North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment

              North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000 1
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
North Platte
Draft Comprehensive
Conservation Plan and
Environmental Assessment
National Wildlife Refuge
2 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000
North Platte
National Wildlife Refuge
Draft
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
and Environmental Assessment
December 2000
Prepared by
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge
115 Railway Street, Suite C109
P.O. Box 1346
Scottsbluff, NE 69363-1346
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000 3
Table of Contents
Legal Purpose and Vision ............................................................................. 5
I. Introduction / Background
Purpose of a Comprehensive Conservation Plan .......................................... 6
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge History ............................................ 6
Establishment and Administration .......................................................... 6
Wildlife and Habitat Management .......................................................... 11
Cultural Resources .................................................................................... 17
Public Use and Environmental Education ............................................. 17
Monitoring ................................................................................................... 17
The National Wildlife Refuge System ............................................................ 18
Mission, Goals, and Guiding Principles ................................................... 18
Fish and Wildlife Service Mission: .......................................................... 18
National Wildlife Refuge System Mission: ............................................. 18
National Wildlife Refuge System Goals: ................................................. 18
Legal and Policy Guidance ............................................................................... 21
Existing Partnerships ....................................................................................... 22
II. Planning Process
Description ......................................................................................................... 23
Planning Issues .................................................................................................. 24
Public Use ................................................................................................... 24
Invasive Species ......................................................................................... 24
Removing or Burying Overhead Power Lines ....................................... 24
Water Rights ............................................................................................... 27
Funding and Staffing ................................................................................. 27
Lands of Interest........................................................................................ 27
III. Refuge and Resource Descriptions
Socio-Economic Environment ......................................................................... 28
Geographic / Ecosystem Setting ..................................................................... 28
Climate......................................................................................................... 28
Air Quality ................................................................................................... 28
Geology ........................................................................................................ 28
Refuge Resources .............................................................................................. 37
Soils .............................................................................................................. 37
Water ............................................................................................................ 37
Vegetation .................................................................................................... 38
Grasslands............................................................................................ 38
Woodlands/Shrub ................................................................................ 38
Plant Species of Management Concern ........................................... 38
Exotic and Invading Vegetation ........................................................ 38
Summary of Basic Habitat Types on Each Refuge Unit ............... 38
Wildlife ......................................................................................................... 39
Endangered and Threatened Species .............................................. 39
Species of Management Concern ..................................................... 39
Birds ..................................................................................................... 39
Mammals .............................................................................................. 42
Amphibians and Reptiles ................................................................... 42
Fish ....................................................................................................... 42
Invertebrates ....................................................................................... 42
Cultural Resources .................................................................................... 43
Public Use and Environmental Education ............................................. 43
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IV. Refuge Goals, Objectives, and Strategies
Background ........................................................................................................ 44
Endangered and Threatened Species............................................................. 45
Fish and Wildlife ................................................................................................ 45
Upland Habitat .................................................................................................. 48
Wetlands .............................................................................................................. 50
Public Use and Environmental Education .................................................... 50
Cultural Resources ............................................................................................ 52
Community Involvement / Support Systems................................................. 52
V. Implementation and Monitoring
Funding and Personnel ..................................................................................... 53
Staffing Needed for Implementation ...................................................... 53
Funding Needed for Implementation ...................................................... 54
Step-down Management Plans ........................................................................ 55
Refuge Management Policies and Guidelines ................................................ 55
Partnership Opportunities ............................................................................... 56
Monitoring and Evaluation .............................................................................. 56
Plan Amendment and Revision ....................................................................... 56
Appendix A. Glossary .............................................................................................. 57
Appendix B. Literature Cited/References ........................................................... 58
Appendix C. Legal and Policy Guidance ............................................................... 59
Appendix D. Operation and Maintenance Needs ................................................ 61
Appendix E. Compatibility Determinations ........................................................ 63
Appendix F. List of Animal and Plant Species .................................................... 66
Appendix G. Neotropical Migrants ....................................................................... 71
Appendix H. Species of Management Concern ................................................... 72
Appendix I. Waterfowl Use at Lake Minatare ................................................... 73
Appendix J. Environmental Assessment ............................................................. 74
Appendix K. Mailing List........................................................................................ 77
Appendix L. List of Preparers ............................................................................... 78
Appendix M. Section 7 ............................................................................................. 78
Maps (see NPLdrMaps.pdf file)
1. Vicinity Map ....................................................................................................... 7
2. Base Map ............................................................................................................ 9
3. Vegetation Map .................................................................................................. 13
4. Stateline Island Base Map ............................................................................... 15
5. Public Use ........................................................................................................... 19
6. Lake Alice Existing and Proposed Public Use Map ..................................... 25
7. Refuge Unit Map ............................................................................................... 29
8. Morrill Island Base Map .................................................................................. 31
9. Scottsbluff Island Base Map ............................................................................ 33
10. Ecosystem Map ................................................................................................. 35
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North Platte
National Wildlife Refuge
Legal Purpose
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1916 by Executive
Order No. 2446 as a “preserve and breeding ground for native birds.”
Vision
“For if a link in nature’s chain be lost, another and
another might be lost, till the whole system of things
should vanish by piecemeal.”
–Thomas Jefferson
Public involvement and a review of legal mandates did not reveal a need for
more or different kinds of wildlife on North Platte National Wildlife Refuge.
However, the Refuge is not an island, independent of what goes on around it. It
is also part of larger social and economic communities. Current trends in the
use of private land will affect, and probably reduce, the kinds and amounts of
habitat around the Refuge - habitat that is used by wildlife that also use the
Refuge. And the community will grow, placing more demands on the Refuge for
wildlife-dependent recreation and education. The Refuge must adapt and
respond to these changes.
Thus, we envision a Refuge slightly larger in size, the purpose of which is to
maintain in perpetuity a representative sample of the natural habitats and
associated wildlife in this part of the Nebraska Panhandle, with emphasis on
native birds. We see habitat in excellent condition, fewer exotic plants, secure
water sources, and high quality public use facilities. We see a Refuge doing its
part to support migratory birds enjoyed by people in States up and down the
Central Flyway. We see effective on-site and off-site environmental education
programs in partnership with local schools. We see an active partnership with
surrounding landowners to help maintain habitat on private lands while
accommodating land use and lifestyle changes. We see the Refuge as part of a
healthy, growing community.
6 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000
I. Introduction / Background
Purpose of a Comprehensive Conservation Plan
The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 requires that a
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) be prepared for each unit of the
National Wildlife Refuge System, and that the public has opportunity to be
involved in preparing and revising those plans.
The primary purpose of a CCP is to define the goals and objectives that will guide
long-term management of wildlife and habitat. The goals and objectives for North
Platte National Wildlife Refuge are presented in Section IV.
Comprehensive planning creates an opportunity for neighbors, conservation
groups and other State and Federal agencies to help identify and discuss
natural resource issues, and to ensure the Plan meets the changing needs of
wildlife and the public. For a complete discussion of the planning process, refer
to the “Refuge Planning Policy Pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge
System Improvement Act of 1997 - May 25, 2000” (copies available at the
Refuge Headquarters).
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge History
Establishment and Administration
The 2,909-acre North Platte National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) was established
in 1916 by Executive Order No. 2446 as a “preserve and breeding ground for
native birds.” It is located in the Nebraska Panhandle, within the Central
Flyway, near Scottsbluff (Map 1) and is administered by the U. S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (Service). The impetus for National Wildlife Refuge status was
primarily fall concentrations of up to 250,000 mallards, 11,000 Canada geese,
and bald eagles. The Refuge was, and still is, superimposed on Bureau of
Reclamation (Reclamation) projects and remains subject to “Reclamation
service uses” (see Appendix A, Glossary).
Originally, the Refuge included four Reclamation irrigation reservoirs which
were constructed between 1910 and 1917. Three of these are still part of the
Refuge: Lake Minatare - 737 acres; Winters Creek - 536 acres; and Lake Alice -
1,500 acres. The Little Lake Alice reservoir was removed from the Refuge
System in 1961 by Public Land Order 2291.
In 1990, the Service, by Memorandum of Agreement with Reclamation, also
assumed management of Stateline Island, a 136-acre diversion project on the
North Platte River. It, too, is subject to Reclamation uses (Appendix C).
Today, the Refuge includes four dispersed management units, all of which are
superimposed on Reclamation projects and subject to Reclamation uses (Map
2).
Originally, Refuge management was the responsibility of the Bureau of
Biological Survey, now the Fish and Wildlife Service. All units, except Lake
Minatare, were closed to the public year-round. The Lake Minatare Unit was
open to public recreation (primarily fishing, boating, camping, and swimming)
from May 16 to September 15; the north half of the Lake was closed to boating.
There was no staff on-site.
Over the years, Service involvement faded, due primarily to the relatively small
size of the Refuge, the distance from other staffed refuges, and the presence of
Reclamation. A Lake Minatare “park” proposal was prepared in 1937 for
Reclamation by the National Park Service. The proposal was updated and
expanded in 1947 and again in 1963. The emphasis was on mass recreation such
as camping, boating, picnicking, swimming, and seasonal cabins. The 1963 plan
allowed the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) to assume control
of recreation and fishery management, and to establish a State Recreation
Area. The Service retained responsibility for wildlife. During this same time,
Reclamation administered land use, primarily cattle grazing.
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The 1976 Game Range Bill (Public Law 94-223) mandated that all National
Wildlife Refuges be managed by the Secretary of Interior through the Fish and
Wildlife Service. A 1985 agreement with Reclamation granted the Service
primary jurisdiction, subject to Reclamation uses.
Until 1990, all management activities were conducted from the Crescent Lake
National Wildlife Refuge, 100 miles to the east. The first on-site refuge
manager was located in Scottsbluff in 1990 under the direction of the Crescent
Lake Refuge. The Crescent Lake/North Platte National Wildlife Refuge
Complex was formally established and the headquarters moved from Crescent
Lake Refuge to Scottsbluff in 1992.
Also in 1992, several major conservation organizations sued the Department of
the Interior over improper uses of National Wildlife Refuges, uses that were
not compatible with the purposes of those refuges. The mass recreation at the
Lake Minatare State Recreation Area was among the uses mentioned in that
lawsuit and was, in fact, found incompatible. Because of the long history of
recreation at Lake Minatare and its importance to the community, the affected
area (2,470 acres) was removed from the Refuge System by Congress in 1996
(Public Law 104-212), with the condition that the area remain closed during fall
and winter months to provide sanctuary for migratory birds (USFWS, 1995).
Wildlife and Habitat Management
Populations Management. The Refuge was established primarily because of its
importance for migrating and wintering waterfowl, bald eagles, and other
migratory birds (see Section III). Populations management consists primarily
of providing sanctuary during the critical fall and winter months. In some
years, peak numbers of fall migrating mallards approach 250,000. One pair of
bald eagles has nested annually on the Refuge since 1993; the nesting area is
closed year-round. The Refuge has never been open to hunting or trapping.
Fisheries are managed by the NGPC through a cooperative agreement with
the Service (Appendix C). Winters Creek is stocked with yellow perch, bluegill,
walleye, largemouth bass, and channel catfish.
Wetland Management. The Refuge is superimposed on Reclamation projects
and the Service has no control over water. The two Refuge impoundments,
along with Little Lake Alice and Lake Minatare, make up what Reclamation
refers to as the Inland Lakes. The Inland lakes accrue water from gains, to the
North Platte River, downstream of Alcova Reservoir during the months of
October, November, and April up to a total of 46,000 acre-feet. These gains may
be stored in Glendo and Guernsey Reservoirs and transferred to the Inland
Lakes when Pathfinder Irrigation District (PID) resumes spring irrigation. By
late summer, wide sand-flats typically surround Lake Alice and Lake Minatare
as they near “dead pool.”
Because of this dramatic fluctuation (up to 20 vertical feet), emergent aquatic
vegetation is almost nonexistent in Lake Minatare and Lake Alice. Winters
Creek Lake is a natural wetland that was altered around 1916 to serve as a
storage reservoir. It supports an attractive mix of pondweed, bulrush,
filamentous algae, and cattail. Other waterfowl brood and marsh bird habitat is
limited to two small adjoining seepage marshes and to some of the more
secluded bays of the reservoirs.
Since 1992, PID has been able to leave about 1,000 acre-feet of water in storage
at Lake Alice going into the fall migration season. This additional water
significantly benefits waterfowl when compared to prior years when the lake
was immediately drawn down to dead pool at the close of the irrigation season
(late September). As it is, the 1,000 acre-feet bonus lasts only about three
months due to seepage.
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Upland Habitat Management. The Refuge includes approximately 1,625 acres
of grassland, mostly native prairie. Until 1985, most of these grassland areas were
leased annually by Reclamation for season-long grazing (May 15 - November
30). Since 1985, restoring native prairie has been the priority. Grazing has been
significantly reduced, and prescribed burning was introduced as a management
tool in 1994. Plant vigor and composition is improving and more residual cover
is available in spring for nesting birds (see Section IV). Management is guided
by a series of “step-down plans” (see Section V).
In 1988, refuge managers initiated a point-sampling method (Savory, 1986),
along with visual obstructions readings (VOR) and exclosures, to evaluate
upland management practices. A great deal of expertise, time, and consistency
is required to conduct such monitoring properly. It was discontinued in 1993
due to insufficient staff.
Grassland management consists of a combination of rest, grazing, and
prescribed burning. Grazing is a tool used to discourage exotic, cool season
grasses and encourage native, warm season grasses. For instance, in 1999, 400
acres were spring grazed using a short-duration, high intensity treatment from
May 1 to June 15. Also in 1999, 130 acres were burned to invigorate native
grasses and forbs, control exotic species, and reduce Russian olive seedlings.
Farming and food plots do not occur on the Refuge.
Wildfires are controlled by Refuge firefighters and by local fire departments
under cooperative agreements. Wildfires burned 20 acres in 1999, a typical year.
About 265 acres are tree covered. Refuge lakes are at least partially
surrounded by a belt of trees, primarily even-aged cottonwood and green ash.
These areas also serve as green tree reservoirs during infrequent full-pools. No
specific management has been employed. A lack of cottonwood regeneration
around the reservoirs is an emerging problem since, without new growth, this
habitat type will eventually disappear (Map 3).
Stateline Island is heavily forested with cottonwood and green ash. Prescribed
burning of the understory was implemented in 1994 to invigorate native grasses
and forbs and control exotic species (Map 4).
Invasive Species Management. Several exotic and invasive plants exist on the
Refuge. Most were not controlled until about 1986. An integrated pest
management approach is now in place which includes a combination of
prescribed burning, mechanical removal, chemical applications, and insect
releases.
Canada and musk thistle are treated with a combination of insect releases (gall
fly, seed-head weevil and stem-mining weevil) and chemical applications by the
local county weed authority. Russian olive, a very aggressive grassland invader,
is controlled by mechanically removing the plants and treating the residual
with herbicide. Control efforts began in 1993, and only 2 percent of the 200
acres infested have been treated.
Salt cedar is a potential problem at Stateline Island; small numbers of young
plants have been removed, but nearby areas along the North Platte River are
more heavily infested.
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Cultural Resources
Historic, archaeological, and paleontological resources are protected by
Federal laws (Appendix C). The Bureau of Reclamation, as the agency with
primary jurisdiction, is responsible for general surveys and overall protection
and preservation. The Service is responsible for surveys of areas affected by
refuge management, and for protection and/or mitigation of any affected
resources. No comprehensive cultural resource surveys have been conducted
on the Refuge and, at this time, no significant cultural resources are known to
occur on the Refuge.
Public Use and Environmental Education
When the Refuge was established in 1916, all units, with the exception of Lake
Minatare, were closed as year-round sanctuaries. Today, the Refuge offers
wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities from January 15 through
September 30 on the Winters Creek and Lake Minatare units, and May 15
through September 30 on the Lake Alice Unit (Map 5).
Approximately 4,500 people visited the Refuge in 1999, compared to 3,700 in
1987. About 45 percent of these visitors engaged in interpretation and/or
nature observation activities, 31 percent in formal environmental education,
and 42 percent in fishing at Winters Creek Lake (some visitors engage in
multiple activities during any given visit). The Lake Minatare State Recreation
Area is adjacent to the Lake Minatare Unit and received about 205,000 visits in
1999, up 10 percent from 1998 (McCoy, per. com.).
Off-site programs conducted by Refuge staff are also an important part of
environmental education. In 1999, about 2,100 students, parents, and educators
participated in programs such as Water Wonders, Branch Out, Earth Stewards,
Environ-Art, and the Nebraska Jr. Duck Stamp Program. Some requests for
educational programs and technical assistance were denied due to staffing
shortages.
Kiosks are located at five major entry points. They contain general Refuge
information, maps, specific information on wildlife and habitat management,
and leaflet dispensers.
Fishing is permitted on Refuge reservoirs. About 2,000 people fished on the
Refuge in 1999, mostly on Winters Creek Lake. Lake Alice cannot sustain a
fishery because most water is removed for irrigation by late summer and is not
replaced until spring. Lake Minatare proper, which is no longer within Refuge
boundaries, is much larger than Winters Creek Lake and receives about 80,000
fishing visits annually.
Sport hunting and trapping have never been permitted on the Refuge.
Stateline Island is open year-round. Fishing is permitted from Stateline Island
in the North Platte River.
Monitoring
The first refuge manager assigned exclusively to the Refuge occurred in 1990.
The present staff is small (see Section V) and only very basic wildlife and plant
surveys are conducted on a routine basis. These include: biweekly wildlife
counts along established routes; census of goose tubs and wood duck boxes;
monitoring bald eagle nest activities; and monitoring for disease outbreaks.
Much of this is conducted by a biological technician on an intermittent
appointment and one volunteer. More and better monitoring is needed to
determine the response of wildlife and habitat to applied management.
18 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000
The National Wildlife Refuge System
Mission, Goals, and Guiding Principles
The National Wildlife Refuge System is the world’s largest collection of lands
set aside specifically for the protection of wildlife. The first unit of the Refuge
System was created in 1903, when President Theodore Roosevelt designated 3-
acre Pelican Island, a pelican and heron rookery in Florida, as a bird sanctuary.
Today, the Refuge System includes over 520 National Wildlife Refuges and
Waterfowl Production Areas, encompassing more than 93 million acres and
located in all 50 States and a number of U.S. Territories.
The Refuge System provides habitat for native mammals, birds, reptiles,
amphibians, fishes, invertebrates, and plants - “trust resources” for which the
Federal government is ultimately responsible. It plays a vital role in preserving
endangered and threatened species, preventing species from becoming
threatened, and offers wildlife-dependent recreation for over 34 million visitors
annually.
Fish and Wildlife Service Mission:
“To work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and
plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.”
To fulfill this mission, Congress has charged the Service with conserving and
managing migratory birds, endangered species, anadromous and inter-jurisdictional
fish, and certain marine mammals. The Service carries out
these responsibilities through several functional entities, one of which is the
National Wildlife Refuge System.
National Wildlife Refuge System Mission:
“To administer a 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
System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 105-57).
National Wildlife Refuge System Goals:
1. To preserve, restore, and enhance in their natural ecosystems all species of
animals and plants that are endangered or threatened with becoming
endangered;
2. To perpetuate the migratory bird resource;
3. To preserve a natural diversity and abundance of fauna and flora on refuge
lands; and
4. To provide an understanding and appreciation of fish and wildlife ecology
and man’s role in his environment, and provide visitors with high quality,
safe, wholesome, and enjoyable recreation experiences oriented toward
wildlife to the extent these activities are compatible with the purposes for
which the refuge was established.
Individual refuges are important in and of themselves. They support resident,
as well as migratory, wildlife and provide enjoyment for local people. But
perhaps they are most important for their collective benefits. Together, they
form a network of lands spanning the entire continent - supporting birds
migrating from Alaska and Canada to the southern States and points south,
providing for the conservation of trust resources, providing enjoyment for people
throughout the United States and neighboring countries. For example, refuges
in North and South Dakota provide wetland and grassland habitats critical to
breeding and migrating ducks as required by international treaties with
Canada and Mexico. Refuges in Louisiana and Texas provide wintering habitat
for these same birds. Still other refuges provide for endangered and threatened
plants or animals that exist in unique habitats which occur in very few
locations. And collectively, they help prevent species from becoming threatened
or endangered by securing habitat in all or portions of a species range. The
network is critical; a deficiency in one location may affect wildlife in other
locations.
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Legal and Policy Guidance
National Wildlife Refuges are guided by: The mission and goals of the National
Wildlife Refuge System; the legal purpose of the refuge unit as described in the
establishing legislation or executive orders; international treaties; Federal laws
and regulations; and Service policies (Appendix C).
North Platte Refuge is guided also by a number of agreements with other
agencies and by the conditions presented in Final Environmental Assessments
and Compatibility Determinations (Appendices J and E respectively).
The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended,
provided guidelines and directives for administration of the National Wildlife
Refuge System. Use of any area within the Refuge System was permitted,
provided that such uses were compatible with the major purposes for which
such areas were established.
The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 amends the
Refuge System Administration Act by including a unifying mission for the Refuge
System, a formal process for determining compatible uses on refuges, and a
requirement that each refuge will be managed under a Comprehensive
Conservation Plan. This Act states that wildlife conservation is the priority of
Refuge System lands and that the Secretary of the Interior shall ensure that
the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of refuge lands are
maintained. Each refuge must be managed to fulfill both the specific purposes
for which it was established and the mission of the Refuge System.
Further, the Refuge Improvement Act defines the wildlife-dependent
recreational uses as: hunting and fishing, wildlife observation and
photography, environmental education and interpretation. (Specific details
regarding additional amendments are available through the Refuge or Regional
Office.)
Lands within the Refuge System are different from other public lands in that
they are closed to all public uses unless specifically and legally opened. Unlike
other Federal lands that are managed under a multiple-use mandate (i.e., national
forests administered by the U.S. Forest Service and public lands administered by
the U.S. Bureau of Land Management), the Refuge System is managed
specifically for the benefit of fish and wildlife resources.
“Compatibility” is a legal term which must be clearly understood. By Federal
law, all uses of national wildlife refuges, including wildlife-dependent
recreational activities, must be formally determined to be “compatible.” A
compatible use is defined as a use that, in the sound professional judgement of
the refuge manager, will not materially interfere with or detract from the
fulfillment of the mission of the Refuge System or the purposes of the refuge.
Sound professional judgement is further defined as a finding, determination, or
decision that is consistent with the principles of sound fish and wildlife
management and administration, available science and resources (funding,
personnel, facilities, and other infrastructure), and adherence with applicable
laws. No use of a national wildlife refuge may be allowed unless determined to
be compatible.
Uses that have been determined to be compatible for North Platte Refuge
include: environmental education and interpretation, wildlife observation and
photography, sport fishing (including from boats with non-combustion engines),
and upland habitat management tools.
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Existing Partnerships
The North Platte Refuge staff works with:
n Bureau of Reclamation and its agents, Pathfinder and Farmers
Irrigation Districts.
n Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in fisheries management and law
enforcement.
n The University of Nebraska/Panhandle Extension and Research Center
in coordinated integrated pest management activities.
n Educational Service Unit #13 in environmental education.
n Wildcat Audubon Society through their “adopt-a-refuge” program.
n Scotts Bluff National Monument in prescribed burning.
n Scotts Bluff County Fire Association in wildfire suppression.
n Private landowners through the Fish and Wildlife Service Partners for
Fish and Wildlife Program.
n The Natural Resource Conservation Service in the Wetland Reserve
Program.
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II. Planning Process
Description
Key steps in the comprehensive planning process are: (1) preplanning; (2)
identifying issues and developing a vision; (3) gathering information; (4)
analyzing resource relationships; (5) developing alternatives and assessing
environmental effects; (6) identifying a proposed alternative; (7) publishing a
draft plan and soliciting public comments; 8) reviewing comments and making
appropriate changes to the draft; ( 9) preparing the final plan for approval by
the Region 6 Regional Director; (10) publishing the final plan; and finally (11)
implementing the plan.
The project leader for the Crescent Lake/North Platte National Wildlife
Refuge Complex and the manager of the North Platte Refuge were assigned
primary responsibility for planning in June, 1998. An open house/scoping
session was held on July 17, 1998, to inform the public of the planning process
and to seek ideas on a variety of Refuge programs and issues. About 150
invitations were mailed to local and national stakeholders (educators,
permittees, neighbors, other agencies and non-profit organizations). The
general public was also invited through widely published/broadcast news
releases. Information could also be obtained by contacting the Refuge Manger
and comments could be submitted in writing.
Participants in the open house were provided an opportunity to learn about the
Refuge, talk with Service representatives and share their ideas. Refuge staff
also met personally with the Wildcat Audubon Society, the West Nebraska
Sportsman Association, and the Scottsbluff Lions Club to discuss the CCP
process.
In November 1998, the Project Leader formed a Review Team from a pool of
known stakeholders, biologists, and planners:
John Esperance, FWS, Region 6 Regional Office Planning Staff
(Team Leader)
Larry Shanks, FWS, Refuge Supervisor, Region 6/ CO-KS-NE-UT
Sheri Fetherman, FWS, Chief, Education/Visitor Services, Region 6
Lorrie Beck, FWS, Education/Visitor Services, Region 6
Rhoda Lewis, FWS, Regional Archaeologist, Region 6
Wayne King, FWS, Wildlife Biologist, Region 6
Dr. Jim Stubbendieck, Director, Center for Great Plains Studies,
University of Nebraska at Lincoln (UNL)
Ritch Nelson, NGPC, Panhandle District Manager, Wildlife Division
Jack Peterson, NGPC, Panhandle District, Fisheries Supervisor
Dale Henry, FWS-Retired
The final CCP will guide management of the North Platte Refuge for the next
15 years. The Plan will be reviewed during routine Refuge inspections and
programmatic evaluations. When changes are needed, the level of public
involvement and associated NEPA documentation will be determined by the
Project Leader. The entire Plan will be formally reviewed and revised at least
every 15 years.
24 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000
Planning Issues
The following issues were identified during the public scoping process and
through discussions with review team members. Some additional discussion is
found in the Environmental Assessment (Appendix J).
Public Use
Liberalization of Closure Dates. Present closure dates are: October 1 through
January 14 for the Lake Minatare and Winters Creek and October 1 through
May 14 for Lake Alice. These may be more restrictive than necessary to
protect migratory birds. Changing the closure to October 15 through January
14 on these three units would allow for more wildlife-dependent public use. The
Service would support the same dates for the Lake Minatare State Recreation
Area should the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Bureau of
Reclamation consider such a change. Stateline Island would remain open year-round.
Liberalization of Closed Areas. Changes in public use at the Lake Alice Unit
have been suggested, primarily elimination of the closure of the west half of the
Unit. Such action would expand non-motorized access for wildlife-dependent
recreation. Other recommendations include closing the little-used dirt road
along the south side of the lake to vehicles, and constructing an observation
overlook along the south end of the east dam. (See Map 6).
Hunting. Hunting of pheasants, deer, and small game at Lake Alice from
January 15 through October 14, in accordance with State regulations, may be
compatible with the purposes of the Refuge. In western Nebraska, the Refuge
is the only sanctuary available to large numbers of waterfowl during the
hunting season. Because of this, hunting native birds (waterfowl, sharp-tailed
grouse, mourning dove) may not be compatible with the refuge purpose “as a
preserve and breeding ground for native birds.” Public hunting on the other
units may not be compatible because of their small size, although archery
hunting may be considered. Public safety would have to be carefully examined.
Before the Refuge can be opened to hunting, a hunting plan must be approved
by the Director of the Service and the proposal published in the Federal
Register. The public would be invited to participate at all stages.
Invasive Species
Russian olive, salt cedar, Canada thistle, and musk thistle are invading native
habitat.
Removing or Burying Overhead Power Lines
About six miles of overhead power lines are a prominent intrusion. Power
company maintenance activities physically affect the environment and the lines
pose a threat to birds attracted to the Refuge (Armbruster, 1990).
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000 25
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North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000 27
Water Rights
Both fish and wildlife would benefit from additional and stable water in the
Inland Lakes, particularly at Lake Alice. The United States asserts a Federal
reserved water right for the Refuge, subject to Bureau of Reclamation uses, for
sufficient water to provide a preserve and breeding ground for native birds.
The right carries a priority date of August 21, 1916, the date the Refuge was
established, but has not been quantified or pursued.
Substantial leaking occurs through the Lake Alice lakebed and, thus, storage is
minimized by water users who cannot afford a loss in their allocation of
irrigation water. As a result, potential improvements to the fisheries and
wildlife habitat in this Unit goes wanting.
Funding and Staffing
Some people expressed concern that the Service may not be allocated sufficient
money to implement all of this Plan. Refuge operations are always subject to
funds and personnel appropriated by Congress. Congress has instructed the
Service to assess the condition of the National Wildlife Refuge System and to
prepare Comprehensive Conservation Plans which include needed funds and
staffing (see Section V). The Service will implement these plans to the extent
funds and personnel are available.
Lands of Interest
Winters Creek Expansion. The acquisition boundary approved by the Director
of the Service in April, 1990 would add 200 acres to the Winters Creek Unit
(see Map 7). This site is needed to meet the interpretation and education
objectives of the Refuge and is the preferred site for a visitor contact station.
The habitat is primarily grassland (80 percent) and wetland (10 percent).
Additional protection and management would benefit all wildlife now using the
area. Purchase would be from willing sellers only.
Morrill Island. The Service holds title to this 100-acre island in the North
Platte River (Map 8). An adjoining landowner disputes this title. The Service
has requested, and is waiting for, guidance from the Justice Department before
initiating active management. While this particular tract does not lend itself well
to public access, habitat would be improved by Service management and
protection. Species that would benefit from Service protection include many
neotropical birds, waterfowl, and bald eagles.
The following properties are of interest to the Service in the future.
In the future, the Refuge staff may look at short-grass uplands and wetlands adjoining
the Lake Alice Unit which are of interest for possible private-lands habitat
improvement projects, grassland easements, and/or acquisition from willing
sellers. Other ���roundout” acquisitions that would improve general
administration of the Refuge include the Winters Creek outlet area (Map 7)
and the Lake Alice west dam. No planning is scheduled for this parcel at this time.
Scottsbluff Island. The Fish and Wildlife Service has expressed interest to the
Bureau of Land Management for withdrawal from the public domain of this
100-acre island in the North Platte River (Map 9). BLM has not acted on the
request due to a moratorium imposed by the Justice Department. This tract is
near Scottsbluff and Gering and would be an ideal site for local teachers and
the Refuge staff to conduct environmental education programs. Species
expected to benefit from Service protection include a variety of neotropical
birds, waterfowl, and bald eagles. Other public uses may include interpretive
hiking, wildlife viewing, and fishing in the North Platte River. After legal
direction and opinion is given by the Justice Department, the Service will
schedule planning efforts.
28 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000
III. Refuge and
Resource Descriptions
Socio-Economic Environment
The population of Scotts Bluff County is 36,000. Of this number, 26,000 live in
the nine communities within the County. The twin cities of Scottsbluff/Gering
have a combined population of 22,900. The entire County population lives
within 20 miles of a Refuge unit.
According to the Northeast Panhandle Economic Development Report
(Panhandle Area Dev. Dist., ca 1998), the population of Scotts Bluff County will
increase to about 41,200 by 2010 (up 13.5 percent). The population of the 11-
county Northeast Panhandle will increase from 90,500 in 1997 to 95,350 in 2020
(up 5.3 percent). This indicates that the more rural counties surrounding the
Refuge may actually lose population in the next 20 years.
Scottsbluff/Gering is a regional trade center for the Nebraska Panhandle and
parts of eastern Wyoming. Agriculture is the primary economic activity. Major
crops are sugar beets, beans, corn, and alfalfa. Construction, manufacturing, and
retail merchandising are increasing in importance.
Geographic / Ecosystem Setting
The 2,909-acre Refuge includes four geographically separate units, three of
which are superimposed on or adjoining Bureau of Reclamation irrigation
reservoirs. A fourth unit, Stateline Island, is a Reclamation diversion project
along the North Platte River adjoining the Wyoming State line.
In 1995, the Service adopted an “ecosystem approach to natural resource
management,” and identified 52 ecosystems within the United States (USFWS, 1994).
North Platte Refuge is in the Platte/Kansas Rivers Ecosystem (Map 10).
Interdisciplinary teams have identified the primary areas of concern in each
ecosystem. In the Platte/Kansas Rivers Ecosystem those are:
n Prairie Grassland restoration and preservation
n Species of Concern (rare species) n Water Quality
n Native fishes, small fishes and mussels n Water Quantity
This Plan, when implemented, will contribute to the goals and objectives of the
Platte/Kansas Rivers Ecosystem.
Climate
The general climate is characteristic of the high plains. Average annual
precipitation is about 14.5 inches. The average January temperature is 23.8
degrees Fahrenheit, while the average in July is 72.8 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature extremes have ranged from -37 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit.
Humidity is relatively low and prevailing winds are west to northwest in winter
and east to southeast in summer. Winter winds are occasionally warmed by the
down slope effect from the higher elevations to the west and bring rapid warming
and melting of snow. The growing season is 135 day; the last killing frost is in mid-
May and the first in mid-September.
Air Quality
No known air quality problems exist. The strategic plan for Scotts Bluff
County is to “maintain the level of air quality throughout the area” (Scotts
Bluff County, 1999).
Geology
The Refuge is located in the central part of the High Plains Region. The three
reservoir units lie on a terrace or bench just north of the North Platte River
Valley between two bedrock outcrops. The area has numerous gravel veins, an
indication it is a remnant of an old alluvial terrace. Stateline Island is in the
North Platte River floodplain. The general landscape surrounding the Refuge
is nearly level to rolling prairie.
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North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000 37
Refuge Resources
Soils
Refuge soils are mapped and described in detail in the 1968 (Yost, et.al.) Soil
Survey of Scotts Bluff County. Soils on the reservoir units are mostly deep
sandy and loamy soils on foot slopes and deep sandy soils on uplands. Mixed
alluvial soils are characteristic of Stateline Island.
Water
The North Platte River is the principal drainage and water source for the
North Platte Valley. The Bureau of Reclamation holds a Wyoming water right,
with a priority date of December 6, 1904, for storage in the Inland Lakes, three
of which are within or adjacent to the Refuge. Under this right, Reclamation
may: (1) Accrue 46,000 acre-feet (up to 910 cfs) from the North Platte River
during the months of October, November, and April which may be stored in
Glendo and Guernsey Reservoirs before release into the Interstate Canal for
storage in the Inland Lakes; and (2) divert from Whalen Diversion at a rate up
to the canal capacity during the irrigation season as part of Nebraska’s share of
flows below the Whalen Diversion. This right was confirmed by the Supreme
Court in Nebraska v. Wyoming (1945), and reconfirmed by the Special Master’s
Ruling of April 9, 1992, (in litigation resulting from Nebraska’s complaint of
violations by Wyoming), and reconfirmed by a Supreme Court Decision of April
20, 1993.
During the 1990s litigation, the United States asserted a Federal reserved
water right for the Refuge, subject to Bureau of Reclamation uses, for
sufficient water to provide a preserve and breeding ground for native birds.
The right carries a priority date of August 21, 1916, the date the Refuge was
established. The reserved right was not quantified and the claim was not
pursued in subsequent settlement discussions.
Lake Alice and Lake Minatare were formed by damming basin-like valleys.
Winters Creek Lake is a natural wetland which was altered to operate as a
reservoir. The amount of water which enters the reservoirs depends on spring
runoff and water right allocations. During the summer, water is released for
irrigation. By September, water levels are at their lowest points and the
reservoirs usually will not receive more water until the following spring.
Since 1991, Pathfinder Irrigation District has been able to leave about 1,000
acre-feet of water in storage at Lake Alice in the early fall. This relatively small
amount benefits migrating birds and reduces the intensity of local sandstorms.
Unfortunately, these benefits are short-lived due to seepage and evaporation.
38 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000
Vegetation
Grasslands
The Refuge has approximately 1,625 acres of grassland, mostly native prairie.
The primary native grasses are blue grama, needle-and-thread, western
wheatgrass, and prairie sandreed. Little bluestem, sand bluestem, lovegrass,
and switchgrass are native grasses that were reseeded on about 16 acres in
1998 and 1999. Appendix F contains a list of 179 plant species collected from
the Refuge.
Nonnative species, or species not typically found in mixed-grass prairie, are
interspersed throughout all Refuge units. The most widespread are smooth
brome and Kentucky bluegrass.
Woodlands/Shrub
Refuge reservoirs are surrounded with bands of large, naturally established
cottonwoods. The bands range in thickness from one or two trees to 100 yards
or more. The cottonwoods are very even-aged, in the range of 70 to 80 years
old. At Lake Minatare, peach-leaf willow grows in relatively undisturbed areas
at the high water mark. In the 1930s, the Veterans Civil Conservation Corps
(VCCC) planted American elm, green ash, and fruit-bearing shrubs such as
chokecherry, among the cottonwoods. At Lakes Alice and Minatare, green ash
are established in the understory.
Stateline Island is heavily forested with cottonwood, ash, willow, and honey
locust. Besides native grasses, the understory include native grasses, shrubs
(peach-leaf willow and serviceberry), and forbs such as wild licorice, ground
plum, and prickly pear cactus.
Plant Species of Management Concern
Three plants officially listed as Species of Management Concern by NGPC
occur on the Refuge: wild onion, perennial bursage, and strict sage (Appendix
H). The amounts and distribution of these plants is largely unknown.
Exotic and Invading Vegetation
Several species on the Nebraska noxious plant list are found on the Refuge.
The most widespread is Canada thistle which is common on the many disturbed
sites within and adjacent to the Refuge. Other invasive, nonnative plants
include musk thistle, Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, downy brome, and
Russian olive. The latter is very aggressive and is invading the cottonwood
understory at Winters Creek, Lake Alice, and Stateline Island.
Summary of Basic Habitat Types on Each Refuge Unit
Summary of Basic Habitat Types on each Refuge Unit
Minatare Winters
Creek
Lake
Alice
Stateline
Island
Total
Open Water (lakes) 237 627 864
Small Wetlands
(w/emergent veg.)
6 6
Grassland 560 240 760 65 1,625
Trees/scrub shrub 177 38 100 65 380
Administrative
(roads,dams,canals)
15 13 6 34
2,909
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000 39
Wildlife
Endangered and Threatened Species
The bald eagle is a federally listed threatened species which, at this writing,
has been nominated for delisting. If that occurs it would most likely fall into the
category of a Species of Management Concern. The Refuge was established, in
part, because of the presence of wintering eagles. Numbers were never large
(up to 24); however, the Refuge remains a consistent and important wintering
area because of the large numbers of migrating and wintering mallards. One
pair of bald eagles has nested on the Refuge since 1993; 18 young were
produced to flight stage through 2000.
Whooping cranes, a federally listed endangered species, have not been seen on
the Refuge but are occasionally sighted nearby. In 1987, a lone bird was
observed east of Scottsbluff and 12 miles north of Lake Minatare. One bird was
seen among a flock of sandhill cranes just west of Scottsbluff in 1999. The
exposed and shallow water beaches of Lake Minatare and Lake Alice are
considered potential fall roosting sites.
Species of Management Concern
For the purposes of this Plan, Species of Management Concern are those listed
by the Fish and Wildlife Service or the State as declining and in need of special
attention. Comparing these lists with the Refuge bird list indicates 40 such
species occur on the Refuge sometime during the year (see Appendix H).
Birds
Nebraska includes 413 bird species on its official list, 228 of which occur on the
North Platte Refuge (Appendices F, G and H).
Beside the bald eagle, other raptors common to the Refuge include great-horned
owl, American kestrel, rough-legged hawk, golden eagle, red-tailed
hawk, northern harrier, and osprey. Use by all raptors averages about 1,500 to
2,000 use-days per year. The peregrine falcon, a recovered endangered species,
is an occasional visitor during migrations.
The American Bird Conservancy (1998) has designated Lake Minatare
“globally significant” as a wintering area for waterfowl. Although no longer
part of the Refuge, Lake Minatare is closed as a fall and winter sanctuary
under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation and the NGPC. Table 1
indicates average annual waterfowl use on the Refuge, about 95 percent of
which occurs from mid-October through December.
40 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000
North Platte Refuge is not a waterfowl production area. Only four species nest
on the Refuge (Canada goose, wood duck, mallard, and blue-winged teal).
About 100 geese and 200 ducks, 95 percent of which are wood ducks, are raised
to flight stage annually.
Table 1. Average Annual Waterfowl Use Days for the North Platte
NWR (Includes Lake Minatare proper which is no longer part of the
Refuge but adjoins the Lake Minatare Unit and is closed as a fall and
winter sanctuary under agreement with Reclamation and NGPC.)
Species
Average
Annual
Use Days
TOTAL USE
DAYS
Trumpeter Swan 24
Total Swan Use Days 24
White-fronted Goose 37
Snow Goose 373
Canada Goose 80,837
Total Goose Use Days 81,247
Common Merganser 158,340
Red-breasted Merganser 489
Hooded Merganser 480
Mallard 4,721,953
Gadwall 10,341
American Wigeon 16,843
Green-winged Teal 7,693
Blue-winged Teal 2,910
Shoveler 9,167
Pintail 13,359
Wood Duck 943
Redhead 8,293
Canvasback 2,143
Lesser Scaup 11,644
Ring-necked Duck 1,701
Common Goldeneye 174,780
Bufflehead 2,619
Ruddy 3,394
Total Duck Use Days 5,147,092
TOTALWATERFOWLUSEDAYS 5,228,363
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000 41
Table 2 indicates average annual marsh and water bird use for the Refuge.
Herons and cormorants use the area primarily from March into November. A
rookery on the Lake Alice Unit, idle since 1991, was occupied by about 50 herons
and 30 cormorants. It is not known why the rookery was abandoned.
The heaviest use by shorebirds, gulls, and terns occurs from March through
November. Table 3 indicates average annual use by shorebirds and allied species.
Ring-necked pheasants and sharp-tailed grouse occur in small numbers, primarily
on the Lake Alice and Winters Creek units. Bobwhite quail and wild turkey
inhabit Stateline Island; the turkey population is estimated at 50.
Table 2. Average Annual Marsh and Water Bird Use Days for the
North Platte NWR (includes Lake Minatare proper which is no longer
part of the Refuge but adjoins the Lake Minatare Unit and is closed as
a fall and winter sanctuary under agreement with Reclamation and the
NGPC).
Species Average
Annual Use
Days
TOTAL USE
DAYS
Double-crested Cormorant 12,906
White Pelican 4,219
Great Blue Heron 10,732
Black-crowned Night-Heron 2,706
TOTAL USE DAYS 30,563
Table 3. Average Annual Shorebird/Allied Species Use Days for the
North Platte NWR (includes Lake Minatare proper which is no longer
part of the Refuge but adjoins the Lake Minatare Unit and is closed as
a fall and winter sanctuary under agreement with Reclamation and
NGPC).
Species Average
Annual Use
Days
TOTAL USE
DAYS
Herring Gull 3,084
Ring-billed Gull 220,324
Franklin's Gull 28,459
Bonaparte's Gull 615
Long-billed Dowitcher 455
Stilt Sandpiper 48
Baird's Sandpiper 4,246
Least Sandpiper 1,860
Marbled Godwit 168
Lesser Yellowlegs 401
Willet 84
Killdeer 10,032
TOTAL USE DAYS 269,776
42 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000
Mammals
Larger mammals include raccoon, striped skunk, coyote, red fox, black-tailed
prairie dog, badger, eastern fox squirrel, eastern cottontail, white-tailed deer,
and mule deer (Appendix F). The Refuge Units are small and deer move on and
off the Refuge throughout the year; peak numbers occur during winter and
average about 50 to 60 mule deer and 10 white-tailed deer. Two black-tailed
prairie dog towns on the Lake Minatare Unit were struck by plague in 1996
and have not been occupied since. The black-tailed prairie dog is a candidate
for listing as a threatened or endangered species.
The Refuge mammal list is not complete and little is known about small rodents
and other species.
Amphibians and Reptiles
The northern leopard frog is the most common amphibian. The bullsnake,
western plains garter snake, and eastern yellow bellied racer are the most
common reptiles. The Refuge does not have a complete list of amphibians and
reptiles, and little is known about these species (Appendix F).
Fish
Refuge reservoirs are man-made and all fish have been introduced through
stocking or have entered the lakes through the irrigation canals. Walleye,
yellow perch, bluegill, white bass, northern pike, and channel catfish are
stocked for recreational purposes at Winters Creek by the NGPC. Little is
known about nongame fishes.
Invertebrates
Refuge habitats produce large numbers of invertebrates which form an
important food base for migrating and nesting birds. The Refuge does not have
an insect list and little is known about relative numbers or distribution. Two native
mussels are known to occur in Lake Minatare, the paper floater and the giant
floater (see Appendix F). A third species, the cylindrical papershell, could be
expected to occur but has not been documented.
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000 43
Cultural Resources
No significant historic, prehistoric or paleontological resources have been
identified within the Refuge. The lake units lie north of the Oregon Trail and 10
miles northeast of the Scotts Bluff National Monument. Construction of the lakes
took place in the early 1900s.
The Veterans Civilian Conservation Corps developed some recreational
facilities on and around the Refuge in the 1930s. The dilapidated remains of a
stone latrine are located at the North Cove area in the Lake Minatare Unit.
Stateline Island adjoins the North Platte River and lies within two miles of the
confluence of the North Platte River and Horse Creek where more than 10,000
Plains Indians gathered in council with the U.S. Government to sign the Fort
Laramie Treaty of 1851.
The Bureau of Reclamation is responsible for general cultural resource
surveys. The Service is responsible for surveys and mitigation on sites
disturbed by Refuge management activities.
Public Use and Environmental Education
All four Refuge units are open during daylight hours for wildlife observation and
photography, interpretation and environmental education, fishing, hiking,
canoeing, boating (no internal combustion motors), and mushroom and berry
picking. The Lake Minatare, Winters Creek, and Lake Alice Units are closed
during portions of the fall and winter to provide sanctuary for migrating birds.
Stateline Island is open year-round.
About 4,500 people visited in 1999, an increase of 20 percent since 1987; about
90 percent are from local communities. Visitors often engage in more than one
activity and an approximate breakdown by activity is: wildlife observation/
interpretation (2,100); environmental education (1,400); and fishing (1,900). In
addition, Refuge staff presented off-site education programs to about 1,100
people, mostly students, in 1999.
Visitor facilities are limited. Interior Refuge roads are two-track trails which
are difficult to travel when wet. Mowed parking areas are located near fishing
access points, including a primitive boat launch at Winters Creek. Five
information kiosks with leaflet dispensers are located at Refuge entrances. No
rest room facilities are provided. Refuge entrances and boundaries are signed.
The adjoining Lake Minatare State Recreation Area (SRA) is managed by the
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission through a lease with the Bureau of
Reclamation. It is open for public use from January 15 to September 30 and
closed the rest of the year, under agreement with the Service, as a sanctuary
for migrating and wintering birds. NGPC estimates that the area receives
250,000 to 325,000 visits annually (McCoy, personal communication). These
visits are primarily for power boating and fishing, camping (including ORVs),
and swimming.
44 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000
IV. Refuge Goals,
Objectives, and Strategies
Background
The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System and legal purpose of the
North Platte Refuge are the primary references for setting Refuge goals and
objectives. Service ecosystem priorities are also considered.
The following goals and objectives were first established in the early stages of
the planning process and then refined and updated based on comments from
stakeholders and the review team. They provided the base for development of
the alternatives discussed in the Environmental Assessment (Appendix J ).
It is important to understand that individual objectives cannot be taken out of
context. Refuge objectives are interrelated and, together, will produce the
desired results. Generally speaking, habitat is managed to produce and/or
support a definable variety and amount of wildlife. However, because it is the
habitat over which refuge managers have most control, a clear understanding
must also exist of the kinds and amounts of habitat needed to support that
wildlife. Thus, objectives occur for both wildlife species or groups of species
and for habitat - but they must be viewed collectively. Public use and
environmental education are also important functions and managers must
know what kinds and how much public use can be allowed and remain
compatible with the wildlife purposes and objectives.
The Refuge consists of four small, geographically separated units and cannot
be all things to all forms of wildlife. Therefore, in order to decide how to
manage a specific habitat, it is necessary to define in general terms which
animals, or group of animals, will receive priority and where. This is not always
a popular idea and perhaps a couple of examples will help. For instance, if a
conflict exists between providing for a species of management concern and
providing for migrating mallard ducks, the species of management concern
would generally be given priority. Similarly, in the event of a management
conflict, species that are abundant on private lands surrounding the Refuge
(i.e., horned lark) would have lower priority than species which are more
dependent on native prairie (i.e., long-billed curlew).
The general wildlife priorities for North Platte Refuge are: (1) endangered or
threatened species; (2) species considered candidates for listing as threatened
or endangered, and Species of Management Concern (species which are or are
becoming rare or are declining in numbers, are listed as such on either Federal
or State lists, and for which the proper habitat occurs on the Refuge); (3) native
birds (resident and migratory); (4) other native wildlife; and (5) nonnative
species that people use consumptively (i.e., ring-necked pheasant and sport
fish).
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000 45
Endangered and Threatened Species
Plants and animals listed as endangered or threatened by either the Federal
government or the State of Nebraska will receive priority consideration in all
refuge management decisions. The bald eagle is listed as threatened, however,
at this writing, has been recommended for delisting. An average of 10 eagles
have wintered on the Refuge over the last 10 years, and one pair has
successfully nested on the Refuges since 1993. No known endangered plants
occur on the Refuge. Scoping and public involvement did not reveal a need for
more use by these species or to change present management.
Goal 1: Contribute to the preservation and restoration of endangered or
threatened species that are or were endemic to the North Platte
Refuge area.
1.1 Objective: Maintain habitat and food sources for at least 24 wintering and
migrating bald eagles, and one pair of nesting bald eagles.
Strategies:
n Continue to close the Lake Alice, Winters Creek, and Lake Minatare
units to public use from mid-October to mid-January.
n Maintain a protective zone around the existing nesting site.
n Continuously monitor for new nesting activity; immediately establish
new protective zones at the first signs of nesting.
Fish and Wildlife
Wildlife objectives, particularly those for migratory species, must be
considered in light of: the purpose and role of North Platte Refuge; continental
and statewide populations and trends; the potential of the Refuge to make a
measurable contribution at reasonable cost; and the effects of applied
management on other species. For instance, if a migratory species is declining
because of problems on wintering grounds to the south, it does not
automatically follow that this refuge should make significant adjustments in
management to produce or sustain more - but that possibility should be
considered. Or, for example, if increases are indicated, care should be taken
that refuge management is resulting in a net increase, not just redistributing
animals from surrounding areas.
46 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000
Goal 2: Preserve, restore, and enhance the ecological diversity and
abundance of migratory birds and other indigenous fish and
wildlife.
2.1 Objective: Maintain present migrating and breeding populations of Species
of Management Concern (see Appendix H) and species which are candidates for
listing as threatened or endangered.
The black-tailed prairie dog is a candidate for Federal listing as a threatened
or endangered species. The Refuge population was decimated by plague in
1996, and the two colonies have not been reinhabitated. Because of the small size of
the Refuge and the inability to prevent prairie dogs from migrating onto private
lands, the reintroduction of prairie dogs is not feasible at this time. Should the
population return to it’s own, however, they will be fully protected.
Scoping and public involvement did not reveal a specific need for more use
on the Refuge by other species. Therefore, changes in management for the
specific purpose of increasing any of these species is not necessary at this
time. More information is needed to determine how present habitat
management helps or hinders each species and if the Refuge has
significant potential to increase populations.
Strategies:
n Maintain habitat capable of supporting present populations of Species
of Management Concern and species which are candidates for listing
as threatened or endangered (see Habitat Objectives).
n Emphasize habitat uncommon or not found on surrounding private
lands (see Habitat Objectives).
n Acquire management control over government owned Morrill and
Scottsbluff Islands.
n Devise and implement surveys and monitoring to determine status and
trends of, and effects of management on, Species of Management
Concern; identify “indicator species” that will help define with greater
detail management strategies for this group as a whole.
n Participate in ecosystem management and area-wide strategies to
enhance these species.
2.2 Objective: Maintain present migrating and breeding populations and
production of waterfowl (See Table 1).
Scoping and public involvement did not reveal a need to increase present
populations or production of waterfowl on the Refuge.
Strategies:
n Maintain habitat capable of supporting present breeding and
migrating populations (see Habitat Objectives).
2.3 Objective: Maintain present numbers and distribution of other migratory
and nonmigratory birds.
Scoping and public involvement did not reveal a need to increase the
breeding or migrating populations of other migratory or nonmigratory
birds on the Refuge.
Strategies:
n Maintain habitat capable of supporting present numbers of other
migratory and nonmigratory birds (see Habitat Objectives).
n Monitor population trends and assess the effects of habitat
management on these species.
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000 47
2.4 Objective: Maintain the present diversity and abundance of mammals,
reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.
Scoping and public involvement did not indicate a need to increase or
decrease use on the Refuge of any other animal species. However, little is
known about the presence, abundance, and specific needs of many of these
species; problems and needs may simply be unknown. Scientifically based,
defendable surveys and research is time consuming and often expensive;
past and present funding and staffing has limited such activity.
Strategies:
n Devise and implement surveys, and monitor to detect the status and
trends of, and effects of management on, mammals, reptiles,
amphibians, and invertebrates.
n Seek alternative ways to obtain missing information (i.e., university
studies, volunteer assistance).
2.5 Objective: Maintain harvestable populations of sport fish in Winters Creek
and Lake Alice reservoirs; maintain an overall fishery as a food source for
birds dependent of an aquatic diet.
The NGPC manages sport fisheries on the Refuge, an arrangement that
has been valuable to both agencies. At present, only Winters Creek has
sustainable populations. Drawdowns for irrigation and seepage prevent a
sustainable fishery at Lake Alice. A fish screen at the inlet of Winters
Creek was damaged by a wildfire in 1996 and is no longer functional;
unknown amounts of carp have entered the lake for the past several years.
Strategies:
n Maintain cooperative agreement with NGPC for fishery management.
n In cooperation with the NGPC:
- Evaluate the feasibility of, need for, and costs and benefits of
establishing a new sport fishery at Lake Alice.
- Devise and implement surveys to determine the presence, status, and
importance (both positive and negative) of fish other than sport fish.
- Assess the effects of carp on the Winters Creek fishery; implement
control when indicated, including repair of the fish screen.
Goal 3: Maintain ecological diversity and abundance of migratory birds
and other wildlife on Stateline Island.
3.1 Objective: On Stateline Island maintain present migrating and breeding
populations of Species of Management Concern (see Appendix H) and species
which are candidates for listing as threatened or endangered.
Strategies:
n Maintain habitat capable of supporting present populations of Species
of Management Concern and species which are candidates for listing
as threatened or endangered (see Habitat Objectives).
n Devise and implement surveys and monitoring to determine status and
trends of, and effects of management on, Species of Management
Concern; identify “indicator species” that will help define with greater
detail management strategies for this group as a whole.
48 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000
Upland Habitat
Goal 4: Preserve, restore, and enhance on North Platte Refuge the natural
diversity of indigenous flora; maintain the amounts and
distribution of basic upland habitat types as are now present.
An Upland Habitat Management Plan was written for North Platte Refuge in
1996. Referred to as a “step-down plan,” it presents habitat descriptions and
the management techniques that will be used to create and/or maintain the
habitat necessary to reach and sustain the fish and wildlife objectives. The
step-down plan is available at the Refuge Headquarters if more information is
needed. The following habitat objectives are based on that document.
4.1 Objective: Maintain and sustain existing native prairie areas in excellent
condition; increase the warm season grass component of native prairie and
other grassland areas by 10 percent.
The theme of prairie/grassland management on North Platte Refuge is to
create a general landscape that mimics “native” prairie, with emphasis on
warm season grasses such as switchgrass and Indian grass. This is
desirable because surrounding privately owned lands are managed for
different purposes and have little residual cover available in the early
spring for ground nesting birds. Cool season and exotic grasses (such as
Kentucky bluegrass and downy brome) begin growing in early spring and
cure out in midsummer. By the next spring, they are mostly lying flat and
of little use to nesting birds. Native warm season grasses do not begin to
grow until early or midsummer. They are generally bigger, more robust,
and remain standing throughout winter and spring. While most bird
species are adaptable and can survive in less than optimum habitat, their
numbers are generally fewer; some are becoming rare because of changes
in grassland resulting from commercial uses on private lands.
Today, “native” prairie is not common on private lands surrounding the
Refuge. These private lands do, however, provide shorter grasses for
wildlife which need that habitat type for all or part of their life cycle. By
emphasizing taller, warm season grasses and native forms on the Refuge, a
mixture of habitats can be provided over a larger area. The Refuge can and
should provide habitat not common in surrounding private lands.
Among the species that will benefit from taller vegetation are the
grasshopper sparrow, bobolink, clay-colored sparrow, mallard, and sharp-tailed
grouse. Birds which may benefit from shorter grass surrounding the
Refuge include killdeer, willet, horned lark, and lark bunting (Kantrud and
Kologiski 1982; Kirsch 1978; Ryder 1980).
Duebbert (1974) stated that residual nesting cover carried over from year-to-
year is an important component of nesting cover. However, if
undisturbed for too many years, the vigor of the vegetation declines. He
suggested a system of management that includes several years of non-use
interrupted by nearly complete cover removal during one year.
The desired mixture of grasses and forbs is encouraged by a combination
of rest, fire, and grazing (Duebbert 1974). Refuge management will strive
for a balance between providing undisturbed wildlife cover and maintaining
vegetative composition and vigor.
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000 49
Strategies:
n Leave no less than 75 percent of upland cover in an undisturbed state
every year. (Note: Treating up to 25 percent annually is the
approximate maintenance level; up to 50 percent may be treated in
some years until the desired condition and composition is reached.)
n Prescribe burn 10 to 25 percent of native prairie or other grassland areas
annually until habitat objectives are met; then burn about 5 to 10
percent annually.
n Graze up to 50 percent of native prairie or other grassland areas
annually until habitat objectives are met; then graze about 5 to 10
percent annually.
n Plant native grasses in disturbed areas (i.e., Russian olive control sites)
and areas infested with brome grasses.
n Work with utility companies to remove or bury overhead power lines.
n Through acquisition, conservation easements, or other instruments,
protect selected adjoining lands as upland habitat and to improve
general administration of the Refuge.
n Evaluate the results of applied management annually; adjust step-down
plan as needed.
n Refine the Upland Habitat Management Plan to more specifically
describe mixed grass prairie and desired species composition,
including indicator species to help measure change and progress.
4.2 Objective: Eradicate or reduce to the lowest practical level all noxious plants.
The four refuge units are small and surrounded by private lands subjected
to a wide variety of uses. Noxious plant control has been and no doubt will
continue to be an ongoing battle.
Strategies:
n Manage Canada thistle using integrated pest management techniques.
Eradication is not feasible but the plant should not be allowed to
spread or become the dominant species on any given area.
n Eliminate Russian olive trees through a combination of mechanical
removal, burning, and chemical treatment of stumps.
n Manage other noxious plants with a combination of mechanical
removal, biological (insect) control, spot application of herbicides,
overseeding, and proper management/restoration of native plants.
n Include information about control of exotic/invasive species in
information leaflets, kiosks, and other environmental education efforts.
Goal 5: Preserve, restore, and enhance on Stateline Island the natural
diversity of indigenous flora; maintain the amounts and
distribution of basic upland habitat types as are now present.
5.1 Objective: Maintain and sustain existing native grassland and cottonwood
stands in good to excellent condition.
Strategies:
n Continue to prescribe burn Stateline Island Unit annually
approximately once every four years.
n Continue to monitor vegetation health and production by using photo-point
measuring techniques.
5.2 Objective: Eradicate or reduce, to the lowest level practical, all State and
federally listed noxious weeds.
Strategies:
n Manage Canada thistle using integrated pest management techniques.
Eradication is not feasible but the plant should not be allowed to
spread or become the dominant species on any given area.
n Manage other noxious plants with a combination of mechanical
removal, biological (insect) control, spot application of herbicides,
overseeding, and proper management/restoration of native plants.
50 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000
Wetlands
Goal 6: Enhance and maintain diverse and reliable wetlands for fish and
wildlife on North Platte Refuge.
Refuge and nearby impoundments are irrigation reservoirs and the Refuge has
no control over the amounts and timing of water delivered through the
irrigation canals. Water levels fluctuate widely, resulting in unreliable shallow
and deep-water habitat.
6.1 Objective: Establish a reliable water source for management of water levels
for wildlife at Lake Alice.
Strategies:
n Obtain water rights through fair market purchase and agreement with
the Bureau of Reclamation and the Pathfinder Irrigation District.
n Increase the inactive (fall-winter) pool elevation at Lake Alice through
agreement with Reclamation and the Pathfinder Irrigation District.
Public Use and Environmental Education
Goal 7: Provide opportunities to learn about and enjoy the outdoor
environment, fish, wildlife, and the history of the Refuge in a
manner compatible with the purposes for which the Refuge was
established.
The scoping sessions did not reveal a need to increase any specific type of on-site
public use. About 90 percent of current use is from local communities, and
tourism is not expected to increase significantly. Therefore, for planning purposes,
it is assumed that public use will increase at about the same rate as the local
population or about 13 to 14 percent by 2010 (Panhandle Area Development
District). If this growth rate remains steady through the life of this Plan, public
use (other than fishing) would increase by about 20 percent by 2015.
Local schools have expressed a desire for more on-site and off-site environmental
education programs and facilities; based on discussions with teachers, the
present demand is about twice the current output.
Fishing, especially winter fishing, has been increasing about 10 percent a year
for the last 3 to 4 years, primarily because people have discovered that fishing
on Winters Creek Lake is often better than on other nearby areas such as the
Lake Minatare State Recreation Area. Thus, while the total number of anglers
in the general area is not increasing faster than the local population, the
distribution is changing. This trend will not continue indefinitely, but a 50
percent increase in fishing on the Refuge over the life of this Plan (15 years)
would not be surprising.
7.1 Objective: Provide up to 5,000 visitors with quality interpretation, wildlife
observation, and photography opportunities.
7.2 Objective: Provide on-site environmental education and interpretation
opportunities for up to 2,000 local K-college students.
7.3 Objective: Increase off-site environmental education by Refuge staff from
1,100 to 1,700 local students.
7.4 Objective: Provide people of all ages and people with disabilities access to
some portion of all allowed public uses.
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000 51
Strategies:
n Shorten the closure on Lake Minatare and Winters Creek from
October 1 through January 14 to October 15 through January 14.
n Acquire lands within the Winters Creek Expansion boundary, from
willing sellers, and management control over Scottsbluff Island for the
expansion of on-site environmental education and interpretation
opportunities.
n Develop an accessible visitor contact station, staffed on a part-time
basis, at Winters Creek for formal and informal on-site interpretation and
education.
n Seek partnerships for development of formal on-site education facilities.
n Revise the public use step-down plan; include site and facility plans for
a visitor contact station at Winters Creek.
7.5 Objective: Provide sport fishing opportunities for up to 3,500 people per year.
Strategies:
n Maintain agreement with NGPC for fishery management.
n In cooperation with NGPC:
- determine the sport fishing capacity for Refuge lakes and be
prepared to limit use if necessary.
- conduct a feasibility study/cost benefit analysis for a sustainable
sport fishery at Lake Alice.
7.6 Objective: Provide opportunity for hunting (except migratory birds) at
Lake Alice from January 15 through October 14 in accordance with State laws.
The Refuge has never been open to hunting. Until 1990, the Refuge was
unstaffed and the Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge, 100 miles distant,
served as “caretaker” of the limited Service interests. The Refuge is now
staffed, and it is believed that limited hunting on the 1,500-acre Lake Alice unit
would be compatible with Refuge purposes, if the fall/winter closure is retained.
Strategies:
n In partnership with the NGPC, prepare a hunting plan complete with
public involvement.
Goal 8: Provide outdoor opportunities on Stateline Island for visitors to
enjoy environmental aspects of open space and protected wildlife.
8.1 Objective: Provide the public of all capabilities with quality interpretation,
wildlife observation, and photography opportunities,
Strategies:
n Maintain existing trail system and develop an accessible interpretive
river-walk trail on Stateline Island.
52 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000
Cultural Resources
Broad-based cultural resource surveys (history, archaeology, paleontology)
have not been conducted on the Refuge. General surveys are the
responsibility of the Bureau of Reclamation, the agency with primary
jurisdiction. The Service is responsible for surveys on sites that will be
disturbed by refuge management activities and for subsequent protection or
mitigation of any resources discovered during those surveys.
Goal 9: Preserve the cultural resources of the North Platte Refuge.
9.1 Objective: Identify and protect cultural resources for scientific, educational,
and interpretive purposes.
Strategies:
n In partnership with the Bureau of Reclamation, conduct a general
survey of cultural resources on the Refuge by December 31, 2002.
n Continue to conduct site-specific surveys on areas that will be
disturbed by refuge management activities; take advantage of
prescribed burns to detect presence of cultural resources.
Community Involvement / Support Systems
Goal 10: Promote partnerships to preserve, restore, and enhance the
natural environment and socio-economic community of which
North Platte Refuge is a part.
10.1 Objective: North Platte Refuge is part of larger socio-economic and
biological communities. It influences and is influenced by what goes on around
it - agriculture, recreation, community growth and development, natural
resource preservation. It does not stand alone and must be involved in
maintaining a healthy social, economic, and natural environment for people and
wildlife.
Strategies:
n Continue participation in the Fish and Wildlife Service Partners for
Fish and Wildlife Program to enhance wildlife habitat on private lands.
n Encourage and support scientific research on the Refuge, with
emphasis on information needs of the Refuge.
n Participate with other Service divisions and the NGPC in the
“ecosystem approach to resource management” and define the Refuge
role in that effort.
n Participate in local and State planning efforts.
n Continue to provide areas on the Refuge for use by teachers and
students for environmental/biological education.
n Continue interagency cooperation in such activities as wildfire and
noxious weed control.
n Develop a Friends Group for North Platte Refuge.
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000 53
V. Implementation
and Monitoring
Funding and Personnel
Staffing Needed for Implementation
The following Staffing Chart shows current staff and additional staff needed to
implement this Plan. All personnel would be part of the Crescent Lake NWR
Complex and some positions would be shared with the Crescent Lake NWR. If
positions are not filled, some aspects of this Plan would not be completed or
may take longer to complete.
Staffing Chart - Current and Proposed
Position Current Proposed
Project Leader, GS-13 (Complex) X X
Refuge Manager X X
Biological Aid, GS-3 X
Clerk, GS-4 (Complex) X
Refuge Manager, GS-5/7/9 X
Biological Technician, GS-5 X (1/2 time) X (full-time)
Biological Technician, GS-7 X
YCC Crew Leader, Part-time, GS-5 X X
Maintenance Worker, WG-5 X
Wildlife Biologist, GS-11 (Complex) X
Administrative Support Assistant, GS-8
(Complex)
X X
Outdoor Recreation Planner, GS-11
(Complex)
X
54 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000
Funding Needed for Implementation
The Service maintains two national databases for tracking funding needs: (1)
The Maintenance Management System (MMS) which records needs for
maintaining or replacing existing facilities and equipment; and (2) the Refuge
Operating Needs System (RONS) which documents new or additional projects,
facilities, equipment and personnel needed to implement CCP.
The North Platte Refuge maintenance backlog was $324,000 in 1999 (see
Appendix D for project summary). New projects, or additions to existing
projects, needed to fully implement this Plan total $2.4 million. Projects on
both lists are in order of priority as viewed by the Project Leader. Those
priorities are sometimes changed as funding requests move up through the
Service to the Department of the Interior and Congress. More specific
information about each project can be found in the database on file at the
Refuge headquarters.
Implementation of this Plan would require projects not yet included in MMS or
RONS. The total cost for these additional projects is about $400,000. A
summary of these costs follows:
Additional MMS and RONS Projects
Bury or reroute overhead utility lines
(6 miles @ $10.00/foot)
$320,000
Gain management control over Morrill Island $20,000
Acquire public domain land, Scotts Bluff Island $20,000
Develop and construct, through a partnership with the
Bureau and Pathfinder Irrigation District, an
interpretive overlook on or near the dam at Lake Alice
$40,000
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000 55
Step-down Management Plans
Step-down management plans describe management strategies, procedures,
methods, and tasks for specific resources or functions. Step-down plans for
North Platte Refuge are listed below and are on file at the Refuge
headquarters and/or Regional Office. All step-down plans are reviewed
annually to be sure they are up-to-date; several will require changes to reflect
the content of this CCP.
Refuge Management Policies and Guidelines
In addition to the laws, policies, and regulations under which all national
wildlife refuges operate (Section 1 and Appendix C), North Platte Refuge is
guided by a number of agreements with the Bureau of Reclamation, the
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and local agencies (Appendix C). The
public involvement process did not reveal a need to change these agreements.
Approved Step-down Plans and Approval Date
Wildlife Management Plan for Stateline Islands - 1991
Per management agreement with Bureau of Reclamation and Farmers
Irrigation District, provides management guidance over the 130-acre
unit.
North Platte NWR Management Plan - 1992
Provides overall wildlife management guidance over the Minatare,
Winters Creek, and Lake Alice Units.
Public Use and Education Program Plan - 1995
Provides overall public use management guidance.
Integrated Pest Management Plan - 1995
Provides overall management guidance of noxious and invasive plant
species within the Refuge.
Upland Management Plan - 1996
Provides overall guidance of upland management within the Complex.
Guides use of such tools as grazing, haying, fire, and seeding.
Wildlife Management Plan, for Reclamation Lands Adjoining the
North Platte NWR - 1997
Per management agreement with Bureau of Reclamation and
Pathfinder Irrigation District, provides management guidance over the
subject lands adjoining the Inland Lakes Units.
Fire Management Plan - 1998
Provides overall management guidance of wildfire suppression and
prescribed burning within the Complex.
56 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000
Partnership Opportunities
The Service will continue to seek opportunities to work with Federal, State,
and local agencies, conservation groups, and private corporations and
organizations to advance the purpose of North Platte Refuge. Partnerships
require time to coordinate, develop, and nurture. This must be accounted for in
the development of budgets and annual work plans. Existing and potential
partners include:
n Bureau of Reclamation/Pathfinder Irrigation District
Both organizations have cooperated with several Refuge initiatives in the
past, including ways and means to seal Lake Alice and prevent loss of
irrigation waters. Future Refuge facilities could interpret the mission of
the Bureau and District as well as that of the Service.
n Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Continue partnership with the Commission to manage Refuge fisheries.
n University of Nebraska - Panhandle Extension and Research Center
Continue coordination of integrated pest management with research staff.
n Educational Service Unit #13, Nebraska Department of Education
Continue partnership for formal environmental education of area students.
n Wildcat Audubon Society
This Chapter has formally “adopted” the Refuge through the “Adopt-a-
Refuge” program and will continue to be called upon for environmental
education projects and for technical assistance.
n Scotts Bluff National Monument
The Refuge will share staff, equipment, and professional expertise with the
Monument.
n Scotts Bluff County Fire Association
Maintain cooperative agreements for wildfire suppression.
n West Nebraska Sportsmen’s Association
The Refuge staff will continue to request the assistance for selected
wildlife projects.
n Scotts Bluff County
Continue coordination of integrated pest management activities with the
County Weed Superintendent.
n Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce
Maintain cooperation with the Chamber to dispense and promote Refuge
information and activities.
Monitoring and Evaluation
This Plan emphasizes the importance of monitoring and evaluating the effects
of applied management and public use on plants and animals. Additional
scientific, long-term monitoring is needed in order to measure progress toward
stated objectives, detect successes and failures, make adjustments in
management techniques, and modify plans, and budget requests. Some
monitoring needs and techniques are documented in the step-down plans;
others have been identified but not designed.
At this writing, a lot goes undone. The staffing plan will contribute significantly
to monitoring and evaluation and to conducting refuge management studies,
but the Refuge will also be dependent on university level research and
volunteers to get the whole job done right.
Plan Amendment and Revision
This is a dynamic Plan and will be adjusted to include new and better
information. It will be monitored continuously, reviewed during inspections and
programmatic evaluations, dove-tailed with budget requests and annual work
plans, and formally reviewed every five years. Public involvement will be part
of any substantive change. The Plan will be formally revised at least every 15
years.
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000 57
Appendix A. Glossary
AUM or Animal Unit Month: A measure of the quantity of
livestock forage. Equivalent to the forage sufficient to
sustain a 1,000 pound animal (or 1 cow/calf pair) for 1
month during the normal range season.
Biological Control: Use of organisms/viruses to control weeds
or other pests.
Biological Diversity: The variety of life and its processes,
including the variety of living organisms, the genetic
differences among them, and the communities and
ecosystems in which they occur.
CCP or Plan: Comprehensive Conservation Plan.
Compatible Use: A wildlife-dependent recreational use or any
other use of a refuge that, in the sound professional
judgment of the Refuge Manager, will not materially
interfere with or detract from the fulfillment of the mission of
the Refuge System or the purposes of the refuge.
Comprehensive Conservation Plan, Plan, or CCP: A
document that describes the desired future conditions of the
refuge and provides long-range guidance and management
direction for the refuge manager to accomplish the purposes of
the refuge, contribute to the mission of the Refuge System,
and to meet other relevant mandates.
EA or Environmental Assessment: A concise public document,
prepared in compliance with the National Environmental
Policy Act, that briefly discusses the purpose and need
for an action, alternatives to such action, and provides
sufficient evidence and analysis of impacts to determine
whether to prepare and Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS) or a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
Ecosystem: Dynamic and interrelated complex of plant and
animal communities and their associated nonliving
environment.
Endangered Species (Federal): A plant or animal species
listed under the Endangered Species Act that is in danger
or becoming extinct throughout all or a significant
portion of its range.
Exotic and Invading Species (Noxious Weeds): Plant species
designated by Federal or State law as generally possessing
one or more of the following characteristics: aggressive or
difficult to manage; parasitic; a carrier or host of serious
insects or disease; or nonnative, new, or not common to
the United States, according to the Federal Noxious
Weed Act (PL 93-639), a noxious weed is one that causes
disease or has adverse effects on man or his environment
and, therefore, is detrimental to the agriculture and
commerce of the United States and to the public health.
Integrated Pest Management: Methods of managing undesirable
species, such as weeds, including: education; prevention,
physical or mechanical methods of control; biological
control; responsible chemical use; and cultural methods.
Migration: The seasonal movement from one area to another
and back.
National Wildlife Refuge, Refuge, or NWR: A designated
area of land or water or an interest in land or water within
the Refuge System, including national wildlife refuges,
wildlife ranges, wildlife management areas, waterfowl
production areas, and other areas (except coordination
areas) under Service jurisdiction for the protection and
conservation of fish and wildlife. 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.”
National Wildlife Refuge System, Refuge System, or System:
Various categories of areas that are administered by the
Secretary for the conservation of fish and wildlife,
including species that are threatened with extinction; all
lands, waters, and interests therein administered by the
Secretary as wildlife refuges; areas for the protection and
conservation of fish and wildlife that are threatened with
extinction; wildlife ranges; game ranges; wildlife
management or waterfowl production areas.
Neotropical Migratory Bird or Neotropicals: A bird species
that breeds north of the U.S. - Mexican border and
winters primarily south of this border.
PID: Pathfinder Irrigation District
Public: Individuals, organizations, and groups; officials of Federal,
State, and local government agencies; Indian tribes; and
foreign nations. It may include anyone outside the core
planning team. It includes those who may or may not have
indicated an interest in Service issues and those who do
or do not realize that Service decisions may affect them.
Public Involvement: The process by which interested and
affected individuals, organizations, agencies, and
governmental entities are offered an opportunity to
become informed about, to express their opinions and
participate in the planning and decision making process
of Service actions and policies. In this process, these
views are studied thoroughly and thoughtful consideration of
public views is given in shaping decisions for refuge
management.
Purposes of the Refuge: 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.
Reclamation Uses: Includes all Bureau and irrigation district
activities necessary to carry out the primary purpose of
construction, maintenance, and operation of irrigation
works for the storage, diversion, and delivery of waters
for the irrigation of Project lands.
Refuge: short for North Platte National Wildlife Refuge
Refuge Purposes: 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, a refuge
unit, or refuge subunit (Draft Service Manual 602 FW 1.5)
Service or USFWS: Short for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Threatened Species (Federal): Species listed under the
Endangered Species Act that are likely to become
endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all
or a significant portion of their range.
Trust Resources: A trust is something managed by one entity
for another who holds the ownership. The Service holds
in trust many natural resources for the people of the
United States of America as a result of Federal Acts and
treaties. Examples are species listed under the Endangered
Species Act, migratory birds protected by the Migratory
Bird Treaty Act and other international treaties, and
native plant or wildlife species found on the Refuge System.
USFWS or Service: Short for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Wildlife-Dependent Recreation/Wildlife-Dependent
Recreational Use: A use of a refuge involving hunting,
fishing, wildlife observation and photography, or
environmental education and interpretation. The National
Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 specifies
that these are the six priority general public uses of the
Refuge System.
58 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000
Additional References
Bellrose, F.S. 1980. Ducks, Geese, and Swans of North
America. Stockpole Books, Harrisburg, PA, 540 pp.
Farrar, J. 1990. Wildflowers of Nebraska and the Great Plains.
NEBRASKALand Magazine, Nebr. G&P Comm. 216 pp.
Hebert, E., Reese, E., et al. 1995. Avian collision and
electrocution: an annotated bibliography. California
Energy Commission. Pub. No.:P700-95-001.
LaGrange, Ted. 1997. Guide to Nebraska’s wetlands and their
conservation needs: Nebraska Game and Parks
Commission, Lincoln, Nebraska. 34pp.
Smith, L.M., R.L. Pederson, and R.M. Kaminski, et.al. 1989.
Habitat management for migrating and wintering
waterfowl in North America. Texas Tech University
Press. Pp 311-335.
U.S. Bureau of Census, County and City Data Book: 1994,
12th Edition, Washington, DC
Appendix B.
Literature Cited/References
Literature Cited
American Bird Conservancy. 1998. Bird Conservation. 16 pp
Armbruster, M.J. 1990. Characterization of habitat used by
whooping cranes during migration. U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service Report 90(4).
Duebbert, H.F., and H.A. Kantrud. 1974. Upland duck nesting
related to land use and predator reduction. J. Wildl.
Manage. 38(2):257-265.
Kantrud, Harold A. and Russell L. Kologiski. 1982. Effects of
soils and grazing on breeding birds of uncultivated
upland grasslands of the northern great plains. U.S. Fish
Wildl. Serv. Rep.; 15.ii+33pp. WR 186.
Kirsch, L.M. 1978. Grazing and haying effects on habitats of
upland nesting birds. Trans. Of 43rd No. Am. Wildlife and
Natural Resources Conference. 43:486-497
McCoy, M. Superintendent. Personal communication. 1994.
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Panhandle Area Development District. Undated (ca. 1998).
Economic Development Report. Gering, NE. 10pp.
Ryder, R.A. 1980, Effects of grazing on bird habitats. U.S. For.
Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep: Int-86: 51-66.
Savory, A. 1986, Aide memoire for range monitoring. Center
for Holistic Resource Management. 10pp.
Schainost, Steve. Research Specialist, Fisheries Division. phone
conversation. May 23, 2000 Nebraska Game and Parks
Commission.
Scotts Bluff County. 1999. Draft Vision for the Year 2020.
Vision 2020 Steering Committee and Scottsbluff/Gering
United Chamber of Commerce, Nebraska. 28pp.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. March 1994. An Ecosystem
Approach to Fish and Wildlife Conservation
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. April 1995. Recreation
Management on the Lake Minatare Unit, North Platte
NWR, Final Environmental Assessment. 30 pp.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, North Platte NWR, herbarium, 179
species, 1992-1993
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. September 1995. Migratory
Nongame Birds of Management Concern in the United
States: The 1995 List.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. July 1992. Needs Assessment:
Monitoring Neotropical Migratory Birds.
Yost, D.A., D.L. Brown, L.L. Buller, and J.O. Olson. 1968. Soil
survey of Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska. U.S. Department
of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 119pp.
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000 59
Appendix C.
Legal and Policy Guidance
Day-to-day management is guided in part by the following
cooperative agreements that are germane to the North Platte
NWR:
n Memorandum of Agreement Between the U.S. Bureau
of Reclamation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Concerning the North Platte National Wildlife Refuge,
1995, Agreement No. 97-AG-60-08870: Defines how
respective agencies will manage Federal interests within
the subject boundaries.
n Memorandum of Understanding Between the U.S.
Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service Regarding Use of Lands at the Inland Lakes
for Wildlife Habitat, 1995, Agreement No. 97-AG-60-
08860: Transfers wildlife management of adjoining
Reclamation lands (180 acres) to the North Platte NWR.
n Memorandum of Understanding Between the U.S.
Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service Regarding Use of Lands at Stateline Island
for Wildlife Purposes, 1991, Agreement No. 1-AG-60-
01460: Transfers wildlife management of Stateline Island
to the North Platte NWR.
n Memorandum of Understanding Between the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service and Nebraska Game and
Parks Commission Regarding Fisheries Management
of Winters Creek Lake, 1985, Agreement No. 14-16-
0006-86-982: Defines how respective agencies are to
cooperatively manage the fishery on this Refuge lake.
n Final Environmental Assessment - Recreation
Management on the Lake Minatare Unit of the North
Platte National Wildlife Refuge, April, 1995:
Delineates conditions and considerations under which the
Service would be willing and support a divestiture of
those lands being managed as the Lake Minatare State
Recreation Area.
Refuge management is also bounded by Title 50 of the Code of
Federal Regulations and the following myriad of Federal Acts:
Antiquities Act (1906): Authorizes the scientific investigation
of antiquities on Federal land and provides penalties for
unauthorized removal of objects taken or collected without a
permit.
Executive Order 2446 (August 21, 1916): Establishes the
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge, “...reserved, subject to
Reclamation Service uses...as a preserve and breeding ground
for native birds.”
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (1918): Designates the protection
of migratory birds as a Federal responsibility. This Act
enables the setting of seasons, and other regulations including
the closing of areas, Federal or non-Federal, to the hunting of
migratory birds.
Migratory Bird Conservation Act (1929): Establishes
procedures for acquisition by purchase, rental, or gift of areas
approved by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission.
Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act (1934):
Authorized the opening of part of a refuge to waterfowl
hunting.
Fish and Wildlife Act (1956): Established a comprehensive
national fish and wildlife policy and broadened the authority
for acquisition and development of refuges.
Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (1958): Allows the Fish
and Wildlife Service to enter into agreements with private
landowners for wildlife management purposes.
Refuge Recreation Act (1962): Allows the use of refuges for
recreation when such uses are compatible with the refuge’s
primary purposes and when sufficient funds are available to
manage the uses.
Land and Water Conservation Fund Act (1965): Uses the
receipts from the sale of surplus Federal land, outer
continental shelf oil and gas sales, and other sources for land
acquisition under several authorities.
National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of
1966 as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System
Improvement Act of 1997, 16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee. (Refuge
Administration Act): Defines the National Wildlife Refuge
System and authorizes the Secretary to permit any use of a
refuge provided such use is compatible with the major purposes
for which the refuge was established. The Refuge Improvement
Act clearly defines a unifying mission for the Refuge System;
establishes the legitimacy and appropriateness of the six
priority public uses (hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and
photography, or environmental education and interpretation);
establishes a formal process for determining compatibility;
established the responsibilities of the Secretary of Interior for
managing and protecting the System; and requires a
Comprehensive Conservation Plan for each refuge by the year
2012. This Act amended portions of the Refuge Recreation Act
and National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of
1966.
National Historic Preservation Act (1966) as amended:
Establishes as policy that the Federal Government is to
provide leadership in the preservation of the nation’s
prehistoric and historic resources.
Architectural Barriers Act (1968): Requires federally owned,
leased, or funded buildings and facilities to be accessible to
persons with disabilities.
National Environmental Policy Act (1969): Requires the
disclosure of the environmental impacts of any major Federal
action significantly affecting the quality of the human
environment.
Endangered Species Act (1973): Requires all Federal agencies
to carry out programs for the conservation of endangered and
threatened species.
Rehabilitation Act (1973): Requires programmatic accessibility in
addition to physical accessibility for all facilities and programs
funded by the Federal government to ensure that anybody can
participate in any program.
Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act (1974): Directs
the preservation of historic and archaeological data in Federal
construction projects.
60 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000
Clean Water Act (1977): Requires consultation with the Corps
of Engineers (404 permits) for major wetland modifications.
American Indian Religious Freedom Act (1978): Directs
agencies to consult with native traditional religious leaders to
determine appropriate policy changes necessary to protect
and preserve Native American religious cultural rights and
practices.
Public Law 94-233: The “Game Range Bill” was passed in 1976
and mandates that all National Wildlife Refuges under the
Secretary of Interior will be administered by the Service.
Archaeological Resources Protection Act (1979) as
amended: Protects materials of archaeological interest from
unauthorized removal or destruction and requires Federal
managers to develop plans and schedules to locate
archaeological resources.
Emergency Wetlands Resources Act (1986): The purpose of
the Act is “To promote the conservation of migratory
waterfowl and to offset or prevent the serious loss of wetlands
by the acquisition of wetlands and other essential habitat, and
for other purposes.”
Federal Noxious Weed Act (1990): Requires the use of
integrated management systems to control or contain
undesirable plant species; and an interdisciplinary approach
with the cooperation of other Federal and State agencies.
Americans With Disabilities Act (1992): Prohibits
discrimination in public accommodations and services.
House Resolution 2679: This bill, passed in 1995, removed
from the National Wildlife Refuge System portions of the
Refuge that had been developed to serve as the Lake
Minatare State Recreation Area.
Executive Order 12996 Management and General Public
Use of the National Wildlife Refuge System (1996):
Defines the mission, purpose, and priority public uses of the
National Wildlife Refuge System. It also presents four
principles to guide management of the System.
Volunteer and Community Partnership Enhancement Act
(1998): The purposes of this Act are to encourage the use of
volunteers to assist in the management of refuges within the
Refuge System; to facilitate partnerships between the Refuge
System and non-Federal entities to promote public awareness
of the resources of the Refuge System and public participation
in the conservation of the resources and; to encourage
donations and other contributions.
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000 61
Appendix D. Operation and Maintenance Needs
The Refuge Operation Needs System (RONS) is a comprehensive, Servicewide database containing the unfunded operational needs of
each refuge. The following list of projects for the North Platte NWR, in priority order, are those required to implement approved
plans, and meet goals, objectives, and legal mandates. More specific information about each project can be found in the database
on file at the Refuge headquarters.
*Complex denotes project or MMS need is shared with Crescent Lake NWR
Refuge Operation Needs System (RONS) Projects
Project Links to CCP Goal FTE Cost
(2000 dollars)
Other Cost
(2000 dollars)
Private Lands Program 7, 8, 10 $58,000 $65,000
Deputy Project Leader-Complex* 1-10 80,000 65,000
Upland habitat restoration 4, 5 12,000 12,000
Public Use Specialist-Complex 7, 8, 10 73,000 65,000
Clerk (GS-4) 1-10 42,000 65,000
Biological Technician (GS-7) 1-10 49,000 95,000
Accessible fishing pier 7 67,000
Water budget module 6 32,000
Stateline Island: Env. Edu. package 8 38,000
Cooperative exhibit at NGPC facility 7, 10 38,000
Biological Technician (GS-5) 1-10 42,000 65,000
Assistant Refuge Manager 1-10 48,000 50,000
Laborer 1-10 45,000 65,000
Youth Conservation Corps Leader 1-10 11,000 39,000
TOTALS $460,000 $761,000
62 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000
The Maintenance Management System (MMS) documents, Servicewide, facility and equipment deficiencies, justifies budget
requests for maintenance needs, and provides a basis for management decision-making. The Refuge maintenance backlog is
$324,000. The following MMS projects for the North Platte NWR are listed in priority order. MMS projects without priority are
not shown here. More specific information about each maintenance need can be found in the database on file at the Refuge
headquarters.
*Complex denotes project or MMS need is shared with Crescent Lake NWR
Priority MMS Needs and Cost (1999 dollars)
Project Links to CCP Goal Cost
Repair/replace 29 miles of fence 4 $63,000
Replace above ground fuel storage tank* 1-10 8,000
Upgrade Winters Creek Lake boat ramp 7 13,000
Upgrade Winters Creek Unit entrance road 7 20,000
Replace radio system with high band* 1-10 100,000
Replace steel storage building 1-10 27,000
Replace public use signs* 7, 8, 10 10,000
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000 63
Appendix E. Compatibility
Determinations
Station Name:
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge
Date Established:
August 21, 1916
Establishing and Acquisition Authorities:
The North Platte Bird Reservation was established by
Executive Order #2446, signed by President Woodrow Wilson
on August 21, 1916. The name of the reservation was changed
to North Platte National Wildlife Refuge on July 25, 1940 via
Proclamation #2416.
Purposes For Which The Refuge Was Established:
“...reserved, subject to Reclamation Service uses...as a
preserve and breeding ground for native birds.”
National Wildlife Refuge System Mission:
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 fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their
habitats within the United States for the benefit of present
and future generation of Americans.”
Description of Proposed Use:
Wildlife Observation, Wildlife Photography,
Interpretation and Environmental Education
Approximately 4,000 people visit the Refuge annually. About
45 percent of these visitors engage in interpretation and/or
nature observation activities. About 30 percent are engaged in
some formal environmental education activity. Information
kiosks are located at five Refuge entrances. These kiosks
contain general Refuge information, maps, specific
information on wildlife habitat management, and leaflet
dispensers. For the past six years, Refuge staff have hosted a
mid-October nature walk through the Stateline Island Unit
and a mid-December waterfowl and eagle viewing opportunity
at Lake Minatare.
Off-site, about 1,000 students, parents, and educators
annually participate in Refuge programs such as “Water
Wonders,” “Branch Out,” “Earth Stewards,” “Environ-Art,”
and the “Nebraska Jr. Duck Stamp” program. Some requests
for educational programs and technical assistance are denied
each year due to staffing shortages.
A Refuge web site has been operational since 1998: http://
www.r6.fws. gov/crescentlake/
The Comprehensive Conservation Plan proposes to continue
with the above uses and improve interpretation and access for
visitors through the following actions:
n Shorten the closure period (closed to public use) for
the Lake Alice, Winters Creek, and Lake Minatare
Units to October 15 to January 15.
n Eliminate the “closed to all public entry” designation
currently covering the west half of the Lake Alice Unit.
n Construct an observation overlook along the east dam
at Lake Alice.
n Acquire from the public domain, Scottsbluff Island to
be developed as an environmental educational
facility.
n Develop an interpretive river-walk trail on Stateline
Island.
n Develop a visitor contact station, staffed on a part-time
basis, at Winters Creek Unit for formal and
informal on-site interpretation and education.
Availability of resources:
Sufficient resources are available to continue the existing
wildlife observation, photography, interpretation and
environmental education opportunities. Many of the
additional, proposed actions to be added from the
Comprehensive Conservation Plan are linked to funding
requests in the form of RONS projects (Appendix D).
Anticipated impacts of the use:
Construction of needed interpretive facilities will have short-term
and minor adverse impacts. Some disturbance to wildlife
will occur in areas of the Refuge frequented by visitors.
However, with limiting areas open to public access and
limiting public access to seasonal use, these impacts can be
lessened.
Justification:
Based upon biological impacts described in the CCP and the
Environmental Assessment (Appendix J), it is determined that
wildlife observation, wildlife photography, interpretation, and
environmental education within the Refuge will not materially
interfere with or detract from the purpose for which the
Refuge was established. Indeed, such activities are directly
supportive of the Refuge purpose and provide opportunities to
inform visitors about wildlife conservation and management
and the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Determination:
Wildlife observation, wildlife photography, interpretation, and
environmental education are compatible.
Stipulations necessary to ensure compatibility:
3 During peak migration, areas will be closed and access
limited to minimize any disturbance to wildlife.
3 When necessary, impose temporary closure zones around
nests of known bird species of management concern.
64 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan - December 2000
Description of Proposed Use:
Recreational Fishing
Fishing is permitted on both Refuge reservoirs and from
Stateline Island along the North Platte River. About 2,000
people fished the Refuge in 1999, mostly on Winters Creek
Lake where a boat ramp and parking area is provided. Lake
Alice cannot sustain a fishery because most water is removed
for irrigation by late summer and is not replaced until spring.
Lake Minatare proper, while no longer within the Refuge
boundary, adjoins the Lake Minatare Unit and receives about
80,000 fishing visits annually.
Refuge regulations permit the use of boats but prohibit the
use of internal combustion engines.
The Comprehensive Conservation Plan proposes to expand
fishing opportunities by working with other agencies in
seeking ways and means of developing Lake Alice as a sport
fisheries.
Availability of resources:
Sufficient resources are available to continue the existing
recreational fishing activity. The development of Lake Alice as
a sport fisheries will be dependent on many variables not the
least of which are the needs of water by other stakeholders
and the determination of a Federal reserve water right for the
Refuge. Additional facilities to be added from the Comprehensive
Conservation Plan are tied to funding requests as described in
Appendix D.
Anticipated impacts of the use:
Some disturbance to wildlife will occur in areas of the Refuge
frequented by the fishing public. However, with limiting areas
open to public access, limiting boat motors, and limiting public
access to seasonal use, these impacts can be lessened.
Justification:
Based upon biological impacts described in the CCP and the
Environmental Assessment (Appendix J), it is determined that
recreational fishing within the Refuge will not materially
interfere with or detract from the purpose for which the
Refuge was established. Further, fishing has been identified as
a priority public use in the National Wildlife Refuge System
Improvement Act of 1997 when this activity is compatible with
the Refuge purpose.
Determination:
Recreational fishing, as described, is compatible.
Stipulations necessary to ensure compatibility:
3 During peak migration, areas will be closed and access
limited to minimize any disturbance to wildlife.
3 When necessary, impose temporary closure zones around
nests of known bird species of management concern.
3 Internal combustion boat motors will be prohibited.
Description of Proposed Use:
Recreational Hunting
While hunting has never been a permitted public use activity
on the Refuge, the request to consider such opportunities was
raised during the scoping portion of the CCP process. As a
result of such planning efforts, the Service now seeks to
expand wildlife-dependent recreation by opening the Lake
Alice Unit to hunting, from January 15 through October 14, in
accordance with State regulations, of game mammals and
pheasants.
Before a Refuge can be opened to hunting, a Hunting Plan
must be approved by the Director of the Service and the
proposal published in the Federal Register.
Availability of resources:
Should a Hunting Plan be approved, extra funding will be
initially required to produce necessary signing and brochures.
Beyond such, current resources are adequate to manage a
limited hunting program.
Anticipated impacts of the use:
Hunting will remove individual animals from the wildlife
populations. Some disturbance to wildlife will occur in areas of
the Refuge open to hunting. However, with limiting areas open
to hunting and limiting public access to seasonal use, these
impacts can be lessened.
Justification:
Based upon biological impacts described in the CCP and the
Environmental Assessment (Appendix J), it is determined that
recreational hunting within the Refuge will not materially
interfere with or detract from the purpose for which the
Refuge was established. Further, hunting has been identified
as a priority public use in the National Wildlife Refuge
System Improvement Act of 1997 when this activity is
compatible with the Refuge purpose.
Determination:
Hunting, as described, is compatible.
Stipulations necessary to ensure compatibility:
3 Hunting of native birds (mourning doves, snipe, turkey,
rail, cr