Driftless Area National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan

              Driftless Area
National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Table of Contents
i
Chapter 1: Introduction, Purpose and Need, Planning Background ......................................................1
Introduction......................................................................................................................................................... 1
Refuge Purpose and Management Background ..................................................................................................1
Refuge Vision Statement ....................................................................................................................................2
Purpose and Need for the Plan ............................................................................................................................2
Purpose ........................................................................................................................................................2
Need ............................................................................................................................................................4
National Wildlife Refuge System Mission, Goals, and Principles ......................................................................5
Goals of the National Wildlife Refuge System ............................................................................................5
Legal and Policy Framework ...............................................................................................................................6
Compatibility Policy .....................................................................................................................................6
Biological Integrity, Diversity, and Environmental Health Policy .................................................................7
Wilderness Review .............................................................................................................................................7
Chapter 2: The Planning Process .................................................................................................................8
Introduction .........................................................................................................................................................8
Meetings and Public Involvement .......................................................................................................................8
Issues Identified in Scoping ...............................................................................................................................9
Review of the Draft EIS/CCP .............................................................................................................................10
Final EIS/CCP and Record of Decision ...............................................................................................................10
Chapter 3: Refuge Environment and Management ..................................................................................11
Physical Environment ........................................................................................................................................11
Upper Mississippi River/Tallgrass Prairie Ecosystem ...............................................................................11
Migratory Bird Conservation Initiatives ..............................................................................................12
Region 3 Fish and Wildlife Resource Conservation Priorities ............................................................12
Climate ......................................................................................................................................................14
Soil and Water ..........................................................................................................................................14
Fire ....................................................................................................................................................................15
Socioeconomic Environment .............................................................................................................................15
Refuge Resources .............................................................................................................................................15
Habitat/Vegetation ....................................................................................................................................15
Algific Talus Slopes ............................................................................................................................16
Wildlife ......................................................................................................................................................17
Threatened and Endangered Species .......................................................................................................19
Threats to Resources ........................................................................................................................................20
Administrative Facilities ...................................................................................................................................20
Cultural Resources ............................................................................................................................................20
Public Use ........................................................................................................................................................22
Current Refuge Management Activities ............................................................................................................22
Grassland Habitat ......................................................................................................................................32
Forest Habitat ............................................................................................................................................32
Streams .....................................................................................................................................................32
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
ii
Endangered Species .................................................................................................................................. 33
Recreation ................................................................................................................................................. 33
Cultural Resources .................................................................................................................................... 34
Refuge Staff and Budget .................................................................................................................................. 34
Partnerships ...................................................................................................................................................... 34
Chapter 4: Management Direction ............................................................................................................. 35
Summary of Future Management Direction ...................................................................................................... 35
Habitat ....................................................................................................................................................... 35
Species Management ............................................................................................................................... 36
Visitor Services ........................................................................................................................................ 36
Cultural Resources .................................................................................................................................... 36
Goals, Objectives and Strategies ...................................................................................................................... 40
Habitat Goal .............................................................................................................................................. 40
Species Management ............................................................................................................................... 43
Visitor Services Goal ................................................................................................................................. 45
Chapter 5: Plan Implementation ................................................................................................................. 47
Personnel and Office Needs .............................................................................................................................. 47
Funding Needs .................................................................................................................................................. 48
Step-down Management Plans ......................................................................................................................... 48
Partnership Opportunities ................................................................................................................................ 48
Volunteer Program ............................................................................................................................................ 49
Monitoring and Evaluation ............................................................................................................................... 49
Plan Amendment and Revision ......................................................................................................................... 49
Appendix A: Record of Decision .............................................................................................................. 51
Appendix B: Glossary ................................................................................................................................ 57
Appendix C: Species List ........................................................................................................................... 65
Appendix D: Compatibility Determinations ............................................................................................ 75
Appendix E: Compliance Requirements ................................................................................................. 77
Appendix F: Refuge Operations Needs (RONS) and Maintenance
Management System (MMS) ............................................................................................ 83
Appendix G: List of Preparers ................................................................................................................... 87
Appendix H: Mailing List for the EIS ....................................................................................................... 91
Appendix I: References ............................................................................................................................ 99
Appendix J: Land Protection Plan ......................................................................................................... 103
Driftless Area
National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
List of Figures
iii
Figure 1: Location of Driftless Area NWR in Iowa ..........................................................................................................3
Figure 2: Upper Mississippi River/Tallgrass Prairie Ecosystem ....................................................................................12
Figure 3: Watersheds Surrounding Driftless Area NWR ...............................................................................................13
Figure 4: Bird Conservation Regions, Region 3 of the USFWS ......................................................................................14
Figure 5: Algific Talus Slope Diagram ...........................................................................................................................16
Figure 6: Algific Talus Slopes and Target Species Occurrences in the Driftless Area .................................................18
Figure 7: Bankston Unit Landcover, Driftless Area NWR ..............................................................................................23
Figure 8: Cow Branch Unit Landcover, Driftless Area NWR .........................................................................................24
Figure 9: Fern Ridge Unit Landcover, Driftless Area NWR ............................................................................................25
Figure 10: Hickory Creek Unit Landcover, Driftless Area NWR .......................................................................................26
Figure 11: Howard Creek Unit Landcover, Driftless Area NWR ......................................................................................27
Figure 12: Kline Hunt Hollow Unit Landcover, Driftless Area NWR ...............................................................................28
Figure 13: Lytle Creek Unit Landcover, Driftless Area NWR ...........................................................................................29
Figure 14: Pine Creek Unit Landcover, Driftless Area NWR ............................................................................................30
Figure 15: Steeles Branch Unit Landcover, Driftless Area NWR ....................................................................................31
Figure 16: Future Desired Conditions, Fern Ridge Unit, Driftless Area NWR .................................................................37
Figure 17: Future Desired Condition, Howard Creek Unit, Driftless Area NWR .............................................................38
Figure 18: Future Desired Condition, Pine Creek Unit, Driftless Area NWR ...................................................................39
Figure 19: Future Staffing Needs, Driftless Area NWR ..................................................................................................47
Driftless Area
National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
List of Tables
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
iv
Table 1: Driftless Area NWR Units in Iowa (2004) ...........................................................................................................32
Chapter 1: Introduction, Purpose and Need, Planning Background
1
Chapter 1: Introduction, Purpose and Need,
Planning Background
Introduction
This document is a Comprehensive
Conservation Plan (CCP) for the
Driftless Area National Wildlife Refuge
(Refuge). It follows the basic and
accepted format for a CCP and stems
from an Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) that was completed in
2006.
The Driftless Area NWR was
established in 1989 under the authority
of the Endangered Species Act of 1973
for the protection and recovery of the
federally threatened Northern
monkshood plant (Aconitum
noveboracense) and endangered Iowa
Pleistocene snail (Discus macclintocki).
These species primarily occur on a rare
and fragile habitat type termed algific
talus slopes (cold air slopes). The habitat harbors species that require a cold environment, some of
which date from the ice age. The habitat is described in more detail in Chapter 3. These are areas
where cold underground air seeps onto slopes to provide a constant cold microenvironment.
The Refuge consists of nine scattered tracts or ‘units’ totaling 781 acres. The Refuge contains upland
hardwood forests, grassland, stream and riparian habitats.
Refuge Purpose and Management Background
The purpose of Driftless Area NWR is to conserve fish or wildlife that are listed as endangered or
threatened species or plants (16 USC 1534 Endangered Species Act of 1973). The purpose and goals
of the Refuge are directly tied to recovery plans which describe the conditions needed to recover the
Northern monkshood and Iowa Pleistocene snail (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1983, 1984).
The Refuge currently consists of nine units in Allamakee, Clayton, Dubuque, and Jackson Counties
in northeast Iowa (Figure 1). The Refuge encompasses 781 acres, with individual units ranging from
6 to 209 acres (Table 1). The original authorized acquisition area for the Refuge was approximately
700 acres in eight counties in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin (Figure 1) (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
1986). The most recent acquisitions were through land exchanges in 2001 and 2002. The Refuge has
reached its approved acquisition acreage.
Algific slope located on Driftless Area NWR. USFWS
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
2
The purposes and goals of the Refuge are directly tied to original recovery plans which describe the
steps needed to recover and conserve the Northern monkshood and Iowa Pleistocene snail (U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service 1983, 1984). Because of the fragile nature of their habitat and the low
number of populations for each of these species, the primary recovery goal for both species is
protecting and conserving the majority of remaining populations and their habitat. The primary
threats to the habitat are grazing, logging, sinkhole filling, erosion, pesticides, invasive species, and
development. Therefore, acquisition also includes land surrounding the endangered species habitat
to provide a buffer area from some of these threats.
A management prospectus was completed by the Refuge in 1990 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) to
guide Refuge management. At that time, the Refuge consisted of the Howard Creek (208 acres) and
Steeles Branch (15 acres) units. The prospectus outlined the need for strict protection of the algific
slopes including fencing and signing, a low public use profile, and no development of public use
facilities. Buffer areas to protect sinkholes, and cleaning of debris from sinkholes were also
mentioned. Management of habitat surrounding algific slopes was to be through natural succession
or planting, depending on the site. Most habitat management has occurred on the Howard Creek
unit. Two former agricultural fields (51 acres) at the Howard Creek unit were planted with cool
season grasses after cooperative farming ended around 1992. Over the years, box elder trees
invaded these fields. Box elder trees and other invasive species were controlled with cooperative
farming beginning in 1999 and 51 acres have been recently planted to native prairie grasses and
forbs. Restoration and management of invasive species at this site are ongoing. Management on the
other units has consisted of signing, fencing, law enforcement, and maintaining good relationships
with the Refuge neighbors. The Howard Creek and Fern Ridge units were opened for public use in
1994. Northern monkshood population monitoring began in 1991 and Iowa Pleistocene snail
population monitoring in 2001. Monitoring occurs on Refuge and sites owned by others.
Refuge Vision Statement
The vision for the Upper Mississippi River NWR Complex is:
The Complex is beautiful, healthy, and supports abundant and diverse native fish, wildlife,
and plants for the enjoyment and thoughtful use of current and future generations. This can
be stepped down to apply to Driftless Area NWR as follows: The Refuge is beautiful,
healthy, and supports and conserves native and rare wildlife and plants for current and
future generations.
Purpose and Need for the Plan
Purpose
Comprehensive conservation plans are designed to guide the management and administration of
national wildlife refuges for a 15 year period, help ensure that each refuge meets the purpose for
which it was established, and contribute to the overall mission of the Refuge System. The CCP helps
describe a desired future condition of the Refuge, and provides both long-term and day-to-day
guidance for management actions and decisions. It provides both broad and specific policy on various
issues, sets goals and measurable objectives, and outlines strategies for reaching those objectives. A
CCP also helps communicate to other agencies, and the public, a management direction for a refuge
to meet the needs of wildlife and people.
A long-term management direction did not exist for Driftless Area NWR. Management was guided
by endangered species recovery plans, general policies, and shorter-term plans. The Refuge
Improvement Act of 1997 mandates that the Secretary of the Interior, and thus the Service, prepare
CCPs for all units of the National Wildlife Refuge System by October, 2012. In addition to this
mandate, there are several reasons why preparation of a CCP was needed. There are new threats to
Chapter 1: Introduction, Purpose and Need, Planning Background
3
Figure 1: Location of Driftless Area NWR in Iowa
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
4
endangered species habitat, new laws and policies have been put in place, new scientific information
is available, and levels of public use and interest have increased.
The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 requires that federal agencies, and thus the Service,
follow basic requirements for major actions significantly affecting the quality of the human
environment. These requirements are: 1) consider every significant aspect of the environmental
impact of a proposed action, 2) involve the public in its decision-making process when considering
environmental concerns, 3) use a systematic, interdisciplinary approach to decision making, and 4)
consider a reasonable range of alternatives. The EIS documents met those requirements and
provided the necessary information and analysis to the decision-maker.
Finally, the planning process was an excellent way to
inform and involve the general public, state and federal
agencies, and non-government groups who have an
interest, responsibility, or authority in the management
or use of certain aspects of Driftless Area NWR.
Need
This CCP will help ensure that management and
administration of the Refuge meets the mission of the
Refuge System, the purpose for which the Refuge was
established, and the goals for the Refuge. The mission,
purpose, and goals are considered needs. These three
needs are summarized in the following paragraphs.
More detail on issues related to these needs can be
found in the next chapter.
Need 1: Contribute to the Refuge System Mission.
The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System set
forth in the Refuge Improvement Act of 1997 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.”
Need 2: Help Fulfill the Refuge Purpose. The Refuge purpose is defined by the Endangered
Species Act of 1973; that is: to conserve fish or wildlife which are listed as endangered or threatened
species or plants (16 USC 1534 ESA). Achievement of the Refuge purpose will help reach
endangered species recovery goals that will lead to delisting.
The Refuge has reached its existing approved acquisition acreage. Since Refuge establishment,
additional information indicates the need to expand the Refuge geographic area and acreage, as well
as to address ecological issues related to protection of endangered species.
Need 3: Help Achieve Refuge Goals.
Goal 1. Habitat: Conserve endangered species habitat and contribute to migratory bird and other
wildlife habitats within a larger landscape. Related needs are to:
# permanently conserve additional endangered species habitat to achieve delisting of the
target species.
# permanently conserve additional habitat for glacial relict species of concern to preclude
listing
# manage invasive species
Golden saxifrage, Driftless Area NWR
Chapter 1: Introduction, Purpose and Need, Planning Background
5
# restore grassland and forest habitats
# assist others to manage off Refuge impacts to endangered species habitat
Goal 2. Species management: Manage and protect endangered species, other trust species, and
species of management interest based on sound science through identification and understanding of
algific slope communities and associated habitats. Related needs are to:
# ensure all algific slopes and endangered species locations are known
# inventory plants and animals associated with algific talus slopes
# update the recovery plans for Iowa Pleistocene snail and Northern monkshood
# determine the amount of buffer area needed to adequately protect algific slopes
# assess deer impacts to the Refuge and endangered species
Goal 3. Visitor Services: Visitors understand and appreciate the role of the Refuge in protecting
endangered species. Related needs are to:
# provide wildlife-dependent recreation while protecting endangered species habitat
# provide environmental education
National Wildlife Refuge System Mission, Goals, and Principles
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is to work with others to conserve, protect, and
enhance fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the primary Federal agency responsible for conserving,
protecting, and enhancing fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the
American people. Specific responsibilities include enforcing Federal wildlife laws, managing
migratory bird populations, restoring nationally important fisheries, administering the Endangered
Species Act, and restoring wildlife habitat such as wetlands. The Service also manages the National
Wildlife Refuge System.
Goals of the National Wildlife Refuge System
The Refuge System had its beginning in 1903 when President Theodore Roosevelt issued an
Executive Order to set aside tiny Pelican Island in Florida as a refuge and breeding ground for
birds. From that small beginning, the Refuge System has become the world’s largest collection of
lands specifically set aside for wildlife conservation. The administration, management, and growth of
the Refuge System are guided by the following goals (Director’s Order, January 18, 2001):
# To fulfill our statutory duty to achieve refuge purposes and further the System mission.
# To conserve, restore where appropriate, and enhance all species of fish, wildlife, and plants
that are endangered or threatened with becoming endangered.
# To perpetuate migratory bird, interjurisdictional fish, and marine mammal populations.
# To conserve a diversity of fish, wildlife, and plants.
# To conserve and restore where appropriate representative ecosystems of the United States,
including the ecological processes characteristic of those ecosystems.
# To foster understanding and instill appreciation of native fish, wildlife, and plants, and
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.
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
6
The National Wildlife Refuge System is a
network of more than 540 refuges encompassing
95 million acres of lands and waters, 41 wetland
management districts that are responsible for
2.4 million acres of Waterfowl Production areas,
and 50 coordination areas covering 317,000 acres
that are managed by State fish and wildlife
agencies under cooperative agreements. Refuge
System lands span the continent from Alaska’s
Arctic tundra to the tropical forests in Florida
and from the secluded atolls of Hawaii to the
bogs of Maine.
National wildlife refuges are established for
different purposes. Most refuges have been
established for the conservation of migratory
birds, while some have been established to provide habitat for endangered species. Others have been
formed to protect and propagate large mammals such as bison, elk, and desert bighorn sheep.
Refuge habitats consist of a great diversity of plants and animals.
Refuges also provide unique opportunities for people. When it is compatible with wildlife and habitat
needs, refuges can be used for wildlife-dependent activities such as hunting, fishing, wildlife
observation, photography, environmental education and environmental interpretation. Many refuges
have visitor centers, wildlife trails, automobile tours, and environmental education programs.
Nationwide, an estimated 39.5 million people visited national wildlife refuges in 2003.
The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 established many mandates aimed
at making the management of national wildlife refuges more consistent. The preparation of
comprehensive conservation plans is one of those mandates. The legislation requires the Secretary
of the Interior to ensure that the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System and purposes of the
individual refuges are carried out. It also requires the Secretary to maintain the biological integrity,
diversity, and environmental health of the Refuge System.
Legal and Policy Framework
Driftless Area NWR is managed and administered as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System
within a framework of organizational setting, laws, and policy. Key aspects of this framework are
outlined below. A list of other laws and executive orders that have guided preparation of the CCP
and EIS, and guide future implementation, are provided in Appendix E.
Driftless Area NWR is managed as part of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish
Refuge Complex. The complex is completing a Comprehensive Conservation Plan for each unit,
including Upper Mississippi River NWFR, Trempealeau NWR, and Driftless Area NWR. Because
of the different purpose, land base, and management needs of Driftless Area NWR, this CCP is
separate but following much the same time line and process as the other CCPs.
Compatibility Policy
No uses for which the Service has authority to regulate may be allowed on a unit of the Refuge
System unless it is determined to be compatible. A compatible use is a use that, in the sound
professional judgment of the refuge manager, will not materially interfere with or detract from the
fulfillment of the National Wildlife Refuge System mission or the purposes of the national wildlife
refuge. Managers must complete a written compatibility determination for each use, or collection of
like-uses, that is signed by the manager and the Regional Chief of Refuges in the respective Service
region.
Northern Flicker. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Chapter 1: Introduction, Purpose and Need, Planning Background
7
Biological Integrity, Diversity, and Environmental Health Policy
The Service is directed in the Refuge Improvement Act to “ensure that the biological integrity,
diversity, and environmental health of the Refuge System are maintained for the benefit of present
and future generations of Americans…” The biological integrity policy helps define and clarify this
directive by providing guidance on what conditions constitute biological integrity, diversity, and
environmental health; guidelines for maintaining existing levels; guidelines for determining how and
when it is appropriate to restore lost elements; and guidelines in dealing with external threats to
biological integrity, diversity and health.
Wilderness Review
As part of the CCP process, we reviewed the lands within the boundaries of Driftless Area NWR for
wilderness suitability. No lands were found suitable for designation as Wilderness as defined in the
Wilderness Act of 1964. The Refuge does not contain 5,000 contiguous roadless acres, nor does the
Refuge have any units of sufficient size to make their preservation practicable as Wilderness.
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
8
Chapter 2: The Planning Process
Introduction
Planning for Driftless Area NWR began with
preparation of an Environmental Impact
Statement. Public involvement efforts followed
Service policy for comprehensive conservation
planning, and also adhered to National
Environmental Policy Act requirements for
environmental documentation.
Originally, planning for Driftless Area NWR was
included in planning for the Upper Mississippi
River National Wildlife Refuge Complex, which
in addition to Driftless Area NWR also includes
Trempealeau NWR. It quickly became apparant
that the Upper Mississippi River National
Wildlife and Fish Refuge would be a significant planning project in its own right, and the two other
refuges within the Complex would be better served by proceeding with comprehensive conservation
planning and preparation of an EIS on their own. For that reason, the initial public scoping meeting
held for Driftless Area NWR were held as part of the larger Upper Mississippi River NWR
Complex planning project.
Meetings and Public Involvement
Four public scoping meetings were held in August and September 2002 to obtain input on issues. The
meetings were held in Dubuque, Elkader, and Lansing, Iowa, and Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, in
combination with the Upper Mississippi River NWFR scoping meetings. Eighty-four citizens
attended and 21 comments were received. One additional written comment was received after the
meetings. An evening “Manager for a Day” workshop was held in Elkader, Iowa in Spring 2003 to
obtain potential solutions to the issues. There were 15 participants at the workshop. Four mailings of
a CCP newsletter have been sent to a mailing list of 2,800 people including individuals, landowners,
organizations, media, and congressional staff.
From public involvement activities, the Service learned about issues that concerned people about
management of the Refuge. Refuge staff also identified issues. We organized the issues into four
categories: Habitat Management, Visitor Services, Refuge Expansion, and Species Assessments.
Alternatives were evaluated in the EIS on the basis of these issues.
Prothonotary Warbler. USFWS
Chapter 2: The Planning Process
9
Issues Identified in Scoping
Issue 1: Habitat Management
Because of the purpose of the Refuge, management of endangered species habitat is the top priority.
Land acquired for the Refuge typically has been impacted by agricultural or logging activities.
Habitats include hardwood forest, grassland and riparian areas. Refuge lands are small parcels,
often fragmented from similar habitat in the area. Current management is to restore as much as
practical to presettlement habitat types around algific slopes, although lack of funds and staff limit
restoration efforts. Several external factors are influencing management efforts on the Refuge.
Invasive species such as garlic mustard are impacting endangered species and other wildlife habitat.
High local deer populations may also impact habitat. Erosion from farming adjacent to the Refuge
can affect habitat on the Refuge.
Potential solutions identified by the public were to develop
management strategies for forests, including consideration of
deer impacts, expand management of habitats surrounding
endangered species habitat, and work to control invasive species.
Issue 2: Visitor Services
Public use has not been emphasized on Driftless Area NWR
because of concern for the fragile endangered species habitat,
and the small size and lack of access to some units. Two of nine
units are currently open to public use. Potential solutions
suggested by the public were to maintain current hunting policies
but increase awareness of regulations at the site, consider trail
development in less sensitive areas, provide on-site information
and education at select algific slopes while restricting direct
access and negative impacts, provide guided walks, and
encourage volunteers.
Issue 3: Refuge Expansion
The Refuge has reached its approved acquisition acreage. Refuge
expansion will facilitate recovery goals and allow delisting of
target species according to their recovery plans. Refuge land
acquisition is aimed at protecting the entire algific slope system (endangered species habitat),
including upland sinkholes and buffer area around the slope. Many of the currently protected algific
slopes do not have adequate protection of sinkholes nor provide buffer from adjacent agricultural or
other uses. Conservation of additional snail and monkshood populations is also needed to preserve
genetic diversity over their range, protect large populations, and protect the majority of the
populations as required by the recovery plans. Therefore expansion in Wisconsin is needed.
Expansion in Minnesota would also allow protection of threatened Leedy’s roseroot and species of
concern. Protection of Service species of concern may preclude the need for future listing and would
conserve a unique representative natural community and its biodiversity.
Potential approaches raised by the public were: to investigate other alternatives in addition to
acquisition (e.g. conservation easements), increase funding for land protection, connect parcels of
land where possible and expand boundaries to roads, railroads, or more recognizable features.
Issue 4: Species Assessments
Algific slopes were first described and mapped in the 1980s (Frest 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987).
Additional information about algific talus slopes and the species that inhabit them is needed. For
example, locations of sinkholes and specific information on distances and function of the cold air flow
have not been studied. There are nearly 400 algific slopes/maderate cliffs in the Driftless Area, but
not all are occupied by currently listed species. Few in-depth species surveys were done and many of
Northern monkshood, Driftless Area
NWR. Terry Tracy
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
10
the known algific slope sites were only visited once. There may be rare, endemic, or unidentified
species in this habitat. It is important to know what plants and animals depend on this habitat to
prepare effective management strategies. Although original surveys to locate this habitat type were
systematic and comprehensive, some sites likely remain undiscovered.
Review of the Draft EIS/CCP
The Draft EIS was released in May 2005 for a 60-day public review period. The review period
extended from May 18 through July 22, 2005. During this review period, four public meetings were
held in Decorah, Elkader, and Peosta, Iowa, and LaFarge, Wisconsin. Thirty-three people attended.
Approximately 156 copies of the DEIS summary and 87 copies of the Draft EIS were mailed based
on the distribution list and upon request. A letter inviting comment was also sent along with the
summary to 81 landowners who adjoin Refuge lands or who have species listed under the
Endangered Species Act occurring on their land. Each Draft EIS summary contained information
on how to obtain a copy of the DEIS.
Comments at the public meetings were recorded on a flip chart and a comment sheet was provided to
encourage and facilitate additional written comments. Twelve comment letters or emails were
received during the public review period and are included in the Final EIS. We adapted many of the
revisions that were suggested regarding Refuge management. Several comments related to slight
editorial corrections, and these comments were incorporated into the document.
Final EIS/CCP and Record of Decision
The Final EIS/CCP was distributed to local libraries and persons who requested the full document.
The document was also posted on the Region’s planning website. A project update was sent to
elected officials and others who requested information about the project. The update described the
highlights of the final document and how to request a copy. A Notice of Availability of the Final EIS/
CCP was published in the Federal Register by the Environmental Protection Agency on February
17, 2006.
No comments were received in the 30 days after the publication of the Federal Register notice.
The Regional Director signed a Record of Decision on April 18, 2006.
Chapter 3: Refuge Environment and Management
11
Chapter 3: Refuge Environment and
Management
Physical Environment
The namesake of the Refuge, the Driftless Area,
is a region characterized by a near absence of
glacial deposits, or glacial drift, causing it to be
named the ‘Driftless Area’ by early geologists.
Its rugged, dissected terrain resulted from
weathering and stream erosion of Paleozoic age
limestone bedrock (Prior 1991). The karst
topography with caves, coldwater springs and
streams, hardwood forests, and the Upper
Mississippi River valley set northeast Iowa
apart from the rest of the state. Karst is a type
of topography that is formed on limestone and
other soluble rocks, primarily by dissolution
from water. The Driftless Area also includes southeast Minnesota, southwest Wisconsin, and
extreme northwest Illinois. Some portions of the Wisconsin Driftless Area are truly unglaciated.
This area is one of the ecotypes identified in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Upper Mississippi
River/Tallgrass Prairie ecosystem. Streams cutting into bedrock have created many cliffs and algific
talus slopes which constitute habitat for a large number of plant species that are either unique to this
area or well out of their normal ranges.
The Refuge currently includes nine scattered tracts that amount to 781 acres (Table 1). Habitat
types found on the Refuge include hardwood forests, grassland, streams, and riparian habitats. The
Driftless Area is within the eastern broadleaf forest (continental) province identified by Bailey
(1995). The Refuge lies within the Mississippi flyway.
Upper Mississippi River/Tallgrass Prairie Ecosystem
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has implemented an ecosystem approach to fish and wildlife
conservation. Under this approach the Service’s goal is to contribute to the effective conservation of
natural biological diversity through perpetuation of dynamic, healthy ecosystems by using an
interdisciplinary, coordinated strategy to integrate the expertise and resources of all stakeholders.
Driftless Area NWR lies within the Upper Mississippi River/Tallgrass Prairie Ecosystem
(Figure 2). The Upper Mississippi River/Tallgrass Prairie Ecosystem is one of eight ecosystems that
comprise the Great Lakes-Big Rivers Region (Region 3) of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The
Upper Mississippi River/Tallgrass Prairie Ecosystem is a large and ecologically diverse area that
encompasses land in the States of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin. The
Algific slope on a preserve of The Nature Conservancy.
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
12
Mississippi River bisects the Ecosystem east and west. Major rivers in the Ecosystem include the
Minnesota, Chippewa, Black, Wisconsin, Iowa, Rock, Skunk, Des Moines, Illinois, and Kaskaskia
(Figure 3).
Migratory Bird Conservation Initiatives
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other conservation plan priorities for migratory birds, such as
Partners in Flight, are used to develop management guidelines for birds. The Refuge is within the
Upper Great Lakes Plain physiographic area 16 as identified by the Partners in Flight Bird
Conservation Plan (Knutson et al. 2001) and Bird Conservation Region 23 (Prairie Hardwoods
Transition) identified by the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (Figure 4).
Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois are currently writing state wildlife conservation plans.
Wisconsin has a Bird Conservation Plan, and Minnesota is working towards one. The Refuge will
incorporate elements of these plans into management when possible.
Region 3 Fish and Wildlife Resource Conservation Priorities
The Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) required the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
to identify its most important functions and to direct its limited fiscal resources toward those
functions. From 1997 to 1999 within Region 3, a group looked at how best to identify the most
important functions of the Service within the region. The group recognized that the Service has a
complex array of responsibilities specified by treaties, laws, executive orders, and judicial opinions
that dwarf the agency’s budget. The group recognized that at least two approaches are possible in
identifying conservation priorities – habitats and species. The group chose to focus on species
because 1) species represent biological and genetic resources that cannot be replaced; 2) a focus on
species conservation requires a concurrent focus on habitat; and 3) by focusing on species
Figure 2: Upper Mississippi River/Tallgrass Prairie Ecosystem
Chapter 3: Refuge Environment and Management
13
Figure 3: Watersheds Surrounding Driftless Area NWR
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
14
assemblages and identifying areas where ecological needs come together the Service can select the
few key places where limited efforts will have the greatest impact. Representatives of the migratory
bird, endangered species, and fisheries programs in Region 3 identified the species that require the
utmost attention given our current level of knowledge. Representatives prioritized the species based
on biological status (endangered or threatened, for example), rare or declining levels, recreational or
economic value, or “nuisance” level. The group pointed out that species not on the prioritized list are
important too. But, when faced with the needs of several species, the Service should emphasize the
species on the priority list. The Iowa Pleistocene snail, Northern monkshood, Leedy’s roseroot, and
glacial relict snails are among the Regional Resource Conservation Priorities.
Climate
Climate conditions across the driftless region can vary greatly. Rainfall amounts are 32 to 34 inches
annually with a growing season ranging from 135 to 155 days. In LaCrosse, Wisconsin, near the
middle of the driftless area, the annual average temperature is 46.3 degrees Fahrenheit. The
average minimum temperature is 36.6 degrees Fahrenheit and the average maximum temperature is
56.2 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures can range from well below zero in winter to 100 degrees in
summer. The average relative humidity is 76 percent.
Soil and Water
Soils vary because Refuge units are scattered over a large area. Most of the soils are forest derived.
Some savanna and prairie soils occur, mainly on the Howard Creek unit. All of the units contain some
rock outcroppings or cliffs, and rocky soils. Soils are generally erodible. Water sources are from
springs and streams on, or adjacent to, the Refuge units. The primary contaminant sources are from
nonpoint source runoff from adjacent agricultural fields that could contain excess nutrients and
Figure 4: Bird Conservation Regions, Region 3 of the USFWS
Chapter 3: Refuge Environment and Management
15
pesticides. Runoff may contaminate sinkholes and groundwater in addition to surface water. Water
quality on the Refuge has not been tested. A contaminant assessment of the Refuge has been
completed by the Service’s Division of Ecological Services.
Fire
Wildfires in northeast Iowa are primarily from human caused road ditch fires that escape.
Prescribed fire is used regularly on the Refuge as a habitat management tool. Periodic burning of
grasslands reduces encroaching woody vegetation such as box elder. Fire also encourages the
growth of desirable species such as native, warm-season grasses and forbs. Prescribed fires on the
Refuge have only occurred on the Howard Creek unit and range from 10 to 60 acres depending on
the goal of the burn. Burning does not occur every year. Prescribed fire may be used on other units
in the future.
Socioeconomic Environment
The economy of communities near the Refuge lands are primarily based on farming with some
industry and tourism jobs. Crops are mainly corn and soybean with beef and dairy cattle operations
occurring in the area. Some timber harvest also occurs. Most communities in the area are under
10,000 people. The largest community is Dubuque, Iowa with a population of about 70,000.
Refuge Resources
Habitat/Vegetation
The Refuge contains upland hardwood forests,
grassland, stream and riparian habitat (Figures
6-14). The Refuge provides wildlife habitat
similar to that in the remainder of the region
where lands are not farmed. The driftless region
is a transition zone between eastern hardwood
forests and midwestern tall grass prairies.
Vegetation classifications for northeast Iowa
vary (Cahayla-Wynn and Glenn-Lewin 1978).
Glenn-Lewin et al. (1984) describe it as a
dynamic area where vegetation probably never
has been in a climax state. Historic habitats
range from tallgrass prairie and savanna to
maple/basswood and oak/hickory forest and
riparian areas (Kemperman 1983, Glenn-Lewin
et al. 1984). The presettlement forest was
primarily oak (Glenn-Lewin et al. 1984). Fire
was a natural part of the Driftless Area
ecosystem, maintaining prairie and savanna.
Because of the karst geology, wetland habitats
are not predominant except along streams and
rivers.
Currently, despite the terrain, row crop and
livestock agriculture is common. Prairie and savanna areas were converted to row crop or pasture
and few unaltered native vegetation remnants exist. Patches of forest were cleared for agriculture,
but the more rugged areas still support hardwood forest. Logging, grazing, development, and fire
Cold air vent on an algific talus slope with the rare plant
golden saxifrage growing near it. USFWS
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
16
suppression have impacted the remaining fragmented forests (Hemesath and Norris 1998). All
forests on Refuge units were selectively logged at some time in the past; most within the last 30
years. Most Refuge forests were also subject to grazing. Invasive species occurring on the Refuge
include garlic mustard, multiflora rose, leafy spurge, wild parsnip, Canada thistle, European
buckthorn, and honeysuckle.
Algific Talus Slopes
The habitat of the Iowa Pleistocene snail and Northern monkshood and other rare species is the
algific talus slope. This habitat, usually north facing, occurs where air circulation over underground
ice produces a constant stream of moist cool air through vents onto the adjacent hillsides (Figure 5).
These cold air vents are typically covered with a loose talus layer and a thin plant and litter cover.
Some of these species, like Leedy’s roseroot, occur on maderate cliffs. This is a similar habitat,
where the overlying talus layer does not exist, generally because of removal by past erosive forces.
Only the (now exposed) rock formation remains. Cool subsurface air flows out from the cliff face.
Algific talus slopes and maderate cliffs vary in size from a few yards to one-half-mile in length.
Sinkholes above the slope are important to the function of the habitat as a source of air and water
flow and are included in Refuge protection when possible. Several sinkholes are usually associated
with algific talus slopes and can be up to one-half mile away. Air flowing from surface vents ranges
from 30 degrees F to 55 degrees F spring to fall (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1984).
The vegetative community on algific talus slopes is different than the surrounding forest and
typically contains ferns, mosses, liverworts, evergreen species such as Canada yew and balsam fir,
birch, basswood, and sugar maple, and boreal disjunct herbs and ferns (Glenn-Lewin et al. 1984).
The algific talus slopes also harbor state threatened and endangered plants and animals (Appendix
Figure 5: Algific Talus Slope Diagram1
1.Courtesy of The Nature Conservancy
Chapter 3: Refuge Environment and Management
17
C) and in general support an entire community of rare or disjunct species. Algific talus slopes are
ranked by NatureServe as a G2 community meaning that they are imperiled globally because of
rarity. Service species of concern that occur on algific slopes include eight species of glacial relict
snails: Vertigo meramecensis, V. brierensis, V. iowensis, V. hubrichti, V. occulta, Catinella gelida,
Novisuccinea Sp A and Sp B. Some or all of these species are also listed by state law as threatened
or endangered in Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota (Appendix C). Golden saxifrage
(Chrysosplenium iowense) is a plant associated with algific slopes that is listed as threatened by
Iowa and Minnesota and is included in the Service’s draft species of concern list.
Most of the original inventories of algific talus slopes were done by Frest (1982, 1983, 1985, 1986,
1987). There are nearly 400 known algific slopes/maderate cliffs in the Driftless Area (Figure 6). Not
every site contains the above species. Some sites have never been thoroughly surveyed for these
species, particularly for snails. Although original surveys to locate this habitat type were systematic
and comprehensive, some sites likely remain undiscovered.
Wildlife
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 3 migratory non-game birds of management concern that may
occur on the Refuge are:
# Northern harrier
# Red-shouldered Hawk
# Yellow-billed Cuckoo
# Red-headed Woodpecker
# Northern Flicker
# Sedge Wren
# Veery
# Wood Thrush
# Loggerhead Shrike
# Blue-winged Warbler
# Golden-winged Warbler
# Chestnut-sided Warbler
# Cerulean Warbler
# Dickcissel
# Field Sparrow
# Grasshopper Sparrow
# Bobolink
# Eastern Meadowlark.
In addition to most of the above, Region 3 resource conservation priority bird species1 that occur in
northeast Iowa, and likely on the Refuge, are:
# Wood Duck
# Mallard
# Blue-winged Teal
# American Woodcock
# Black-billed Cuckoo
# Whip-poor-will
# Louisiana Waterthrush
# Kentucky Warbler
1. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2002
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
18
Figure 6: Algific Talus Slopes and Target Species Occurrences in the Driftless Area
Chapter 3: Refuge Environment and Management
19
Many other migratory birds occur on the Refuge, including:
# Mourning Dove
# American Robin
# Eastern Bluebird
# Red-bellied Woodpecker
# Pileated Woodpecker
# Song Sparrow
# Common Yellowthroat
# Red-eyed Vireo
# Brown Thrasher
# Yellow Warbler
# Common Grackle
# Red-tailed Hawk
The Partners in Flight Bird Conservation Plan for the Upper Great Lakes Plain (Knutson et al.
2001) identifies priority bird populations and habitats. Some of the following priority species do
occur, or likely occur, on the Refuge2:
# Dickcissel
# Bobolink
# Red-headed Woodpecker
# Blue-winged Warbler
# Field Sparrow
# Black-billed Cuckoo
# Cerulean Warbler
# Acadian Flycatcher
# Kentucky Warbler
# Prothonotary Warbler
Notable resident wildlife include white-tailed deer, Wild Turkeys,
Ruffed Grouse, Ring-necked Pheasant, coyotes, numerous small
mammals, and timber rattlesnakes. Predators may be important
in the context of impacting breeding birds on the Refuge. Trout
species occurrence on the Refuge is currently limited. Declines in
timber rattlesnakes are of concern to some state agencies and
they are listed as threatened by the State of Minnesota and are a
Resource Conservation Priority species for the Service. Although
they have not been seen on the Refuge, they likely occur and may
occur on lands acquired in the future.
Threatened and Endangered Species
Fossil records show that the Iowa Pleistocene snail existed
400,000 years ago and was widespread in the Midwestern United
States. It was thought to be extinct until discovered in Iowa in
1928. It was listed as federally endangered in 1977. It is also listed by state law as endangered in
Iowa and Illinois. The Iowa Pleistocene snail is a relict species that has survived on these small areas
of suitable habitat and is currently known to exist at 36 locations in Iowa and one in Illinois. The snail
has narrow temperature, moisture and food requirements found only on algific talus slopes (Frest
1984). Adult shell diameter is 5-7 mm. Populations on each of the known sites vary from 500 to 10,000
2. Hemesath and Norris 1998
Iowa Pleistocene snail. Bob Clearwater
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
20
individuals. Each snail colony is a separate population as migration between algific slopes is unlikely,
though could occur with flood events or transport by other animals (Ross 1999). Other glacial relict
snails also appear to be restricted to algific talus slope or maderate cliff habitat and presumably
cannot withstand even moderate changes in their environment (Frest 1991).
Northern monkshood was listed as federally threatened in 1973. It is also state listed as threatened
in Iowa, Wisconsin, and New York, and endangered in Ohio. It does not occur in any other states, and
the majority of the known populations occur in Iowa. There are 83 known sites in Iowa, 18 in
Wisconsin, two in New York, and one in Ohio. Population sizes range from a few individuals to 10,000
plants. Most sites have a few hundred to 1,000 plants. Northern monkshood is a member of the
buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) and grows on cool moist habitat including algific talus slopes and
sandstone cliffs. Currently all monkshood sites on the Refuge are algific talus slopes. The plant
requires specific temperature and moisture regimes (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1983). Its hood
shaped flower is adapted for bumblebee pollination and is typically purple in color, but can vary from
white to blue and purple.
Leedy’s roseroot does not currently occur on the Refuge, but future additions to the Refuge may be
for the purpose of protecting this species. Leedy’s roseroot was listed as threatened in 1992 and is a
member of the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae). It grows on cool cliff habitats only in southeast
Minnesota and New York. The four Minnesota populations each contain a few hundred plants. It
has waxy, succulent leaves with small dark red to yellow flowers arranged in dense heads at the end
of the stem. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants.
The only federally threatened or endangered bird occurring on the Refuge is the Bald Eagle,
recently proposed for delisting. There are no known eagle nests on the Refuge.
Threats to Resources
Algific slopes and the plant and wildlife species that depend on them are fragile. Once damaged, or
destroyed, this kind of habitat cannot be restored. Currently, threats to these sites are cattle
grazing, logging, quarrying, building or development, invasive species, sinkhole filling, erosion,
human traffic, pesticides, and natural landslides. Without some form of protection, populations of
these species could be lost in a single event. The Refuge is focusing land acquisition efforts on
protecting a specific type of endangered species habitat, but these efforts will also include forest,
grassland, cropland, and streams surrounding the endangered species to protect sinkholes and
provide buffer areas. The surrounding vegetation can influence temperature on the algific slopes, a
required component of the habitat for these species.
Administrative Facilities
Driftless Area NWR shares Headquarter space with the McGregor District of Upper Mississippi
River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge in McGregor, Iowa. In addition, the Refuge receives
administrative support, law enforcement support and maintenance support from the McGregor
District. Volunteers assist with some Refuge activities.
Cultural Resources
The uplands, floodplains, and tributaries of the driftless area offered a variety of resources to
prehistoric populations. The area has a cultural history of 11,500 years with the Paleo-Indian
peoples. Archeologists hypothesize that small family-groups of hunters-gatherers roamed widely in
search of mega-fauna and other resources. The presence of these people is usually recognized
through surface finds of their fluted spear points; none of these points have been identified within
the Refuge.
Chapter 3: Refuge Environment and Management
21
People of the 6,000-year long Archaic tradition adapted their subsistence practices to changing
environmental, habitat, and resources based changes including the 2,000-year very warm and dry
altithermal that ended about 5,000 years ago. Extensive trade routes brought in exotic materials.
People buried their dead in natural knolls. Archaic tradition cultural practices gradually evolved into
the subsequent Woodland tradition.
Commencing around 3,000 years ago was the Woodland tradition. Archeological sites usually include
pottery, arrowheads, and artificial mounds used for human burials and for other purposes. People
exploited a wide range of habitats in an environment similar to that found in the early historic
period. The people lived in larger, semi-permanent villages, practiced horticulture, and at some
period participated in long distance trade. In some respects, Europeans coming into the Upper
Mississippi River valley encountered people of the Woodland culture, some of whom may have been
the ancestors of the Eastern Dakota Indians.
The Mississippian period started in the Saint Louis area about 1,000 years ago and moved up the
Mississippi River. A related cultural group known as the Oneota, which may have developed from
the Late Woodland culture, is more evident in the archeological record. Late Oneota people probably
were the ancestors of the Ioway, Oto, Missouria, and Winnebago Indian tribes.
Twenty-seven previously identified archaeological sites are located within one mile of the 17 units
studied by Commonwealth Cultural Resources Group in 2002. These study units included current
Refuge lands and areas of potential Refuge acquisitions. Twenty-two of these sites are prehistoric
and one is a multi-component prehistoric and protohistoric site, one includes both prehistoric and
historic components, and three are historic sites. The majority of prehistoric sites cannot be
assigned to a specific period.
The following listed Indian tribes have been recognized by the federal government or self-identified
by the tribe as having a potential concern for traditional cultural resources, sacred sites, and cultural
hunting and gathering areas in the counties in which the Refuge is located.
# Delaware Nation of Oklahoma
# Flandreau Santee Sioux
# Forest County Potawatomi Community
# Hannahville Indian Community of Michigan (Potawatomi)
# Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin
# Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska
# Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma
# Osage Nation of Oklahoma
# Otoe-Missouria Tribe
# Peoria Indian Tribe of Oklahoma
# Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa
# Sisseton-Wahpeton (Sioux) Oyate
# Devils Lake Sioux Tribal Council
# Upper Sioux Community of Minnesota
# Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
# Wyandotte Tribe of Oklahoma
Although Indian tribes are generally understood to have concerns about traditional cultural
properties, other organizations such as church congregations, civic groups, and county historical
societies could have similar concerns.
A cultural resources overview and management study was prepared in 2002 as part of the
Comprehensive Conservation Plan for the Refuge (Commonwealth Cultural Resources Group 2003).
The document is available at the Refuge office, McGregor, Iowa. The report presents a cultural
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
22
history beginning 11,500 years ago through prehistoric and historic periods, ending in the 20th
century. Current Refuge lands as well as potential acquisition areas were evaluated for the presence
of archeological sites. Two historic sites were located on the Refuge units. The location of reported
prehistorical and historic archeological sites within one mile of the Refuge units, and analysis of
geomorphological data indicates high potential for unrecorded sites on most Refuge units. The
document has a chapter about consultation processes identified in the National Historic
Preservation Act of 1966 as amended, and a chapter that summarizes the responses to a letter sent
to over 100 tribal communities, historical societies, and research groups who have potential interest
in resources on the Refuge. The report concludes that a variety of cultural resources must be
considered during any field projects associated with the Refuge. A comprehensive bibliography of
cultural resources reports produced for studies performed within the vicinity of the Refuge is also
included. Finally, a chapter on management of cultural resources under Section 106 of the National
Historic Preservation Act is provided for use in Refuge management.
Cultural resources are an important part of the nation’s heritage. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
is committed to protecting valuable evidence of human interactions with each other and the
landscape. Protection is accomplished in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s
mandate to protect fish, wildlife, and plant resources.
Public Use
Public use is currently minimal since most units are closed to protect endangered species or because
access is limited. On two Refuge units that are open, most visitation is during the hunting season.
Most users are bow hunting for deer. There were 2,741 visitors in FY 2003. This figure includes
visitors to the McGregor District Visitor Contact Station.
Current Refuge Management Activities
Landcover for each of the Refuge’s nine units is displayed in Table 1 on page 32 and the following
figures:
# Bankston Unit (Figure 7)
# Cow Branch Unit (Figure 8)
# Fern Ridge Unit (Figure 9)
# Hickory Creek Unit (Figure 10)
# Howard Creek Unit (Figure 11)
# Kline Hunt Hollow Unit (Figure 12)
# Lytle Creek Unit (Figure 13)
# Pine Creek Unit (Figure 14)
# Steeles Branch Unit (Figure 15)
The current management practice is to protect endangered species habitat, restore other habitats to
presettlement vegetation when possible, control invasive species, and permit limited public use that
is compatible with the purposes of the Refuge. Presentations and tours are given as requested and
staff time allows. The Refuge office is co-located with the McGregor District of Upper Mississippi
River NWFR. An equipment storage warehouse and information kiosk were constructed in 2004 on
the Howard Creek unit of the Refuge. Boundary fences and dirt surfaced roads are the only other
constructed developments on the Refuge. One full-time Refuge Operations Specialist is assigned to
the Refuge and supervised by the District Manager, McGregor District, Upper Mississippi River
NWFR.
Chapter 3: Refuge Environment and Management
23
Figure 7: Bankston Unit Landcover, Driftless Area NWR
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
24
Figure 8: Cow Branch Unit Landcover, Driftless Area NWR
Chapter 3: Refuge Environment and Management
25
Figure 9: Fern Ridge Unit Landcover, Driftless Area NWR
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
26
Figure 10: Hickory Creek Unit Landcover, Driftless Area NWR
Chapter 3: Refuge Environment and Management
27
Figure 11: Howard Creek Unit Landcover, Driftless Area NWR
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
28
Figure 12: Kline Hunt Hollow Unit Landcover, Driftless Area NWR
Chapter 3: Refuge Environment and Management
29
Figure 13: Lytle Creek Unit Landcover, Driftless Area NWR
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
30
Figure 14: Pine Creek Unit Landcover, Driftless Area NWR
Chapter 3: Refuge Environment and Management
31
Figure 15: Steeles Branch Unit Landcover, Driftless Area NWR
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
32
Grassland Habitat
There are 175.6 acres of grassland on the Refuge. The majority of grassland habitat exists on the
Howard Creek unit (109.93 acres) and the Fern Ridge Unit (42.22 acres) (Figure 11 and Figure 9).
Remnant native prairie exists on the Howard Creek unit (approximately 6 acres). The remainder of
the grassland on Howard Creek unit is either cool season grasses or has been recently planted to
native prairie species. The grassland on the Fern Ridge unit was cleared of trees by the previous
owner for agriculture and is currently vegetated by cool season exotic grasses.
Prescribed burning has been used since 1996 to restore prairie remnants and control woody
vegetation on the Howard Creek unit. Forty-eight acres of native prairie have been planted in
former agricultural fields on the Howard Creek Unit. Cooperative farming has been used to prepare
fields for planting. Currently, there are 81 acres in the cooperative farming program, primarily at
the Pine Creek Unit. Invasive species control has taken place as staff time allows through the use of
biological, mechanical and chemical control, mainly at the Howard Creek unit.
Forest Habitat
There are 535.32 acres of forest habitat on the Refuge. The majority of Refuge forests have been
impacted by past grazing and logging. No restoration of forest habitats has been completed;
however, tree seeds were collected in 2003 and sent to a nursery to grow trees for planting on the
Refuge. Forest inventory and management plans are needed.
Streams
Cow Branch, Fern Ridge, Howard Creek, Pine Creek, and Steeles Branch units contain coldwater or
warmwater streams with associated riparian areas. Lytle Creek, Hickory Creek, and Kline Hunt
Hollow units have streams adjacent to the boundary. Spring fed streams on Pine Creek and Cow
Branch units flow into designated trout streams off of the Refuge. Hickory Creek is a designated
trout stream stocked with brown and brook trout by the Iowa DNR. Dry Mill Creek on the Fern
Ridge unit is a put and grow trout stream that flows into the Turkey River. Steeles Branch creek was
formerly stocked by the Iowa DNR but is no longer. Springs on the Refuge feed most of these
streams. The Pine Creek unit also has a small manmade pond about one acre in size. Bankston unit
does not contain any streams.
Table 1: Driftless Area NWR Units in Iowa (2004)
Unit Name Acres County Year
Acquired
Species present
Bankston 57 Dubuque 1991 Iowa Pleistocene snail
Cow Branch 110 Clayton 1996 Iowa Pleistocene snail Northern
monkshood
Fern Ridge 207 Clayton 1991 Iowa Pleistocene snail
Hickory Creek 17 Allamakee 2001 Northern monkshood
Howard Creek 209 Clayton 1989/1990 Iowa Pleistocene snail Northern
monkshood
Kline Hunt Hollow 6 Clayton 1991 Northern monkshood
Lytle Creek 20 Jackson 1991 Northern monkshood
Pine Creek 140 Clayton 2002 Northern monkshood
Steeles Branch 15 Clayton 1990 Northern monkshood
Chapter 3: Refuge Environment and Management
33
Endangered Species
The primary goal of Refuge management for endangered species is preventing disturbance to their
habitat. Endangered species habitat is closed to all public entry because the species and their habitat
are fragile. Algific slopes are typically steep, with a loose talus rock layer on the surface. Seven of the
nine Refuge units are closed to all public entry because there is inadequate buffer around the algific
talus slopes to allow human activity and there is not sufficient public access. Entry to several units is
via an easement granted across private land. The two largest units, Howard Creek and Fern Ridge,
are open to hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation. These units lie adjacent to public roads from
which there is public access. The algific talus slopes are posted as closed to public entry on these
open units. All units are periodically inspected by Refuge staff and law enforcement officers.
Most of the Refuge units are fenced to keep cattle from entering Refuge lands and to delineate
boundaries. Refuge personnel maintain regular contact with neighboring landowners.
The invasive species, garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) has invaded some algific slopes. There is
concern about its competition with Northern monkshood and other rare plants as well as possible
effects on snail food sources. Garlic mustard is abundant on two slopes and has been hand removed
from them during the last three years to begin control. Removal will likely be a continual effort until
the seed bank is depleted. The forest surrounding these algific slopes also has abundant garlic
mustard.
The recovery plans for both species require population monitoring to determine population status. A
monitoring plan for Northern monkshood was developed cooperatively with the Iowa Department of
Natural Resources and TNC in 1991. This monitoring has been conducted on Refuge sites as well as
Iowa Department of Natural Resources preserves, The Nature Conservancy preserves, and private
lands since 1991. A protocol for Iowa Pleistocene snail monitoring was developed in 2001 (Henry et
al. 2003) and has been carried out each year since. Monitoring for both species occurs on a subset of
the total number of known sites.
Refuge staff maintain contact with private landowners who have endangered species on their land in
order to educate them about the fragile area on their land and inquire about possible acquisition or
other forms of permanent protection. Some sites have been fenced through the Service’s
Endangered Species Landowner Incentive Program to prevent damage from cattle. The Nature
Conservancy, Iowa DNR, and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation have been partners in
landowner contact and land acquisition. The Refuge recently acquired Hickory Creek and Pine
Creek units through land trades involving Upper Mississippi River NWFR lands. But, acquisition is
currently limited by available funds and the need for additional Service authorization for Refuge
expansion.
Recreation
Currently, the Howard Creek and Fern Ridge units of the Refuge are open for deer and upland
game hunting. Special regulations regarding hunting dates and weapons are in place. Specifically,
deer hunting is allowed only with archery and muzzleloader. Hunting dates are restricted to
November 1 to January 15. Upland game hunting is allowed with approved non toxic shot. Spring
turkey hunting is prohibited. These two units are also open for wildlife observation and photography.
Fern Ridge and Steeles Branch units are open for fishing. All algific slopes are posted closed areas
with no public entry. There are no public use trails. Educational programs and tours are occasionally
given as requested by local groups or photographers.
Volunteers have assisted with habitat restoration at the Howard Creek unit. The Nature
Conservancy has provided a summer intern for several years to work at the Refuge. Interns have
assisted with endangered species monitoring, landowner contacts, invasive species removal, and
other Refuge and TNC activities.
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
34
Cultural Resources
Reviews for threats to cultural resources on Refuge units are currently completed and submitted to
the Regional Historic Preservation Officer as management activities arise. Recent examples of
management activities include stabilizing a stream bank, building a warehouse, and burying debris
from tree clearing.
Refuge Staff and Budget
The annual Refuge operations budget for fiscal year 2004 was $92,285 which includes salary for one
Refuge Operations Specialist (GS 9). The Refuge receives administrative, law enforcement, and
maintenance support from the McGregor District of Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and
Fish Refuge. Volunteers also assist with Refuge activities.
Partnerships
Partners have been important players in Refuge activities over the years. The Nature Conservancy
helped establish the Refuge and has worked extensively with the Refuge since then. TNC owns
several preserves on which algific talus slopes occur and works to preserve the biodiversity of the
Driftless Area. They have conducted algific slope inventory and research, contacted landowners,
provided summer interns, and worked on acquisitions in a cooperative effort to protect the unique
resources of the area. The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation has also been a valuable partner in
landowner contacts and land acquisition. Other agencies and individuals have assisted with prairie
restoration at the Howard Creek unit. The Iowa DNR also owns preserves that protect algific talus
slopes and federally listed species and has been an important partner in land protection and
management.
Chapter 4: Management Direction
35
Chapter 4: Management Direction
Summary of Future Management Direction
Permanent protection of habitat is the primary
recovery goal for the Iowa Pleistocene snail and
Northern monkshood as the habitat cannot be
restored once lost and the species are difficult to
reintroduce. As well as meeting recovery goals,
protection of additional algific slopes or
maderate cliffs would meet the Service’s goals of
conserving biological integrity, diversity and
environmental health. Refuge land protection
will meet key recovery goals for these species
and may prevent future listing of other land snail
and plant species.
Permanent conservation of algific talus slopes
goes beyond protection of the slope itself from
physical disturbance. New information and
threats since the recovery plans were written increase the need for active management to meet
multiple recovery goals for delisting. Some slopes are, or may be, impacted by invasive species
(garlic mustard), high local deer populations, erosion runoff into sinkholes, and vegetative succession
on adjacent habitat. This alternative takes a long-term ecological approach to endangered species
conservation and meets multiple recovery goals that can lead to delisting of the Iowa Pleistocene
snail during the life of the CCP. The Service also has the responsibility to manage Refuge lands in an
ecologically sound manner for other wildlife species. The objectives in this CCP are aimed at taking
care of existing Refuge habitats as well as adding lands for endangered species protection.
The total approved acquisition area for the Refuge is 6,000 acres in 22 counties (four states)
according to a revised Land Protection Plan (Appendix I). The LPP is the total Refuge acreage
desired to complete the Refuge project and is a longer term plan than the CCP. Expansion into
additional counties will allow potential acquisition and protection of large populations, populations
across the species’ ranges, and protection of the majority of populations. The 2,275 acres listed in
the objectives is the acreage we believe we can protect within the 15-year life of the CCP given
anticipated levels of willing sellers, funding, and the need to accomplish other Refuge objectives.
The acreage includes that needed to permanently protect algific slopes including sinkholes and
buffer areas to protect from adjacent land uses. Protection may also be achieved in cooperation with
other agencies.
Habitat
Inspection of Refuge units will increase to 8 hours/week and a law enforcement officer shared with
the McGregor District of Upper Mississippi River NWFR. Invasive species control, particularly for
garlic mustard, will increase. Iowa Pleistocene snail and Northern monkshood monitoring will
continue. More study of algific slopes, such as determining the impacts of shade to aid with
Cold air vent on Driftless Area NWR. USFWS
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
36
restoration decisions on adjacent habitat, will be completed. A biologist has been added to the staff.
Conservation site plans for potential acquisition areas will be completed. Approximately 2,200 acres
of endangered species habitat above the 2004 level will be conserved through acquisition or other
means to meet delisting criteria of the Iowa Pleistocene snail and contribute to recovery goals for
Northern monkshood and Leedy’s roseroot. Seventy-five acres above the 2004 level will be
conserved to help preclude listing of glacial relict snail species of concern. Of course, acquisition
levels are dependent on funding and willing sellers.
Forty acres of grassland will be restored at the Howard Creek Unit. Forty-one acres of forest will be
reestablished at the Fern Ridge unit (Figure 16), 7 acres at the Howard Creek unit (Figure 17), and
68 acres at the Pine Creek unit (Figure 18). A management plan will be developed for all other forest
lands to describe how forests would provide habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. Habitat
management plans will be prepared for newly acquired lands.
Species Management
Surveys for new algific talus slopes and associated species will be done. Species inventories of
selected algific talus slopes would aid in understanding of these unique communities. Recovery plans
for the Iowa Pleistocene snail and Northern monkshood will be updated. Study of the location and
function of sinkholes will be initiated. An evaluation of deer populations and their impacts on the
Refuge will be completed.
Visitor Services
A wildlife observation trail will be added to the Howard Creek Unit. Office and Visitor Center space
will continue to be shared with the McGregor District, although space is limited. A new
professionally developed interpretive display, as well as increased environmental education will be
completed. An interpretive park ranger will be shared with McGregor District. Threshold visitor use
levels will be determined. A Visitor Services Plan will be completed.
Cultural Resources
Cultural resources on federal lands receive protection and consideration that would not normally
apply to private or local and state government lands. This protection is through several federal
cultural resources laws, executive orders, and regulations, as well as policies and procedures
established by the Department of the Interior and the Service. The presence of cultural resources
including historic properties cannot stop a federal undertaking since the several laws require only
that adverse impacts on historic properties be considered before irrevocable damage occurs.
However, the Refuge will seek to protect cultural resources whenever possible.
During early planning of any projects, the Refuge will provide the Regional Historic Preservation
Officer (RHPO) a description and location of all projects and activities that affect ground and
structures, including project requests from third parties. Information will also include any
alternatives being considered. The RHPO will analyze these undertakings for potential to affect
historic properties and enter into consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer and other
parties as appropriate. The Refuge will also notify the public and local government officials to
identify any cultural resource impact concerns. This notification is generally done in conjunction
with the review required by the National Environmental Policy Act or Service regulations on
compatibility of uses.
Chapter 4: Management Direction
37
Figure 16: Future Desired Conditions, Fern Ridge Unit, Driftless Area NWR
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
38
Figure 17: Future Desired Condition, Howard Creek Unit, Driftless Area NWR
Chapter 4: Management Direction
39
Figure 18: Future Desired Condition, Pine Creek Unit, Driftless Area NWR
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
40
Goals, Objectives and Strategies
Habitat Goal
Goal: Conserve endangered species habitat and contribute migratory bird and other wildlife habitats within
a larger landscape.
Objective 1: Increase management of physical and biological impacts to algific slopes by
eliminating invasive species (on slopes), maintaining zero impacts from public use,
and reducing off Refuge impacts on two units by 2015.
Rationale: The Refuge purpose is to conserve endangered and threatened species.
This objective is tied to the purpose of the Refuge and Iowa Pleistocene snail and
Northern monkshood recovery plan goals for permanent protection of habitat.
Algific talus slopes are fragile because of the steep slopes with a loose surface rock
layer. All algific slopes would remain closed to all public entry. However, some
management activity on algific slopes is needed to maintain their biological
integrity. Invasive garlic mustard is competing with Northern monkshood. It has
unknown effects on the Iowa Pleistocene snail, but we speculate garlic mustard
could affect its specific food requirements. Removal of garlic mustard can be
completed by carefully hand pulling it on some sites, but may take several years to
control using this method because of the seed bank present. Vegetation adjacent to
algific talus slopes can affect temperatures and other microclimate characteristics
important to the species that inhabit them. Study of the impact of shade on algific
talus slopes would help in determining what the best restoration options are
adjacent to the slopes. Population monitoring of both species would continue at 2004
levels on selected sites on and off Refuge. These management activities would be
done under specific guidelines such as restricting the number of people, number of
sites, avoiding more sensitive sites, using wildlife trails, and other restrictions to
prevent damage to the habitat.
Strategies:
1. Maintain existing closed areas.
2. Ensure boundary signing and fencing on all units are adequate
3. Increase inspection of units, on average 8 hours per week, particularly during
hunting seasons.
4. Share a law enforcement officer with the McGregor District of UMRNWFR.
5. Increase contact with landowners adjacent to the Refuge to prevent impacts
from grazing, logging, invasive species, erosion, and sinkhole filling.
Specifically, use USDA programs, Partners for Fish and Wildlife program or
endangered species funding to reduce erosion impacts to the Fern Ridge and
Cow Branch units.
6. Remove all garlic mustard from algific slopes on the Howard Creek and Lytle
Creek units in ways that minimize disturbance. Expand garlic mustard control
efforts in surrounding habitats on all units.
7. Monitor Iowa Pleistocene snail and Northern monkshood populations (on
Refuge and other public and private lands) at 2004 level of effort to measure
population trends for recovery and as an indicator of habitat condition.
Chapter 4: Management Direction
41
8. Monitor soil/vent temperatures on algific talus slopes with data loggers that
collect daily temperature.
9. Fund research to determine impacts of shade on algific talus slopes,
particularly in regard to Northern monkshood. Complete study by 2010. This
would aid in determining the best restoration alternative adjacent to algific
slopes.
10. Add a wildlife biologist to the staff to help accomplish additional work.
Objective 2: Restore existing 40 acres of grassland on the Howard Creek Unit to a mixture of at
least 25 species of local genotype grasses and forbs by 2009.
Rationale: Other wildlife habitats are present on the Refuge and should be
managed for Service trust resources when possible. Native climax vegetation would
likely do best on the land and require the least long term maintenance once
established. The Howard Creek Unit contains remnant native prairies and much of
the area was once prairie or savanna. Some planting of native prairie species has
already taken place on this unit and this objective is aimed at completing grassland
restoration for the Howard Creek Unit.
Strategies:
1. Use fire and other techniques to control invading woody vegetation on remnant
and restored prairies.
2. Use biological, chemical, and mechanical controls to control invasive species on
other habitats.
3. Develop partnerships with local groups to restore prairie and possibly create
demonstration areas.
4. Plant a mixture of native grasses and forbs (local genotype).
Objective 3: Establish oak-hickory forests on all lands that were historically hardwood forest
under pre-European settlement conditions by 2012.
Rationale: The majority of Driftless Area Refuge habitat is or was hardwood forest
that has been impacted by past agricultural or logging uses. Some forests are
degraded and some were completely cleared for farming. Habitat immediately
adjacent to algific talus slopes may affect such factors as microclimate (i.e. shade
helps maintain cool conditions) and encroachment of invasive species. Restoration
of forests is important to maintaining endangered species habitat.
Although Refuge units are relatively small, they do provide habitat for Region 3
Resource Conservation Priority species and migratory non-game birds of
management concern. These species will be encouraged through habitat restoration
planning. Fragmentation of habitats both within and around Refuge lands is a
concern for migratory bird management because of the effects of predators and
parasitic cowbirds. Restoration of native vegetation on the Refuge would reduce,
but not eliminate, fragmentation within units and would provide closer connection
to forest in the surrounding landscapes. Active restoration by planting trees would
speed restoration and provide the species desired for wildlife habitat.
Strategies:
1. Plant 116 acres of native forest on the Pine Creek (68 ac), Fern Ridge (41 ac),
and Howard Creek units (7 ac) (Figure 16,Figure 17 and Figure 18).
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
42
2. Develop partnerships with local groups to restore forests and evaluate
feasibility of establishing reforestation demonstration areas.
3. Inventory exotic invasive species and develop plans for control on each unit.
4. Coordinate with states and partners to develop Habitat Management Plans for
each Refuge unit and implement forest management plans for existing forests
on the Fern Ridge and Bankston units during the life of the plan.
Objective 4: Permanently conserve 2,200 additional acres of endangered species habitat above
the 2004 level to achieve this recovery goal for the Iowa Pleistocene snail and
contribute to recovery goals for the Northern monkshood and Leedy’s roseroot by
2020.
Rationale: This objective is tied to the purpose of the Refuge and species’ recovery
plan goals for permanent protection of habitat. More habitat protection is needed
to reach these recovery goals. Refuge land protection can lead to delisting of these
species and may prevent future listing of other land snail and plant species. Refuge
land protection will also conserve biological integrity, diversity, and environmental
health according to Service policy.
Overall Refuge expansion is
proposed at 6,000 acres in 22
counties (four states) under a
revised Land Protection Plan
(Appendix I). The LPP is the
total Refuge acreage desired to
complete the Refuge project
and is a longer term plan than
the CCP. Expansion into
additional counties will allow
potential acquisition of large
populations, populations across
the species’ ranges, and of the
majority of their populations.
Acquisition would not
necessarily occur in every
location, but where willing
sellers exist for known species
locations in any of these
counties. Acquisition acreage includes algific slopes, associated sinkholes, and
buffer areas needed to permanently protect them from adjacent land uses. The
acreage listed in this alternative is what we believe is possible to protect in the next
15 years given willing sellers, funding, and Refuge resources. Habitat protection
may also be in cooperation with other agencies.
Strategies:
1. Maintain contact with landowners to maintain integrity of sites and identify
willing sellers. Use the Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife program and
assistance from partners such as TNC.
2. Acquire additional land adjacent to Refuge sites where the algific slopes or
sinkholes are not under permanent protection.
3. Protect an additional 20 snail and monkshood sites.
Cold air vent and mosses on algific slope. USFWS
Chapter 4: Management Direction
43
4. Coordinate with the USFWS Twin Cities Ecological Services office and
Minnesota DNR to identify and acquire any Leedy’s roseroot site that becomes
available.
5. Seek consistent annual Land and Water Conservation Fund appropriations to
meet the objective.
6. Work with partners to protect sites through a variety of means such as funding
provisions of the Endangered Species Act (Section 6), land trust conservation
easements, U.S. Department of Agriculture programs, fund raising, and
congressional appropriations.
7. Prioritize sites for protection and prepare site preservation plans in Geographic
Information Systems format with state and partner input.
8. Protect sites through conservation easements and fee title acquisition.
Objective 5: Permanently conserve 75 additional acres of habitat above the 2004 level to help
preclude listing of glacial relict species of concern by 2020.
Rationale: Some algific slopes are occupied by Service species of concern, but not
by threatened and endangered species. This objective would begin to protect sites
for these species to help preclude future listing as threatened or endangered.
Strategies:
1. Protect three sites for other species of concern.
2. Maintain contact with landowners to maintain integrity of sites and identify
willing sellers. Use assistance from partners such as TNC.
3. Protect sites through conservation easements and fee title acquisition.
Species Management
Goal: Manage and protect endangered species, other trust species, and species of management interest
based on sound science through identification and understanding of algific slope communities and
associated habitats.
Objective 1: Identify and evaluate new algific slopes in the Driftless Area for the presence of
threatened and endangered species and species of concern within 3 years of plan
approval.
Rationale: Initial surveys to locate algific talus slopes and associated species were
done in the 1980s. Several new algific slopes were found in the last few years just by
casual observation, indicating that more may be present than is currently known. A
renewed comprehensive survey should be done to ensure that as many algific slopes
as possible are known. This information may shed new light on species abundance
or threats to endangered and rare species. Survey of potential habitat is a recovery
goal.
Strategies:
1. Review existing algific slope records to identify potential new survey locations.
Actively search areas that may have been underrepresented in original
surveys. Survey any new locations for Iowa Pleistocene snail and Northern
monkshood.
2. Seek assistance from Partners to provide funding or people to accomplish
objective.
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
44
Objective 2: Establish the size of upland buffers needed to provide permanent protection of
algific talus slopes by 2009.
Rationale: Sinkholes are crucial to cold air flow on algific talus slopes. Their
function, locations, and distance from slopes is not completely known. In addition,
more information is needed on sinkhole locations and distance from algific talus
slopes. This objective is also a recovery task for the Iowa Pleistocene snail and is
essential to determining land protection areas and strategies.
1. Conduct winter surveys to locate sinkholes associated with algific slopes to aid
in protection efforts.
2. Initiate studies to determine the function and association of sinkholes and other
features to cold air flow and hydrology.
3. Explore ways to study the potential impacts of climate change on algific talus
slopes.
Objective 3: Gain a better understanding of plants and animals associated with algific talus
slopes and similar habitats in the Driftless Area.
Rationale: Comprehensive surveys for plants and insects have never been done for
algific talus slopes. There may be additional rare, endemic or new species.
Inventory of wildlife on other Refuge habitats has not been completed. An
inventory of Refuge plant and animal communities is needed to prepare effective
management strategies. The Refuge Improvement Act also requires inventory and
monitoring of fish, wildlife, and plants on all Refuges. Refuge partners are also
interested in inventory of algific slopes.
Strategies:
1. Work with experts to inventory snail, plant and insect species on six or more
algific talus slopes within 8 years of plan approval.
2. Inventory birds on Refuge units to document habitat use and develop plans for
management of conservation priority species on the Refuge.
Objective 4: By 2008, determine the appropriate deer density and population structure for
Refuge units that will safeguard habitat.
Rationale: Deer populations in northeast Iowa have been high for several years.
There is concern that high deer densities, particularly on units where hunting is not
allowed, could impact algific talus slopes as well as other habitats. The population
level that causes negative impacts needs to be determined.
Strategies:
1. Use research or literature searches to determine the current and desired deer
density on the Refuge.
2. Working with states, manage deer populations at a level and population
structure that does not negatively impact algific slopes or associated habitats.
3. Use special permit hunts when damage to algific slopes or other habitats from
deer is observed.
Chapter 4: Management Direction
45
Objective 5: Update the recovery plans for Iowa Pleistocene snail and Northern Monkshood
within 5 years of CCP approval.
Rationale: The current recovery plans for these species are outdated and do not
include all locations, specific recovery objectives, threats, or specific monitoring
guidelines. Updated plans would provide for better planning and species protection
and increase the likelihood of recovery.
Strategies:
1. Work with Ecological Services and applicable states to update and rewrite draft
recovery plans.
Visitor Services Goal
Goal: Visitors have an understanding and appreciation of the role of the Refuge in conserving endangered
species.
Objective 1: Increase environmental education programs by 50 percent within 8 years of CCP
approval and establish an upper level limit for visitation within 5 years of CCP
approval.
Rationale: Promotion of the Refuge and wildlife-dependent recreation has
historically been limited because of the sensitive nature of endangered species
habitat and limited staff to manage public use. However, the public is now more
aware of land owned by the Service and has expressed interest in increasing
outreach and wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities. With targeted programs,
visitors’ understanding of the Refuge’s purpose can be enhanced. Education about
endangered species and the special resources of the Driftless Area may promote
stewardship among landowners and therefore further protection of rare and
endangered species. Education about snails and their habitat is a recovery task.
Only units with public access routes and sufficient acreage surrounding endangered
species habitat would be open to the public. However, there is a level of use that
could cause unacceptable changes in habitat and wildlife. To better achieve the
endangered species purpose of the Refuge, the level below which impacts are
negligible needs to be determined. The primary increased use would be off-site
environmental education.
Strategies:
1. Maintain the Howard Creek and Fern Ridge units open to upland game and
white-tailed deer hunting. Open the Pine Creek Unit to hunting under the same
special regulations as the Howard Creek and Fern Ridge units.
2. Maintain the Steeles Branch and Fern Ridge units open to fishing. Open the
Pine Creek Unit to fishing.
3. Maintain the Howard Creek and Fern Ridge units open to wildlife observation
and photography. Open the Pine Creek Unit to wildlife observation and
photography.
4. Maintain McGregor District Visitor Contact Station as a place of primary
public contact.
5. Develop an information kiosk at the Fern Ridge Unit by 2007.
6. Develop a wildlife observation trail at the Howard Creek Unit by 2008.
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
46
7. Develop an interpretive display at McGregor District Visitor Contact Station
by 2007.
8. Present local school groups at least 10 environmental education programs per
year, with an emphasis on endangered species.
9. Share an interpretive park ranger with the McGregor District.
10. Develop a Visitor Services Plan within 2 years of CCP approval. The Plan will
describe basic visitor and resource protection, appropriate signing,
informational brochures, Visitor Center displays, and other information needed
for visitors to have an educational and enjoyable experience.
11. Permit compatible wildlife-dependent recreation on newly acquired lands.
12. Establish a reliable system for documenting and monitoring public use within 2
years of CCP approval.
13. Establish the relationship between level of use and impacts to resources within
5 years of plan approval and modify the Visitor Services Plan accordingly.
14. Develop a volunteer program and continue to work with the Friends of the
Upper Mississippi River Refuges.
Chapter 5: Plan Implementation
47
Chapter 5: Plan Implementation
Personnel and Office Needs
One Refuge Operations Specialist is currently assigned to the Refuge and supervised by the
McGregor District Manager. A wildlife biologist will be added to implement the many goals and
objectives identified in this CCP. The Nature Conservancy of Iowa has funded a summer intern to
work at the Refuge for the last 3 years and plans to continue this position as funds permit, to assist
with endangered species monitoring and other tasks of interest to both the Service and TNC.
McGregor District staff occasionally assists with maintenance, prescribed burning and habitat
improvements on the Refuge.
Refuge staff currently use a mobile home (obtained as excess property from the Federal Emergency
Management Agency) located adjacent to the McGregor District office. It is not clear to visitors that
the Driftless Area Refuge office is here and there is only a small display made by Refuge staff in the
McGregor District Visitor Contact Station. The Refuge shares limited equipment storage space with
McGregor District. A new office located with McGregor District or at a different location is needed
to meet basic operational needs.
Figure 19: Future Staffing Needs, Driftless Area NWR
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
48
Funding Needs
Land values in northeast Iowa have increased in recent years, at least partly due to an interest in
recreational land. The 2003 Iowa State Land Value Survey gives average values of farmland at
$1,645 per acre in Allamakee County, $2,111 per acre in Clayton County, $1,904 per acre in
Winneshiek County, and $2,722 per acre in Dubuque County. The Vernon County Land and Water
Conservation Department in Wisconsin reports farmland values at about $2,000 per acre. Land
values in Olmsted County, Minnnesota, in 2004 averaged $3,236 per acre and in Fillmore County
$1,868 per acre as estimated by county assessors. These values do not distinguish between forested
land and cropland. Forested land is often being sold for the same value as cropland because of the
recreational interest. Therefore, an average value for northeast Iowa counties, where the majority of
land acquisition would occur, would be $2,095 per acre.
Acquiring 2,275 acres over the course of the
CCP would cost approximately $4,766,125.
Step-down Management Plans
This CCP provides broad guidance for future
management and land acquisition for Driftless
Area National Wildlife Refuge. Before projects
are implemented, additional detailed plans will
need to be prepared. Several step-down
management plans must be completed to better
describe the planned work and to meet Service
policy. The following plans will be completed
during the life of the CCP:
# Habitat Management Plan
# Unit Management Plans
# Forest Management Plans
# Endangered Species Site Preservation Plans
# Visitor Services Plan
# Funding
Funding will come from a variety of internal and external sources. Refuge maintenance funds are
currently used primarily for fencing needs and replacement of tools and equipment. Habitat
restoration funds have come from challenge cost share grants or internal funds. All of these funding
sources are in short supply. The full implementation of this plan will be dependent on increased
traditional funding or new sources of funding as a result of partnerships or grants. In particular,
partnerships for land acquisition and habitat restoration may be needed. The Nature Conservancy,
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, States, and universities are potential partners that have
expressed interest in various actions identified in the plan. Volunteers will also be important in
assisting Refuge staff with fulfilling the future vision of the Refuge.
Partnership Opportunities
Potential partnerships exist with The Nature Conservancy, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation,
States, universities, and other private conservation groups to accomplish the objectives outlined in
the CCP. Partners have specifically expressed interest in assisting with habitat protection,
landowner contacts, site preservation plans, habitat restoration, inventory, and study.
Coyote, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Chapter 5: Plan Implementation
49
Volunteer Program
We will work with volunteers in carrying out the activities of this plan. Likely activities where
volunteers can help us include tours, environmental education, habitat restoration, monitoring, and
invasive species removal.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Monitoring is critical to the successful implementation of the plan. Every five years this plan will be
revisited to document progress, reassess direction and determine if any modifications are necessary
to meet changing conditions. Public involvement in evaluating progress and plan implementation will
be encouraged. Increased public visitation and new facilities will be evaluated for compatibility with
Refuge purposes.
Plan Amendment and Revision
The CCP is meant to provide guidance to the Refuge Manager and staff over the next 15 years.
However, the CCP is also a dynamic and flexible document and several of the strategies contained in
this plan are subject to natural, uncontrollable events such as floods, drought and tornados.
Likewise, many of the strategies are dependent upon Service funding for staff and projects. Because
of all these factors, the recommendations in the CCP will be reviewed periodically and, if necessary,
revised to meet new circumstances. If any revisions are major, the review and revision will include
the public.
Appendix A: Record of Decision
51
Appendix A: Record of Decision
Record of Decision
for
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Driftless Area
National Wildlife Refuge
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Division of Conservation Planning
Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building
Room 530
1 Federal Drive
Ft. Snelling, Minnesota 55105
Record of Decision
Driftless Area National Wildlife Refuge
Introduction
This Record of Decision (ROD) has been
developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(Service) in compliance with agency decision-making
requirements of the National Environmental Policy
Act of 1969, as amended. It documents the decision
of the Service, based on the information contained in
the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)
for the Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP)
and the entire administrative record. The Service
has selected the preferred alternative (Alternative
C) as described in the FEIS as the best alternative
for the Comprehensive Conservation Plan for the
Driftless Area National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). A
notice of this decision will be published in the Federal
Register and a news release will be sent to the media.
Purpose of Action
The purpose of this action is to specify and adopt a
long-term management direction for the Driftless
Area NWR that will achieve the Refuge purpose and
the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Need for Action
A long-term management direction does not
currently exist for Driftless Area NWR.
Management is currently guided by endangered
species recovery plans, general policies, and shorter-term
plans. Since the Refuge was established, there
are new threats to endangered species habitat, new
laws and policies have been put in place, new
scientific information is available, and levels of public
use and interest have increased. In addition, the
Refuge Improvement Act of 1997 mandates that the
Secretary of the Interior, and thus the Service,
prepare CCPs for all units of the National Wildlife
Refuge System by October, 2012.
Key Issues
Through public scoping and with input from
various agencies and publics, key issues and possible
solutions were identified. The issues were 1) habitat
management, 2) visitor services, 3) refuge expansion,
and 4) species assessment. These issues were
thoroughly examined in the Draft and Final EIS.
Alternatives Considered
Three alternatives and their consequences were
described in detail in the Draft and Final
Environmental Impact Statement. Under all
alternatives recovery plans for the Iowa Pleistocene
snail and the Northern monkshood would be
updated, cultural resources would be protected, and
the Refuge’s Fire Management Plan would guide
prescribed fire and wildfire suppression.
Alternative A. No Action
Present management practices would continue
under this Alternative. The No Action alternative is
a status quo alternative where current conditions
and trends continue. The alternative served as the
baseline to compare and contrast with the other
alternatives. Acquisition efforts would not occur
under this alternative because there would be no
approved expanded acquisition boundary.
Alternative B. Habitat Protection Emphasis
Under this alternative the primary focus of
Refuge activities would be on the permanent
protection of endangered species habitat through
land acquisition and minimal physical disturbance of
endangered species habitat. The expanded
acquisition area for the Refuge would include a total
of 6,000 acres in 22 counties in four states as
described in a Land Protection Plan (Appendix J of
the FEIS). The 3,400 acres specified in this
alternative is the acreage that would be protected
within the 15-year life of the CCP given anticipated
levels of willing sellers, funding, and Refuge
personnel.
Alternative C. Habitat Protection, Increased
Management, and Integrated Wildlife-dependent
Recreation (Preferred Alternative)
Under this alternative the focus would be on the
permanent protection of endangered species habitat
and additional algific slopes through land acquisition
and active management of endangered species
habitat. New information and threats increase the
need for active management. Fewer acres acquired
in this alternative would allow limited Refuge
resources to address all impacts to the habitat. The
total expanded acquisition area for the Refuge would
include 6,000 acres in 22 counties in four states as
described in a Land Protection Plan (Appendix J of
the FEIS). The 2,275 acres specified in this
alternative is a realistic acreage that would be
protected within the 15-year life of the CCP given
Appendix B: Glossary
57
Appendix B: Glossary
Appendix B: Glossary
59
Appendix B: Glossary
Algific Talus Slope: Cold producing rocky slope in which air circulation and
groundwater infiltration produce more or less permanent
underground ice whose incomplete melting produces a constant
stream of moist cool air which filters through a thin plant and litter
cover over an extensive rock talus.
Aquatic Species: Includes all freshwater, anadromous and estuarine fishes,
freshwater mollusks, freshwater crustaceans and freshwater
amphibians.
Archaeological and
Cultural Values: Any material remains of past human life or activity greater than
100 years old which are of archaeological interest as defined by
Section 4(a) of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act and 43
CFR Part 7.3.
Biodiversity: 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.
Biologic Integrity Biotic composition, structure, and functioning at genetic,
organism, and community levels comparable with historic
conditions, including the natural biological processes that shape
genomes, organisms and communities.
Candidate Species: Those species for which the Service has on file sufficient
information on biological vulnerability and threats to propose them
for listing.
Compatible Use: A wildlife-dependent recreational use or any other use of a refuge
that, in the sound professional judgment of the Director or
designee, will not materially interfere with or detract from the
fulfillment of the mission of the System or the purposes of the
refuge (PL 105-57).
Comprehensive Conservation
Plan: A document, completed with public involvement, that describes the
desired future condition and provides long-term (15 year planning
horizon) guidance to accomplish the purposes of the refuge system
and the individual refuge units.
Conservation: The management of natural resources to prevent loss or waste.
Management actions may include preservation, restoration and
enhancement.
Conservation Agreements: Written agreements reached among two or more parties for the
purpose of ensuring the survival and welfare of unlisted species of
fish and wildlife and/or their habitats, or to achieve other specified
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
60
conservation goals. Participants voluntarily commit to
implementing specific actions that will remove or reduce the
threats to these species.
Conservation (Species): The use of all methods and procedures which are necessary to
bring any species to the point at which the measures provided are
no longer necessary. Such methods and procedures include, but are
not limited to, all activities associated with scientific resources
management such as research, census, law enforcement, habitat
acquisition and maintenance, propagation, live trapping, and
transplantation. Conservation is the act of managing a resource to
ensure its survival and availability.
Cross-program: Communication and cooperation between multiple programs. The
Service is organized into programs such as Refuges, Migratory
Birds, Law Enforcement, Fisheries, International Affairs,
Endangered Species, and Environmental Contaminants.
Cultural Resources: Cultural Resources: “those parts of the physical environment -
natural and built - that have cultural value to some kind of
sociocultural group... [and] those non-material human social
institutions....” (King, p.9). Cultural resources include historic
sites, archeological sites and associated artifacts, sacred sites,
traditional cultural properties, cultural items (human remains,
funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony)
(McManamon, Francis P. DCA-NPS; letter 12-23-97 to Walla Walla
District, COE), and buildings and structures.
Delisting: A process for removing a listed species from the lists of threatened
and endangered species due to recovery. Delisting requires a
formal rulemaking procedure, including publication in The Federal
Register.
Direct Take: Under the authorities of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, direct
take is to pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect;
or attempt to pursue, hunt, shot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or
collect.
Downlisting: Process for changing a species' status from endangered to
threatened due to a reduction in threats and improved status of the
species. Downlisting requires a formal rulemaking procedure,
including publication in The Federal Register.
Ecosystem: Dynamic and interrelating complex of plant and animal (including
humans) communities and their associated non-living environment.
Ecosystem Approach: 1) Protecting or restoring the natural function, structure, and
species composition of an ecosystem, recognizing that all
components are interrelated. 2) Management of natural resources
using system-wide concepts to ensure that all plants and animals in
ecosystems are maintained at viable levels in native habitats and
Appendix B: Glossary
61
that basic ecosystem processes are perpetuated indefinitely (Clark
and Zaunbrecher 1987).
Ecosystem Management
Plans: Plans developed that identify natural resource needs, set resource
goals and objectives, identify needed actions, determine budget
needs and outline a process to monitor and evaluate the success of
the actions.
Endangered Species: A listed species in danger of extinction throughout all or a
significant portion of its range.
Endangered Species
Consultations: Process whereby federal agencies consult with the Service on any
prospective agency action when the agency has reason to believe
that an endangered or threatened species may be effected by an
action the agency is funding, permitting, or conducting.
Endangered Species
Listing: The process of adding a species to the Endangered Species list,
which includes publication in The Federal Register of a proposed
rule to list the species, a public comment period allowing for one or
more public hearings, and a final determination either to list the
species or withdraw the proposal.
Enhance (habitats): Improves habitat through alteration, treatment, or other land
management of existing habitat to increase habitat value for one or
more species without bringing the habitat to a fully restored or
naturally occurring condition.
Environmental Health: Composition, structure, and functioning of soil, water, air and other
abiotic features comparable with historic conditions, including the
natural abiotic processes that shape the environment.
Forest Fragmentation: Fragmentation may occur when a forested landscape is subdivided
into patches. Fragmentation may also occur when numerous
openings for such things as fields, roads, and powerlines interrupt
a continuous forest canopy. The resulting landscape pattern alters
habitat connectivity and edge characteristics, influencing a variety
of species.
Geographic Information
System: GIS aids in the collection, analysis, output and distribution of
spatial data and information.
Glacial Relict Species: A plant or animal known from fossil records to have existed during
glacial events, or the Ice Age, that still exists today.
Invasive Species: An alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause
economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.
Karst: A type of topography that is formed on limestone, gypsum, and
other soluble rocks, primarily by dissolution. Karst landscapes are
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
62
characterized by sinkholes, caves, and underground drainage.
(American Geological Institute)
Maderate Cliff: An algific talus slope that has lost the talus layer from erosion to
form a cliff face. The small cracks that feed cold air are then
exposed on the surface of the cliff creating a cold moist habitat.
Migratory Nongame Birds of
Management Concern: Those species of nongame birds that (a) are believed to have
undergone significant population declines; (b) have small or
restricted populations; or (c) are dependent upon restricted or
vulnerable habitats.
Migratory Species: Species that move substantial distances to satisfy one or more
biological needs, most often to reproduce or escape intolerable
cyclic environmental conditions.
Multi-species
Recovery Plan: A recovery plan developed for more than one listed species. Multi-species
recovery plans are usually developed for groups of listed
species that share similar habitat and/or face similar threats.
National Wildlife Refuge
System: All lands and waters and interests therein administered by the
Service as wildlife refuges, wildlife ranges, wildlife management
areas, waterfowl production areas, and other areas for the
protection and conservation of fish and wildlife, including those
that are threatened with extinction.
National Outreach
Strategy: Outreach is a two-way communication between the Service and the
public to access understanding and impact of the Service's
education programs. It establishes mutual understanding and
promotes involvement with the goal of improving joint stewardship
of America's fish and wildlife resources.
Partnership Agreements: See Conservation Agreements.
Population Monitoring: Assessments of the characteristics of populations to ascertain their
status and establish trends related to their abundance, condition,
distribution or other characteristics.
Prescribed Fire: Controlled fires set under specific conditions (prescription) to meet
specific habitat objectives.
Protect (habitat): Maintain current quality or prevent degradation to habitat. The
act of ensuring that habitat quantity and quality do not change,
most often as a result of human activities but sometimes in
response to unwelcome natural processes or phenomena.
Recovery Plans (species): Documents developed by the Service that outline tasks necessary
to stabilize and recover listed species. Recovery plans include goals
for measuring species progress towards recovery, estimated costs
and time frames for the recovery process, and an identification of
Appendix B: Glossary
63
public and private partners that can contribute to implementation
of the recovery plan.
Reintroduction (of species): Listed species reintroduced into their former range when such an
action is necessary for species recovery and is called for in an
approved recovery plan. Species may be reintroduced with the full
protection of their listed status or as an experimental population
that allows for greater flexibility in how the reintroduced
individuals are managed.
Restore (habitat): Returns the quantity and quality of habitat to some previous
naturally occurring condition, most often some baseline considered
suitable and sufficient to support self-sustaining populations of fish
and wildlife.
Riparian Habitats: Those lands adjacent to streams or rivers that form a transition
zone between aquatic and upland systems and are typically
dominated by woody vegetation that is of a noticeably different
growth form than adjacent vegetation. Riparian areas may or may
not meet the definition of wetlands used by Cowardin et al (1979).
Sinkhole: A funnel-shaped depression in a karst area, commonly with a
circular or oval pattern. Sinkhole drainage is subterranean and
sinkhole size is usually measured in meters or tens of meters.
Common sinkhole types include those formed by dissolution,
where the land is dissolved downward into the funnel shape, and by
collapse where the land falls into an underlying cave (American
Geological Institute)
Species of Concern: A species not on the federal list of threatened or endangered
species, but a species for which the Service or one of its partners
has concerns.
Stakeholders: State, tribal, and local government agencies, academic institutions,
the scientific community, non-governmental entities including
environmental, agricultural, and conservation organizations, trade
groups, commercial interests, and private landowners.
Threatened Species: A listed species which is likely to become an endangered species
within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion
of its range.
Undertaking: A project, activity, or program funded in whole or in part under the
direct or indirect jurisdiction of a Federal agency, including those
carried out by or on behalf of a Federal agency; those carried out
with Federal financial assistance; those requiring a Federal permit,
license or approval...” (36 CFR 800.16(y); 12-12-2000), i.e., all
Federal actions.
Uplands: All lands not meeting the definition of wetlands, deepwater, or
riverine.
Visitors: The total number of visitors to the Refuge System and Fish
Hatchery System as estimated by refuge managers in the annual
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
64
Public Education and Recreation module of the Refuge
Management Information System and by hatchery managers in.
Watershed: The area drained by a river or stream and its tributaries.
Wetlands: Lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where
the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is
covered by shallow water (Cowardin et. al., 1979. In layman's
terms, this habitat category includes marshes, swamps and bogs.
Wildlife-dependent
recreational use: A use of a refuge involving hunting, fishing, wildlife observation
and photography, or environmental education and interpretation.
Appendix C: Species List
65
Appendix C: Species List
Appendix C: Species List
67
Species List
Common and scientific names of plants and animals referenced in the text or found on the Refuge.
State or federal threatened and endangered status is given. A complete species list for the Refuge
has not been completed. Not all of the bird species in this list have been confirmed on Refuge lands,
but do occur in the area. Some algific talus slope species do not have common names.
Bird List for Driftless Area NWR
Common name Scientific name Status* Resource
Conservation
Priority (RCP)
Species
Acadian Flycatcher Empidonax virescens W T 􀀹􃥁
American Robin Turdus migratorius
American Woodcock Scolopax minor 􀀹􃥂
Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus F T, I E, IL T 􀀹􃥂
Black-and-White Warbler Mniotilta vana
Black-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus erythropthalmus 􀀹􃥂
Blue-winged Teal Anas discors 􀀹􃥂
Blue-winged Warbler Vermivora pinus 􀀹􃥂
Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus 􀀹􃥂
Brown Thrasher Toxostoma rufum
Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater 􀀹􃥃
Cerulean Warbler Dendroica cerulea W T
Chestnut-sided Warbler Dendroica pensylvanica
Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula
Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas
Dickcissel Spiza americana 􀀹􃥅
Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialis
Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna 􀀹􃥆
Field Sparrow Spizella pusilla 􀀹􃥇
Golden-winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera 􀀹􃤀
Driftless Area NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
68
Grasshopper Sparrow Ammodramus savannarum 􀀹􃥈
Henslow’s Sparrow Ammodramms henslowii 􀀹􃥋
Kentucky Warbler Oporornis formosus W T 􀀹􃥌
Long-eared Owl Asio otus 􀀹􃥌
Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludoviscianus M T, IL T 􀀹􃥌
Louisiana Waterthrush Seiurus motacilla 􀀹􃥍
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 􀀹􃥍
Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura
Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus 􀀹􃥎
Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus I E, IL E 􀀹􃥎
Northern Shrike Lanius excubitor
Orchard Oriole Icterus spurius 􀀹