North Platte National Wildlife Refuge comprehensive conservation plan

              U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
North Platte
Comprehensive
Conservation
Plan
National Wildlife Refuge
North Platte
National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
August 2001
Prepared by
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge
115 Railway Street, Suite C109
Scottsbluff, NE 69363-1346
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan Approval
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 6
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Table of Contents
Purpose and Vision ....................................................................... 1
I. Introduction / Background
Purpose of a Comprehensive Conservation Plan ................. 2
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge History ................... 2
Establishment and Administration ................................. 2
Wildlife and Habitat Management ................................... 8
Cultural Resources ............................................................. 10
Public Use and Environmental Education ..................... 10
Monitoring ........................................................................... 17
The National Wildlife Refuge System ................................... 17
Mission, Goals, and Guiding Principles ........................... 17
Fish and Wildlife Service Mission .................................... 17
National Wildlife Refuge System Mission ...................... 17
National Wildlife Refuge System Goals .......................... 18
Legal and Policy Guidance....................................................... 18
Existing Partnerships .............................................................. 19
II. Planning Process
Description ................................................................................. 20
Planning Issues ......................................................................... 20
Public Use ............................................................................ 21
Invasive Species ................................................................. 21
Removing or Burying Overhead Power Lines .............. 21
Water Rights ....................................................................... 21
Funding and Staffing ......................................................... 22
Lands of Interest ................................................................ 22
III. Refuge and Resource Descriptions
Socio-Economic Environment................................................. 31
Geographic / Ecosystem Setting ............................................ 31
Climate ................................................................................. 31
Air Quality ........................................................................... 32
Geology................................................................................. 32
Refuge Resources ..................................................................... 32
Soils ....................................................................................... 32
Water .................................................................................... 32
Vegetation ............................................................................ 35
Grasslands ..................................................................... 35
Woodlands / Shrub ....................................................... 35
Plant Species of Management Concern .................... 35
Exotic and Invading Vegetation ................................ 35
Summary of Basic Habitat Types on
Each Refuge Unit ............................................. 36
Wildlife ................................................................................. 37
Endangered and Threatened Species ....................... 37
Species of Management Concern ............................... 37
Birds ............................................................................... 37
Mammals ....................................................................... 40
Amphibians and Reptiles ............................................ 40
Fish ................................................................................ 40
Invertebrates................................................................ 40
Cultural Resources ............................................................. 41
Public Use and Environmental Education ..................... 41
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IV. Refuge Goals, Objectives, and Strategies
Background ................................................................................ 42
Endangered and Threatened Species .................................... 43
Fish and Wildlife ....................................................................... 44
Upland Habitat.......................................................................... 47
Wetlands ..................................................................................... 49
Public Use and Environmental Education............................ 50
Cultural Resources ................................................................... 51
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 ....................................................... 57
Plan Amendment and Revision ............................................... 57
Finding of No Significant Impact...................................... 58
Appendices
A. Glossary ....................................................................................... 60
B. Bibliography ............................................................................... 62
C. Legal and Policy Guidance ........................................................ 63
D. Operations and Maintenance Needs........................................ 65
E. Compatibility Determinations ................................................. 67
F. List of Animal and Plant Species............................................. 70
G. Neotropical Migrants ................................................................ 76
H. Species of Management Concern ............................................. 77
I. Waterfowl Use at Lake Minatare ............................................ 78
J. Mailing List ................................................................................. 79
K. List of Preparers ........................................................................ 80
L. Section 7 ...................................................................................... 81
M. Public Involvement .................................................................... 82
Maps
1. Vicinity Map ................................................................................ 3
2. Base Map ..................................................................................... 5
3. Vegetation Map .......................................................................... 11
4. Stateline Island Base Map ........................................................ 13
5. Public Use Map........................................................................... 15
6. Lake Alice Existing and Proposed Public Use Map ............. 23
7. Refuge Unit Map........................................................................ 25
8. Morrill Island Base Map ........................................................... 27
9. Scottsbluff Island Base Map ..................................................... 29
10. Ecosystem Map .......................................................................... 33
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001 1
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 partner-ship
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.
2 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001
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 2,722-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 - 430 acres; Winters Creek -
780 acres; and Lake Alice - 1,377 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 135-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.
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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.
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).
8 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001
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, muskellunge, 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.
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001 9
Upland Habitat Management. The Refuge includes approximately
1,439 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 the 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 315 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.
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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.
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).
18 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001
National Wildlife Refuge System Goals:
1. To fulfill our statutory duty to achieve refuge purpose(s) and
further the System mission.
2. Conserve, restore where appropriate, and enhance all species of
fish, wildlife, and plants that are endangered or threatened with
becoming endangered.
3. Perpetuate migratory bird, interjurisdictional fish, and marine
mammal populations.
4. Conserve a diversity of fish, wildlife, and plants.
5. Conserve and restore, where appropriate, representative ecosystems
of the United States, including the ecological processes characteristic
of those ecosystems.
6. To foster understanding and instill appreciation of fish, wildlife,
and plants, and their conservation, by providing the public with
safe, high-quality, and compatible wildlife-dependent public use.
Such use includes hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and
photography, and environmental education and interpretation.
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.
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.
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.
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001 19
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.
Existing Partnerships
The North Platte Refuge staff works with:
■ Bureau of Reclamation and its agents, Pathfinder and Farmers
Irrigation Districts.
■ Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in fisheries management
and law enforcement.
■ The University of Nebraska/Panhandle Extension and Research
Center in coordinated integrated pest management activities.
■ Educational Service Unit #13 in environmental education.
■ Wildcat Audubon Society through their “adopt-a-refuge” program.
■ Scotts Bluff National Monument in prescribed burning.
■ Scotts Bluff County Fire Association in wildfire suppression.
■ Private landowners through the Fish and Wildlife Service
Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program.
■ The Natural Resource Conservation Service in the Wetland
Reserve Program.
20 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001
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 Manager 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 Mgr, 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.
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 located in the
Draft CCP.
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001 21
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).
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.
22 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001
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 203 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 are given by the Justice Department, the
Service will schedule planning efforts.
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001 23
24 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001
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26 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001
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30 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001 31
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 2,722-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:
■ Prairie Grassland restoration and preservation
■ Species of Concern (rare species)
■ Native fishes, small fishes and mussels
■ Water Quantity
■ Water Quality
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.
32 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001
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.
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.
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001 33
34 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001 35
Vegetation
Grasslands
The Refuge has approximately 1,439 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 is
established in the understory.
Stateline Island is heavily forested with cottonwood, ash, willow, and
honey locust. Besides native grasses, the understory includes 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.
36 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001
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) 345 576 921
Small Wetlands
(w/emergent veg.)
8 8
Grassland 327 349 698 65 1,439
Trees/scrub shrub 103 55 92 65 315
Administrative
(roads,dams,canals)
23 11 5 39
TOTALS 430 780 1,377 135 2,722
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001 37
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; 21young were produced
to flight stage through 2001.
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.
38 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001
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 Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001 39
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 shore-birds
and allied species.
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
40 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001
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.
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. River otter is a state-listed
threatened species. While this species has not been documented on
Refuge lands, potential habitat exists for this species to be found
here.
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, muskellunge, largemouth bass,
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 Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001 41
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.
42 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001
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 published in the Draft CCP.
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 Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001 43
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:
■ Continue to close the Lake Alice, Winters Creek, and Lake
Minatare units to public use from mid-October to mid-January.
■ Maintain a protective zone around the existing nesting site.
■ Continuously monitor for new nesting activity; immediately
establish new protective zones at the first signs of nesting.
44 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001
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.
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. The Nebraska Conservation Plan for the black-tailed
prairie dog is currently underway and will be considered as
future management decisions are made concerning prairie dogs on
Refuge lands.
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:
■ 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).
■ Emphasize habitat uncommon or not found on surrounding
private lands (see Habitat Objectives).
■ Acquire management control over government owned Morrill
and Scottsbluff Islands.
■ 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.
■ Participate in ecosystem management and area-wide strategies
to enhance these species.
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001 45
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:
■ 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:
■ Maintain habitat capable of supporting present numbers of
other migratory and nonmigratory birds (see Habitat
Objectives).
■ Monitor population trends and assess the effects of habitat
management on these species.
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:
■ Devise and implement surveys, and monitor to detect the status
and trends of, and effects of management on, mammals,
reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.
■ Seek alternative ways to obtain missing information (i.e.,
university studies, volunteer assistance).
46 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001
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:
■ Maintain cooperative agreement with NGPC for fishery
management.
■ 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:
■ 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).
■ 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.
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001 47
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 switch- grass 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.
48 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001
Strategies:
■ 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.)
■ 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.
■ 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.
■ Plant native grasses in disturbed areas (i.e., Russian olive
control sites) and areas infested with brome grasses.
■ Work with utility companies to remove or bury overhead
power lines.
■ Through acquisition, conservation easements or other instruments,
protect selected adjoining lands as upland habitat and to
improve general administration of the Refuge.
■ Evaluate the results of applied management annually; adjust
step-down plan as needed.
■ 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:
■ 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.
■ Eliminate Russian olive trees through a combination of
mechanical removal, burning, and chemical treatment of stumps.
■ 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.
■ Include information about control of exotic/invasive species in
information leaflets, kiosks, and other environmental education
efforts.
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001 49
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:
■ Continue to prescribe burn Stateline Island Unit approximately
once every four years.
■ 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:
■ 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.
■ 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.
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:
■ Obtain water rights through fair market purchase and
agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation and the Pathfinder
Irrigation District.
■ Increase the inactive (fall-winter) pool elevation at Lake Alice
through agreement with Reclamation and the Pathfinder
Irrigation District.
■ Explore the feasibility of pumping groundwater into one or
more of the reservoirs for improved wetlands habitat.
50 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001
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.
Strategies:
■ Shorten the closure on Lake Minatare and Winters Creek
from October 1 through January 14 to October 15 through
January 14.
■ 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.
■ Develop an accessible visitor contact station, staffed on a part-time
basis, at Winters Creek for formal and informal on-site
interpretation and education.
■ Seek partnerships for development of formal on-site education
facilities.
■ Revise the public use step-down plan; include site and facility
plans for a visitor contact station at Winters Creek.
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001 51
7.5 Objective: Provide sport fishing opportunities for up to 3,500 people
per year.
Strategies:
■ Maintain agreement with NGPC for fishery management.
■ 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 1,377-acre Lake Alice unit would be
compatible with Refuge purposes if the fall/winter closure is
retained.
Strategies:
■ 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:
■ Maintain existing trail system and develop an accessible
interpretive river-walk trail on Stateline Island.
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:
■ In partnership with the Bureau of Reclamation, conduct a
general survey of cultural resources on the Refuge by
December 31, 2002.
■ 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.
52 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001
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:
■ Continue participation in the Fish and Wildlife Service
Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program to enhance wildlife
habitat on private lands.
■ Encourage and support scientific research on the Refuge, with
emphasis on information needs of the Refuge.
■ Participate with other Service divisions and the NGPC in the
“ecosystem approach to resource management” and define the
Refuge role in that effort.
■ Participate in local and State planning efforts.
■ Continue to provide areas on the Refuge for use by teachers
and students for environmental/biological education.
■ Continue interagency cooperation in such activities as wildfire
and noxious weed control.
■ Develop a Friends Group for North Platte Refuge.
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001 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 Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001
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 $1.6 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 Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001 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 Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001
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:
■ 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.
■ Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Continue partnership with the Commission to manage Refuge
fisheries.
■ University of Nebraska - Panhandle Extension and Research Center
Continue coordination of integrated pest management with
research staff.
■ Educational Service Unit #13, Nebraska Department of Education
Continue partnership for formal environmental education of area
students.
■ 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.
■ Scotts Bluff National Monument
The Refuge will share staff, equipment, and professional expertise
with the Monument.
■ Scotts Bluff County Fire Association
Maintain cooperative agreements for wildfire suppression.
■ West Nebraska Sportsmen’s Association
The Refuge staff will continue to request the assistance for selected
wildlife projects.
■ Scotts Bluff County
Continue coordination of integrated pest management activities
with the County Weed Superintendent.
■ Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce
Maintain cooperation with the Chamber to dispense and promote
Refuge information and activities.
■ North Platte Natural Resources District
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001 57
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.
58 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001
Finding of No Significant Impact
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Two management alternatives for the North Platte National Wildlife Refuge were assessed as to their
effectiveness in achieving the Refuge’s purposes and their impact on the human environment. A “No
Action - Alternative A” which would maintain a status quo management plan for the Refuge and the
preferred “Alternative B” CCP management plan were assessed in the Environmental Assessment.
Based on this Assessment and comments received, I have selected the Preferred Alternative B for
implementation.
The preferred alternative was selected because it best meets the purposes of the Refuge to provide
and preserve a breeding ground for native birds. The preferred alternative will also provide for public
access for wildlife-dependent recreation, and provides environmental education opportunities related
to fish and wildlife resources.
I find that the preferred alternative is not a major Federal action that would significantly affect the
quality of the human environment within the meaning of Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969. Accordingly, the preparation of an environmental impact statement on the proposed
action is not required. This conclusion is based on the following:
■ The preferred alternative will not adversely impact endangered of threatened species or their
habitat.
■ The preferred alternative will not adversely impact archaeological or historical resources.
■ The preferred alternative will not adversely impact wetlands nor does the Plan call for structures
that could be damaged by or that would significantly influence the movement of floodwater.
■ The preferred alternative will not have a disproportionately high or adverse human health or
environmental effect on minority or low-income populations.
■ The State of Nebraska has been notified and given the opportunity to review the Comprehensive
Conservation Plan and associated Environmental Assessment.
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001 59
Environmental Action Statement
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Region 6
Denver, Colorado
Within the spirit and intent of the Council on Environmental Quality’s regulations for implementing
the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other statutes, orders, and policies that protect
fish and wildlife resources, I have established the following administrative record and have determined
that the action of implementing the North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation
Plan is found not to have significant environmental effects as determined by the attached Finding of
No Significant Impact and Environmental Assessment.
60 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001
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 an 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 FW1.5)
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001 61
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.
62 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001
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.
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
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001 63
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:
■ 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.
■ 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.
■ 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.
■ 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.
■ 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.
64 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001
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.
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 six goals 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 Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001 65
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)
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 49,000 65,000
Laborer 1-10 45,000 65,000
Youth Conservation Corps Leader 1-10 11,000 39,000
Russian Olive Control 2, 4, 5 23,000 10,000
TOTALS $346,000 $656,000
66 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001
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 10 miles of fence 4 $60,000
Upgrade Winters Creek Lake boat ramp 7 13,000
Upgrade Winters Creek Unit entrance road 7 23,000
Replace steel storage building 1-10 35,000
Rehab Stateline Island Road 7, 8 40,000
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001 67
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 the fish, wildlife, and plant
resources and their habitats within the United States
for the benefit of present and future generations 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:
■ Shorten the closure period (closed to public use) for
the Lake Alice, Winters Creek, and Lake Minatare
Units to October 15 to January 15.
■ Eliminate the “closed to all public entry” designation
currently covering the west half of the Lake Alice
Unit.
■ Construct an observation overlook along the east
dam at Lake Alice.
■ Acquire from the public domain, Scottsbluff Island
to be developed as an environmental educational
facility.
■ Develop an interpretive river-walk trail on
Stateline Island.
■ 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 (published in the
Draft CCP), 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:
✓ During peak migration, areas will be closed and
access limited to minimize any disturbance to
wildlife.
✓ When necessary, impose temporary closure zones
around nests of known bird species of management
concern.
68 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan - August 2001
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 are 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 fishery 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 (published in the
Draft CCP), 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:
✓ During peak migration, areas will be closed and
access limited to minimize any disturbance to
wildlife.
✓ When necessary, impose temporary closure zones
around nests of known bird species of management
concern.
✓ 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,