, and adjustments as necessary.
Monitoring and Evaluation of the CCP
For this Plan to be a useful working document for present and future refuge
managers, documentation and accountability must be a priority. The most
effective implementation of the CCP would require periodic review,
evaluation, and the addition of information as necessary to keep the
document as current as the Refuge programs that evolve.
68 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
References
Bean, Michael J. 1985. The Evolution of National Wildlife Law, Praeger
Publishers, New York.
Burt, W. H. and R.P. Grossenheider, 1976. A Field Guide to the Mammals.
Houghton Mifflin Co. Boston.
DeGraaf, R.M. and Rappole, J. H. 1995. Neotropical Migratory Birds,
(Natural History, Distribution, and Population Change) Comstock
Publishing Associates, a Division of Cornell University Press, Ithaca
and London.
Ehrlich, Paul R., D.S. Dobkin and D. Wheye. 1988. The Birders Handbook:
a Field Guide to the Natural History of North American Birds. Simon
and Schuster.
The Institute for Public Policy and Business Research (IPPBR). 1999.
(http://www.ukans .edu/cwis /units/IPPBR). University of Kansas,
Lawrence, KS 66506 70874-4490 USA.
National Geographic Society. 1987. Field Guide to the Birds of North America.
Oblinger-Smith Corporation. 1982. Flint Hills NWR Master Plan.
Oblinger-Smith Corporation, Wichita, KS.
Peterson, R. T. 1961. A Field Guide to Western Birds. Houghton Mifflin Co.
Boston.
Thies, R. M. 1981. Archaeological Investigations in the John Redmond
Reservoir, East Central Kansas 1979. Kansas State Historical Society.
Submitted to US Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa. pg. 306.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, NRCS 1999. The PLANTS database
(http://plants.usda.gov.plants). National Plant Data Center, Baton
Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1997. Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge
Annual Narrative Report Calender Year 1997. Flint Hills National
Wildlife Refuge.
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 69
List of Preparers
Research Management Consultants, Inc. (RMCI)
Louis J. Bridges - Project Scientist/Biologist
B.S. Biology/Natural History; M. A. Science Education
Seven years of experience at RMCI as an Environmental Scientist/
Biologist. Sixteen years of related experience ranging from research
with the Colorado Division of Wildlife to Environmental Science
Instructor at the University of Northern Colorado.
J. Paul Wharry - Environmental Scientist IV
B.A. Biology
Seven years of experience at RMCI as an Environmental Scientist.
Sixteen years of related experience ranging from High School Science
Instructor to Director of the Frontiers of Science Institute at the
University of Northern Colorado.
C. Anne Janik - Environmental Scientist III
M.S. Wildlife Management
Eleven years of experience with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a
Wildlife biologist for refuges in Alaska, California, and Nevada.
Michael S. Piro - Environmental Scientist III
B.S. Biology/Minor Chemistry
One year of experience at RMCI as an Environmental Scientist.
Twelve years of related experience ranging from Project Management
of RCRA sites to conducting Phase I Real Estate Transaction
Assessments.
USFWS contributors: Jerre Gamble, Refuge Manager; Alice Hanley, Refuge
Operations Specialist; Adam Misztal, Planning Branch; Jaymee Fojtik,
GIS/Mapping; Beverly Boecher, Cover Photo; Barbara Shupe, Document
Layout.
70 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Glossary
Alternative: A set of objectives and strategies needed to achieve refuge
goals and the desired future condition.
Biological Diversity: The variety of life forms and its processes, including
the variety of living organisms, the genetic differences among them, and
the communities and ecosystems in which they occur.
Biotic Community: An assemblage of interrelated plants and animals that
together inhabit a defined location.
Compatible Use: A wildlife-dependent recreational use, or any other use
on a refuge than would not materially interfere with or detract from the
fulfillment of the mission of the Service or the purpose(s) of the refuge.
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP): A document that describes
the desired future conditions of the refuge, and specifies management
actions to achieve refuge goals and the mission of the National Wildlife
Refuge System.
Ecosystem: A dynamic and interrelated complex of plant and animal
communities and their associated non-living environment.
Ecosystem Approach: A strategy or plan to protect and restore the
natural function, structure, and species composition of an ecosystem,
recognizing that all components are interrelated.
Ecosystem Management: Management of an ecosystem that includes all
ecological, social, and economic components which make up the whole of
the system.
Ecoregion: Ecological region as determined by the Service, but defined by
geographic similarities.
Endangered Species: Any species of plant or animal defined through the
Endangered Species Act as being in danger of extinction throughout all or
a significant portion of its range, and published in the Federal Register.
Environmental Assessment (EA): A systematic analysis to determine if
proposed actions would result in a significant effect on the quality of the
environment.
Exotic: A plant or animal species not native to the area and introduced
intentionally or unintentionally.
Goals: Descriptive statements of desired future conditions.
Habitat: The environment in which a plant or animal naturally occurs, its
“living space.”
Issue: Any unsettled matter that requires a management decision. For
example, a resource management problem, concern, a threat to natural
resources, a conflict in uses, or the presence of an undesirable resource
condition.
National Wildlife Refuge (NWR): A designated area of land or water or
an interest in land or water within the System, including national wildlife
refuges, wildlife management areas, waterfowl production areas, and other
areas under Service jurisdiction for the protection and conservation of fish
and wildlife, and plant resources. A complete listing of all units of the
refuge system may be found in the current “Annual Report of Lands Under
Control of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.”
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 71
National Wildlife Refuge System (System): All lands, waters, and
interests therein administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as
wildlife refuges, wildlife ranges, wildlife management areas, waterfowl
production areas, and other areas for the protection and conservation of
fish, wildlife, and plant resources.
No Action Alternative: An alternative under which existing management
would be continued.
Non-priority Public Use: Any use other than a compatible wildlife-dependent
recreational use.
Objectives: A concise statement of what would be achieved, how much
would be achieved, when and where it would be achieved and who is
responsible for the work. Objectives are derived from goals and provide the
basis for determining management strategies, monitoring refuge
accomplishments, and evaluating the success of the strategies. Objectives
should be attainable and time specific and should be stated qualitatively to
the extent possible. If objectives cannot be stated quantitatively, they may
be stated qualitatively; actions to be accomplished to achieve a desired
outcome.
Preferred Alternative: The Service’s selected alternative identified in the
Draft CCP.
Priority Public Use: Compatible wildlife dependent recreational uses
(hunting, fishing wildlife observation and photography, environmental
education and interpretation) are the priority general public uses of the
system and shall receive priority consideration in refuge planning and
management.
Proposed Action: The Service proposed action for CCP’s is to prepare and
implement the CCP.
Public Involvement: The process by which interested and affected
individuals, organizations, agencies, and governmental entities participate
in the planning and decision making process.
Purpose of the Refuge: The purposes specified in or derived from the law,
proclamation executive order, agreement, public land order, donating
document, or administrative memorandum establishing, authorizing or
expanding a refuge, refuge unit or refuge sub-unit.
Riparian: Of or relating to land lying immediately adjacent to a water
body and having specific characteristics of that transitional area, such as
riparian vegetation. A stream bank is an example of a riparian area.
Scoping: A process for determining the scope of issues to be addressed by
a CCP and for identifying the significant issues. Involved in the scoping
process are Federal, state, and local agencies, private organizations, and
individuals.
Species: A distinctive kind of plant or animal having distinguishable
characteristics, and that can interbreed and produce young. A category of
biological classification.
Strategies: A general approach or specific actions to achieve objectives.
Threatened Species: Those plant or animal species likely to become
endangered species throughout all or a significant portion of their range
within the foreseeable future. A plant or animal identified and defined in
accordance with the 1973 Endangered Species Act and published in the
Federal Register.
72 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Vegetation: Plants in general, or the sum total of the plant life in an area.
Vegetation Type: A category of land based on potential or existing dominant
plant species of a particular area.
Watershed: The entire land area that collects and drains water into a stream
or stream system.
Wetland: Areas such as lakes, marshes, and streams that are inundated by
surface or ground water for a long enough period of time each year to
support, and do support under natural conditions, plants and animals that
require saturated or seasonally saturated soils.
Wildlife-dependent Recreational Use: A use of a refuge that involves
hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and photography, or environmental
education and interpretation, as identified in the National Wildlife Refuge
System Improvement Act of 1997.
Wildlife Diversity: A measure of the number of wildlife species in an area
and their relative abundance.
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 73
Abbreviations and Acronyms
CCP Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Corps U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
CRM Cultural Resources Management
EA Environmental Assessment
GSA General Services Administration
MMS Maintenance Management System
MSL Mean Sea Level
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act
NRCS Natural Resource Conservation Service
NWR National Wildlife Refuge
NGO Non-governmental Organization
ORP Outdoor Recreation Planner
PIF Partners-in-Flight
RONS Refuge Operating Needs System
Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
System National Wildlife Refuge System
USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture
74 Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000
Appendix A.
Flint Hills NWR Plant List
Plants of Coffey and Lyon Counties, Kansas, USA
Provided by the KANU Information Management Systems
Acanthraceae
Water Willow Justicia americana
Fringed Leaf Ruellia Ruellia humilis
Limestone Ruellia Ruellia strepens
Aceraceae
Common Boxelder Acer negundo var. negundo
Violet Boxelder Acer negundo var. violaceum
Silver Maple Acer saccharium
Adiantaceae
Northern Maidenhair Fern Adiantum pendatum
Powdery Cloak Fern Argyochosma dealbata
Purple Cliff-brake Pellaea atropurpurea
Smooth Cliff-brake Pellaea glabella ssp. glabella
Agavacea
Limp Soap Weed Yucca filamentosa
Alismataceae
Smallflower Water Plantain Alisma subcordatum
Erect Burhead Echinodorus berterol
Creeping Burhead Echinodorus cordofolius
Shortbeak Arrowhead Sagittaria brevirostra
Common Arrowhead Sagittaria latifolia
Amaranthaceae
Prostrate Pigweed Amaranthus blitoides
Slender Pigweed Amaranthus hybridus
Palmer’s Pigweed Amaranthus palmeri
Rough Pigweed Amaranthus retroflexus
Water Hemp Amaranthus rudis
Spiny Pigweed Amaranthus spinosus
Anacardiaceae
Late Aromatic Sumac Rhus aromatica
Dwarf Sumac Rhus copellinum
Smooth Sumac Rhus glabra
Common Poison Ivy Toxicodenfron radicans ssp. negudo
Rydberg’s Poison Ivy Toxicodenfron rydbergii
Annonaceae
Pawpaw Asimina triloba
Apiaceae
Spreading Spermolepis Spermolepis innermis
Yellow Pimpernel Taenidia integerrima
Hedge Parsley Torilis arvensis
Golden Zizia Zizia aurea
Apocynaceae
Hemp Dogbane Apocyneum cannebinum
Araceae
Green Dragon Arisaema dracontium
Jack-in-the-Pulpit Arisaema triphyllum ssp. triphyllum
Virginia Arum Peltandra virginica
Asclepiadaceae
Bluntleaf Milkweed Asclepias amplexicaulus
Prairie Milkweed Asclepias hirtella
Swamp Milkweed Asclepias incarnata
Mead’s Milkweed Asclepias meadii
Purple Milkweed Asclepias purpurascens
Narrowleaf Milkweed Asclepias stenophylla
Sullivant’s Milkweed Asclepias sulivantii
Common Milkweed Asclepias syriaca
Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa ssp. interior
Whorled Milkweed Asclepias verticillata
Green-flowered Milkweed Asclepias viridiflora
Green Milkweed Asclepias viridis
Climbing Milkweed Cynanchum laeve
Aspleniaceae
Ebony Spleenwort Asplenium platyneuron
Walking Fern Asplenium rhizophyllum
Asteraceae
Western Yarrow Achilles millefolium ssp. occidentalis
Hardheads Acroptilon repens
Common Ragweed Ambrosia artemisiifolia
Lanceleaf Ragweed Ambrosia bidentata
Western Ragweed Ambrosia psilostachya
Giant Ragweed Ambrosia trifida
Annual Broomweed Amphiachyris dracunculoides
Field Pussytoes Antennaria neglecta
Plantainleaf Pussytoes Antennaria parlinii ssp. fallax
Camomile Anthemis cotula
Common Burdock Arctium minus
Arnoglossum atriplicifolium
Arnoglossum plantagineum
Mexican Sagewort Artemisia ludoviciana ssp. mexicana
Drummond’s Aster Aster drummondii ssp. drummondii
Heath Aster Aster ericoidies ssp.ericoidies var. ericoidies
Smooth Blue Aster Aster laevis
Common Panicled Aster Aster lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus
Simple Panicled Aster Aster lanceolatus ssp. simplex
New England Aster Aster novae-angliae
Aromatic Aster Aster oblongifolius var. oblongifolius
Azure Aster Aster oolentangiensis
Small-headed Aster Aster parviceps
Slender Spreading Aster Aster patens var. gracilis
Hairy Aster Aster pilosus ssp. demotus
Hairy Aster Aster pilosus ssp. pilosus
Common Yellow-leaved Aster
Aster praealtus var. praealtus
Silky Aster Aster sericeus
Saltmarsh Aster Aster subulatus var ligulatus
Tickseed Beggartick Bidens aristosa var. retrorsa
Spanish Needles Bidens bipinnata
Nodding Beggartick Bidens cernua
Leafybract Beggartick Bidens comosa
Devil’s Beggartick Bidens frondosa
Tall Beggartick Bidens vulgata greene
Violet Boltonia Boltonia asteroides var. latisquama
False Boneset Brickellia eupatorioides var. corymbulosa
Musk Thistle Carduus nutans ssp. leiophyllus
Ox-eye Daisy Chrysanthemum leucanthemum
Common Chicory Cichorium intybus
Tall Thistle Cirsium altissimum
Canada Thistle Cirsium arvense
Wavyleaf Thistle Cirsium undlatum
Bull Thistle Cirsium vulgare
Canada Horseweed Conyza canadensis
Lawn Horseweed Conyza ramosissima
Bigflower Coreopsis Coreopsis grandiflora
Finger Coreopsis Coreopsis palmata
Foetid Dogweed Dyssodia papposa.
Coneflower spp. Echinacea atrorubens
Pale Purple Coneflower Echinacea pallida
Yerba de Tajo Eclipta prostrata
Annual Fleabane Erigeron annuus
Philadelphia Fleabane Erigeron philadelphicus
Daisy Fleabane Erigeron strigosus
Tall Joe-pye-weed Eupatorium altissimum
Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - September 2000 75
Holzinger’s Joe-pye-weed
Eupatorium purpureum var. holzingeri
White Snakeroot Eupatorium rugosum
Late Eupatorium Eupatorium serotinum
Viscid Euthamia Euthamia gymnospermoides
Fringed Quickweed Galinsoga quadriradiata
Fragrant Cudweed Gnaphalium obtusifolium
Common Sneezeweed Helenium autumnale
Sunflower spp. Helianthus X laetiflorus
Common Sunflower Helianthus annuus
Sawtooth Sunflower Helianthus grosseserratus
Maximilian’s Sunflower Helianthus maximiliani
Ashy Sunflower Helianthus mollis
Stiff Sunflower Helianthus pauciflorus var. pauciflorus
Willowleaf Sunflower Helianthus salicifolius
Jerusalem Artichoke Helianthus tuberosus
Longbeard Hawkweed Hieracium longipilum
Flattop Hymenopappus
Hymenopappus scabiosaeus var. corymbosus
Annual Sumpweed Iva annua
Common Dwarf Dandelion Krigia cespitosa
Canada Lettuce Lactuca canadensis
Florida Lettuce Lactuca floridana
Louisiana lettuce Lactuca ludoviciana
Willowleaf Lettuce Lactuca saligna
Prickly Lettuce Lactuca serriola
Rough Gayfeather Liatris aspera
Dotted Gayfeather Liatris punctata
Thickspike Gayfeather Liatris pycnostachya
Hairy Gayfeather Liatris squarrosa var. hirsuta
Plains Groundsel Packera plattensis
Carolina False Dandelion Pyrrhopappus carolinianus
Yellow Prairie Coneflower Ratibida columnifera
Grayhead Prairie Coneflower Ratibida pinnata
Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta var. pulcherrima
Cutleaf Coneflower Rudbeckia laciniata
Sweet Coneflower Rudbeckia subtomentosa
Brown-eyed Susan Rudbeckia triloba
Compass Plant Silphium laciniatum
Cup Plant Silphium perfoliatum
Giant Goldenrod Solidago gigantea var. serotina
Missouri Goldenrod
Solidago missouriensis var. fasciculata
Gray Goldenrod Solidago nemoralis var. longipetiolata
Stiff Goldenrod Solidago rigida var. rigida
Elm-leaved Golenrod Solidago ulmifolia var. microphylla
Prickly Sowthistle Sonchus asper
Common Dandelion Taraxacum officinale
Western Salsify Tragopogon dubius
Wingstem Crownbeard Verbesina alternifolia
Arkansas Ironweed Vernonia arkansana
Inland Ironweed Vernonia baldwinii ssp. interior
Common Cocklebur Xanthium strumarium
Azollaceae
Mexican Mosquito Fern Azolla mexicana
Balsaminaceae
Spotted Touch-me-not Impatiens capensis
Pale Touch-me-not Impatiens pallida
Berberidaceae
May-apple Podophyllum peltatum
Bignoniaceae
Trumpet Creeper Campsis radicans
Catalpa Catalpa speciosa
Boraginaceae
Pasture Heliotrope Heliotropium tenellum.
Corn Gromwell Lithospermum arvense
Hoary Gromwell Lithospermum canescens
Narrowleaf Gromwell Lithospermum incisum
Virginia Forget-me-not Myosotis verna
Western Marbleseed
Onosmodium bejariense var. occidentale
Brassicaceae
Canada Rockcress Arabis canadensis
Winter Cress Barbarea vulgaris
Small-seeded False Flax Camelina microcarpa
Shepherd’s Purse Capsella bursa-pastoris
Toothwort Cardamine concatenata
Small-flowered Bittercress
Cardamine parviflora var. arenicola
Blue Mustard Chorispora tenella
Tansy Mustard Descurainia pinnata var. brachycarpa
Shortpod Draba Draba brachycarpa
Wedgeleaf Draba Draba cuneifolia
Bushy Wallflower Erysimum repandum
Peppergrass Lepidium densiflorum
Veiny Pepperweed Lepidium oblongum
Spreading Bladderpod Lesquerella gracilis ssp. nuttallii
Stalkless Yellowcress Rorippa sessiliflora
Spreading Yellowcress Rorippa sinuata
Virginia Rockcress Sibara virginica
Wild Mustard Sinapis arvensis
Pennycress Thlaspi arvense
Thorowort Pennycress Thlaspi perfoliatum
Cactaceae
Prickly-pear Opuntia humifusa
Bigroot Prickly-pear Opuntia macrorhiza
Callitrichaceae Callitriche heterophylla
Campanulaceae
American Bellflower Campanula americana
Cardinal Flower Lobelia cardinalis
Indian Tobacco Lobelia inflata
Blue Lobelia Lobelia siphilit