Necedah National Wildlife Refuge Summary Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

              U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Summary
Draft Comprehensive
Conservation Plan
October 2001
Necedah
National Wildlife Refuge
Contents
Introduction...................................................................................................................... 1
Vital Statistics ................................................................................................................... 1
Who We Are and What We Do......................................................................................... 2
Refuge Vision, Mission, Core Values and Guiding Principles ....................................... 2
Vision Statement .................................................................................................................... 2
Mission Statement .................................................................................................................. 3
Core Values and Guiding Principles .................................................................................... 3
Refuge Goals, Objectives, Strategies, and Projects ...................................................... 4
Fish and Wildlife Management............................................................................................. 5
Listed Species .................................................................................................................. 5
Waterfowl and Other Migratory Birds ........................................................................ 6
Habitat Restoration and Management ............................................................................... 7
Wetland Habitats ............................................................................................................ 7
Open Landscape Habitats .............................................................................................. 8
Forest Land ..................................................................................................................... 8
Resource Protection............................................................................................................... 9
Law Enforcement ........................................................................................................... 9
Land Protection ............................................................................................................... 9
Archaeological and Cultural Resource Management .............................................. 10
Contaminant Investigations/Cleanup ........................................................................ 10
Water Rights Management .......................................................................................... 10
Monitoring and Studies ................................................................................................ 10
Surveys and Censuses .................................................................................................. 11
Coordination Activities........................................................................................................ 11
Interagency Coordination ............................................................................................ 11
Tribal Coordination ....................................................................................................... 12
Private Lands Activities .............................................................................................. 12
Cooperative/Friends Organizations ........................................................................... 12
Public Recreation, Education, Interpretation, and Outreach........................................ 12
Wildlife Observation and Photography ...................................................................... 12
Hunting ........................................................................................................................... 12
Fishing ............................................................................................................................ 13
Education, Interpretation, and Outreach .................................................................. 13
Facilities and Services .................................................................................................. 14
Planning And Administration ............................................................................................. 14
Work Force ..................................................................................................................... 14
Implementation ............................................................................................................... 15
Tools....................................................................................................................................... 15
Step-down Management Plans .................................................................................... 15
Partnerships ................................................................................................................... 16
Refuge Volunteers ........................................................................................................ 16
Land Acquisition ........................................................................................................... 17
Where You Can Find the CCP ....................................................................................... 17
Tell Us What You Think ................................................................................................. 17
Summary Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan
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Introduction
Situated on the bed of former Glacial Lake Wisconsin and the Great Central
Wisconsin Swamp, the land in and around Necedah National Wildlife Refuge was
once a vast peat bog with low, wooded islands and savannas. Higher sand ridges
were filled with mature stands of pine and other species.
Today, the 43,696-acre Necedah National Wildlife Refuge is a mix of pine, oak and
aspen forests; wetlands and open water areas; grasslands; and rare savannas.
This mixture of habitats supports a rich diversity of fish, wildlife and plant
populations. More than 230 species of birds has been identified on the Refuge.
More than 100,000 migratory waterfowl and shorebirds use the Refuge annually,
and is the largest stopover in the state for migrating sandhill cranes. With the
surrounding Necedah Wildlife Management Area, it has the
Wisconsin’s second largest colony of black terns (a state-listed
endangered species).
A number of endangered species make their home on Refuge
land. Necedah National Wildlife Refuge has the southernmost
timber wolf habitat in the state, and it is also home to the
Blanding’s turtle, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake and the
pholox moth. The largest population of Karner blue butterflies
in the world uses the Refuge, and it was recently selected as
the reintroduction site for a new population of federally-listed
endangered whooping crane.
The Refuge attracts people as well as wildlife. An estimated 150,000 people visit
the Refuge every year to hunt, fish, hike, observe and photograph wildlife, and
pick berries.
Managing a refuge demands long-range planning that reflects vision, science and
people. The Necedah National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation
Plan, or CCP, describes how we will provide for migratory species within our
boundaries, support endangered species on the Refuge, work with partners to
improve habitats beyond our boundaries, expand opportunities for wildlife
viewing and fishing, and develop environmental education and outreach pro-grams
to increase appreciation of fish and wildlife.
This summary offers a brief overview of the Refuge and what we hope to accom-plish
in the next 15 years.
Vital Statistics
Located approximately 150 miles northwest of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and about
180 miles southeast of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Necedah National Wildlife
Refuge was part of a 114,964-acre tract of land the U.S. government acquired in
the 1930s in Wood, Monroe and Jackson counties in central Wisconsin. The land
was purchased to assist farmers living in the area and to develop area for wild-life.
On March 14, 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order
authorizing 43,696 acres of this land be set aside as the Necedah Migratory
Waterfowl Refuge “a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other
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wildlife,” according to Executive Order 8065. Its purpose included “...use as an
inviolate sanctuary, or for any other purpose, for migratory birds,” consistent
with the Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929.
Just as year after it was established, the Refuge’s official name was changed to
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge. The surrounding Necedah Wildlife Manage-ment
Area includes parts of the Central Wisconsin Conservation Area (including
parts of Meadow Valley State Wildlife Area, parts of Wood County Wildlife Area,
and parts of Sandhill State Wildlife Area. These lands are part of the National
Wildlife Refuge System but are managed cooperatively with the Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources. The comprehensive conservation plan targets
only the 43,696-acre Necedah National Wildlife Refuge.
Who We Are and What We Do
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (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 responsibili-ties
include enforcing federal wildlife laws, managing migratory bird populations,
restoring nationally significant fisheries, administering the Endangered Species
Act, and restoring wildlife habitat such as wetlands.
The Service’s role also includes managing the National Wildlife Refuge System,
the world’s largest collection of lands specifically managed for fish and wildlife.
The System is a network of more than 500 national wildlife refuges encompassing
more than 93 million acres of public land and water. The majority of these lands –
82 percent – are in Alaska, with approximately 16 million acres spread across the
lower 48 states and several island territories. National wildlife refuges provide
habitat for more than 5,000 species of birds, mammals, fish and insects.
Refuges are also unique places for people. When it is compatible with wildlife and
habitat needs and the purpose for which the refuge was established, refuges can
be used for wildlife-dependent activities such as hunting, fishing, wildlife obser-vation,
photography, environmental education and environmental interpretation.
Refuge Vision, Mission, Core Values and Guiding Principles
Vision Statement
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge exemplifies a diverse and productive ecologi-cal
system of woodlands, savannas, and wetlands managed to perpetuate listed
species, waterfowl and other migratory birds, and native biological diversity.
Refuge staff are a multi-disciplined team of biologists, technicians, and support
staff who are dedicated to providing high quality wildlife-dependent public use
opportunities to a diverse and supportive public.
The Refuge is a model in its commitment to create long-term mutually-beneficial
relationships with its stakeholders, and has produced consistent growth in the
public’s understanding and appreciation of the Refuge, the National Wildlife
Refuge System, and Service trust resources.
Summary Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan
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Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide scientific and community leadership and support in the
restoration, preservation, and management of listed species, waterfowl and other
migratory birds, and native biological diversity, while providing, to the extent
possible, high quality wildlife-dependent recreational and educational experi-ences
that foster an understanding and appreciation of these resources, and
expands the role humankind plays in their stewardship.
Core Values and Guiding Principles
The Refuge holds the core values of quality, credibility, reliability, integrity, and
responsiveness as the basis for all Refuge activities. They will be guided by
these core values as well as the following guiding principles:
An Ecosystem Approach: The ecosystem approach is a vision of desired future
conditions developed in collaboration with a diverse group of stakeholders that
integrates ecological, economic, and social factors. It is applied within a geo-graphic
framework (usually watershed) and founded primarily on ecological
factors.
Results through Partnerships: Partnership initiatives require extensive coordi-nation
and communication between Federal agencies; state, tribal, and local
governments; and stakeholders and customers. Partnerships promote the
pooling of resources and expertise to obtain results more quickly and efficiently.
Results also tend to be longer lasting because consensus is built over a wide
range of stakeholder interests.
Public Involvement: Refuge management will include a clear, credible, and
meaningful role for public input from the full spectrum of social and cultural
backgrounds, and will receive full consideration in Refuge decision-making. The
Refuge serves local, state, and national constituencies, therefore, public input at
each of these levels will be solicited and incorporated into the Refuge’s decision
making process.
Cornerstones of Biology: The Refuge will preserve existing, relatively intact
ecosystems first; for they are the cornerstones for providing biota and other
natural materials needed for future restoration.
Ecological Integrity: The Refuge will restore ecological integrity, particularly
the structure, composition, and natural processes of native biotic communities
and physical environments.
Design for Self-Sustainability: The Refuge will design for self-sustainability of
natural systems. The best way to ensure long-term viability of habitat is to
minimize the need for continuous maintenance.
Work within a Watershed Context: The Refuge will focus within the watershed
and/or broader landscape level context and seek to understand its biological
potential. A watershed/landscape has the capacity to become only what its
physical and biological setting will support. This includes climate, geology,
hydrology, and biological characteristics.
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Address Degradation: The Refuge will address on-going causes of habitat
degradation. Protection, restoration, and management activities will fail if the
sources of degradation persist.
Have Clear Goals and Objectives: The Refuge will have clear up-to-date goals,
objectives, and strategies, and will include a diverse array of expertise and
interests in their development.
Use Passive Restoration: The Refuge will use passive restoration and manage-ment
when appropriate. Where possible, simulate natural hydrological process
using low input, low impact, and sustainable measures which capture the ener-gies
of the system to perpetuate the resources in question.
Use Reference Sites: The Refuge will, whenever available, use reference sites
when restoring habitat. Reference sites are areas that are comparable in struc-ture
and function to the proposed restoration before it was degraded.
Adaptive Management Processes: An adaptive management approach features a
structured, iterative process that recognizes that most information used in
decision making is incomplete. Adaptive management guides managers in
efficiently collecting and using better information, thus enabling appropriate
changes in management direction.
Refuge Goals, Objectives, Strategies, and Projects
The goals that follow are general statements of what we want to accomplish in
the next 15 years.
The objectives are specific statements of what will be accomplished to
help achieve a goal. Objectives describe the who, what, when, where,
and why of what is to be accomplished. Strategies specify the activi-ties
that will be pursued to realize an objective. The strategies may
be refined or amended as specific tasks are completed or new re-search
and information come to light.
This plan includes proposals to work within what has been called the
Yellow River Focus Area, a 21,953 acre area along the Yellow River
lying east of the Refuge. The Focus Area provides a unique opportu-nity
for the Refuge to assist in the restoration and preservation of
rare and declining bottomland forest and adjacent upland habitat for
the benefit of migratory birds, threatened and endangered species, and public
recreation and environmental education. The priority in the Focus Area is to
work cooperatively with interested landowners to preserve and restore habitats.
In the past two years alone, 121 landowners owning 17,308 acres have received
technical assistance from the Service in managing their land. Some landowners
may be interested in selling fee or easement interest in their land. In those
cases, the Service will consider purchasing an easement or fee interest from
willing sellers only and depending upon available funding. Most of the goals and
objectives apply only to the Refuge itself, but a few specifically reference the
Yellow River Focus Area.
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Fish and Wildlife Management
Listed Species
Goal: The Refuge will provide a federal leadership role in the preservation,
recovery, and where appropriate, re-introduction of federally listed species (e.g.,
Karner Blue Butterfly, Whooping Crane, Eastern Timber Wolf, Eastern Massas-auga
Rattlesnake, Bald Eagle) throughout central Wisconsin over the life of this
CCP.
Objective: Establish and maintain one large population of Karner Blue
Butterflies (KBB) on the Refuge as stated in the Karner
Blue Butterfly Recovery Plan.
Strategies that will be used to accomplish this goal include
restricting construction activities within KBB habitat;
managing timber harvesting activities to avoid or minimize
impacts to KBB habitat; and encouraging Refuge visitors to
avoid disturbing lupine plants in areas used by the Karner
Blue Butterfly.
Objective: Provide technical assistance and staff support to the Whoop-ing
Crane Reintroduction program throughout the life of this
CCP.
Strategies would include managing selected Refuge pools
and associated habitats to support Whooping Crane popula-tions.
For example, the Refuge would not use prescribed
burning in an area containing a Whooping Crane nest, and
human and vehicular traffic would be prohibited near nest
sites. Guidelines developed by the Whooping Crane Recov-ery
Team would be followed.
Objective: Maintain resident packs of Eastern Timber Wolves on public
lands in central Wisconsin, in accordance with the Eastern
Timber Wolf Recovery Plan.
Strategies for achieving this objective would include protect-ing
newly verified wolf dens as well as den and rendezvous
sites used within the last 2 years through the “Management
Policy for Wolf Den and Rendezvous Sites.” Land use
activities, including timber harvest, human traffic and
vehicular traffic would be restricted in the area of wolf den
or rendezvous sites. The Refuge would continue to work
with volunteers on tracking wolves on the Refuge and
collaborate with the Wisconsin DNR on wolf trapping and
radio trapping. Coyote trapping would continue to be
prohibited.
Objective: Continue international management efforts for the eastern
massasauga rattlesnake, including research, to help preclude
the need for federal listing (see open landscape habitat
objectives and associated strategies).
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Strategies would include following the protective guidelines
offered in “The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake: A Hand-book
for Land Managers 2000.” The Refuge would continue
to work with land owners on Eastern Massasauga Rattle-snake
management support and surveys.
Objective: Protect Bald Eagles nesting on the Refuge from human
disturbance throughout the life of this CCP.
Strategies would include monitoring nesting success and
enforcing protective buffer zones around Bald Eagle nests.
Prescribed burning and water level drawdowns would be
restricted within a quarter mile of Bald Eagle nests.
Waterfowl and Other Migratory Birds
Goal: The Refuge will actively protect, restore, establish, and manage diverse
and productive populations of waterfowl and other migratory birds within the
Refuge and the Yellow River Focus Area, with an emphasis on regional and
national species of management concern.
Objective: By 2015, increase the breeding pair population of waterfowl
on Refuge land to 700 pairs (e.g., Mallard, Teal, and Pintail)
through additional grassland habitat management, in accor-dance
with the North American Waterfowl Management
Plan. The Refuge currently supports roughly 400 breeding
pairs.
Objective: By 2015, increase the breeding pair population of grassland
species of concern (e.g., Dickcissel, Upland Sandpiper,
Grasshopper Sparrow, Bobolink) on Refuge land through
additional grassland habitat management, in accordance with
the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, Karner
Blue Butterfly Recovery Plan, and guidelines developed by
Sample and Mossman (1997).
Objective: By 2015, increase the breeding pair population of savanna
species of concern (e.g., Red-headed Woodpeckers, Field
Sparrow, Northern Flicker) on Refuge land through addi-tional
savanna habitat management, in accordance with the
North American Waterfowl Management Plan, the Karner
Blue Butterfly Recovery Plan, and guidelines developed by
Sample and Mossman (1997).
Objective: By 2005, eliminate Wood Duck houses on Refuge land, in
favor of natural nesting cavities (the Refuge will maintain
existing wood duck houses until they become unusable).
Objective: By 2005, increase the breeding pair population of Black
Terns on Refuge land to 8 nesting pairs through additional
wetland management (Region 3 priority species).
Objective: By 2005, increase the breeding pair population of Goshawks
on Refuge land (Region 3 priority species). In the past, the
Refuge has supported 1 nesting pair of Goshawks in select
red and white pine plantations.
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Habitat Restoration and Management
Goal: The Refuge will, in partnership with others, protect, restore, establish, and
manage diverse and productive wetland, open landscape, and forest habitats on
Refuge land and within the Yellow River Focus Area that benefits listed species,
waterfowl and other migratory birds, and native biological diversity.
Wetland Habitats
Objective: By 2008, maintain on Refuge land 23,500 acres of wetlands
(e.g. emergent and wet meadow, forested, lowland shrub,
open water), in accordance with the North American Water-fowl
Management Plan and the Refuge’s Marsh and Water
Management Plan. The Refuge currently has roughly 23,500
acres.
Objective: By 2008, maintain on Refuge land 12,500 acres of emergent
wetland (e.g., palustrine) and wet meadow habitat (e.g.,
sedge meadows) to support nesting, resting, and feeding
waterfowl (all types), associated bird species of concern (e.g.,
Black Terns, American Bittern, Henslow’s Sparrow, Sedge
Wren), and to promote native biological diversity. The
Refuge currently has roughly 10,500 acres of emergent
wetlands and wet meadows.
Objective: By 2009, maintain on Refuge land 5,700 acres of forested
wetland habitat to support forest-nesting waterfowl (e.g.,
Wood Ducks) and associated bird species of concern (e.g.,
American Woodcock, Veery, Northern Flicker) and to
promote native biological diversity. The Refuge currently
has roughly 5,700 acres of forested wetland habitat.
Objective: By 2009, maintain on Refuge land 3,500 acres of lowland
shrub habitat to support associated bird species of concern
(e.g. Blue-winged Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, Willow
Flycatcher) and to promote native biological diversity. The
Refuge currently has 5,500 acres of lowland shrubs.
Objective: By 2009, maintain on Refuge land 1,800 acres of open water
habitat to support nesting, resting, and feeding waterfowl
(all types), other associated bird species of concern (e.g.,
Common Loon) and to promote native biological diversity.
The Refuge currently has 1,800 acres of open water.
Strategies for achieving this objective will include restoring
two additional palustrine emergent wetland complexes and
managing palustrine emergent wetlands for dense annual
and perennial vegetation. The Refuge will manage palustrine
emergent wetlands and moist soils to provide food for
migrating waterfowl. The Refuge will maintain large blocks
of forested wetland habitat and will establish and maintain
large blocks of lowland shrub habitat.
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Open Landscape Habitats
Objective: By 2017, establish and maintain on Refuge land 9,800 acres
of open landscape habitat (e.g. grasslands and savannas), in
accordance with the North American Waterfowl Manage-ment
Plan, Karner Blue Butterfly Recovery Plan, Refuge
Forest Management Plan, and guidelines developed by
Sample and Mossman (1997). The Refuge currently has
roughly 3,700 acres of open landscapes.
Objective: By 2017, establish and maintain on Refuge land 6,200 acres
of native grassland habitat (e.g., midgrass and tallgrass
prairies characteristic of the central Wisconsin sand plain
subsection (Keys et al., 1995) to support nesting waterfowl
(e.g., Mallard, Teal, Pintail), other associated bird species of
concern (e.g., Dickcissel, Upland Sandpipers, Grasshopper
Sparrows, Bobolink), and to promote native biological
diversity, in accordance with the North American Waterfowl
Management Plan and guidelines developed by Sample and
Mossman (1997). The Refuge currently has roughly 2,700
acres of grasslands.
Objective: By 2017, restore and maintain on Refuge land 3,600 acres of
native savanna habitat (e.g., oak savanna) to support Karner
Blue Butterflies, associated bird species of concern (e.g.,
Red-headed Woodpeckers, Field Sparrows, Flicker), and to
promote native biological diversity, in accordance with the
Karner Blue Butterfly Recovery Plan, Refuge Forest
Management Plan, and guidelines developed by Sample and
Mossman (1997). The Refuge currently has roughly 1,000
acres of savanna.
Strategies for achieving this objective include converting
non-native grasslands to native grasslands, as well as
establishing small and medium-sized mosaics of native
grasslands. The Refuge will emphasize creating blocks of
grassland habitat that are structurally open and free of
major woody edges. Oak and pine woodlots will be restored,
and a mature oak component in savanna restorations units
will be maintained.
Forest Land
Objective: By 2017, maintain on Refuge land 10,400 acres of forest land
(e.g., coniferous, mixed deciduous/coniferous, broad-leaf
deciduous), in accordance with the Refuge’s Forest Manage-ment
Plan. The Refuge currently has roughly 16,500 acres.
Timber harvest will only in occur in areas designated open
landscape, except in pine plantations or for safety, opera-tions,
or fuel reduction purposes.
Objective: By 2017, maintain on Refuge land 550 acres of coniferous
forest habitat to support associated bird species of concern
(e.g., Northern Goshawks, ) and to promote native biological
diversity. The Refuge currently has roughly 900 acres.
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Objective: By 2017, maintain on Refuge land 4,500 acres of mixed
deciduous and coniferous forest habitat to support associated
bird species of concern (e.g., Pine Warblers, Scarlet Tanager,
Whip-poor-will, Black-and-white Warbler) and to promote
native biological diversity. The Refuge currently has
roughly 10,000 acres.
Objective: By 2017, maintain on Refuge land 5,350 acres of broad-leaf
deciduous forest habitat to support associated bird species of
concern (e.g., Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Wood Thrush) and to
promote native biological diversity. The Refuge currently
has roughly 10,000 acres.
Strategies toward accomplishing this objective will include
maintaining the forest habitat required by the species listed
in the objective. These habitats include: even-aged stands of
red and white pine; mature oak with a white pine component;
mature stands of jack pine with an oak component; mesic
mixed oak/pine forest with interspersed sedge meadow; and
mature stands of oak forest with a diverse, dense understory
component.
Accomplishing these habitat objectives will require a host of
other tools, including a fire management program that
reduces damage associated with wildlife and supports
habitat objectives; a step-down plan that addresses pest
plants; and a rare plant inventory. The Refuge will work
with landowners and provide several viable options for
restoring, enhancing, and protecting habitat within the
Yellow River Focus Area.
Resource Protection
Goal: The Refuge will, in partnership with others, safeguard Refuge resources
(e.g., fish and wildlife, cultural and archaeological, water, and visitor experi-ences)
for future generations.
Law Enforcement
Objective: Increase compliance of Refuge regulations on Refuge land
throughout the life of this CCP.
Strategies will include revising Refuge visitor regulations
for consistency and increasing the public’s knowledge of
visitor regulations and the Refuge boundaries.
Land Protection
Objective: By 2017 , conserve 3,750 acres of wetland, upland, and
riparian habitats within the Yellow River Focus Area
through voluntary partnerships.
Strategies for achieving this objective include maintaining
working relationships with landowners within the Yellow
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River Focus Area. The Refuge will emphasize a collabora-tive
approach to preservation by working with landowners
and county government.
Objective: By 2011, actively manage 100 percent of all existing Farm
Service Agency Conservation Easement land under the
jurisdiction of the Refuge.
Strategies toward accomplishing this objective include
developing habitat management plans for all conservation
easements, and surveying and posting all of the Refuge’s
conservation easement lands.
Archaeological and Cultural Resource Management
Objective: By 2017, in accordance with the Archaeological Resources
Protection Act, protect 100 percent of the known archaeo-logical
and cultural resources on the Refuge.
Strategies for accomplishing this objective include preparing
a step-down plan for archaeological resources and contract-ing
with a cultural resources professional to complete a
management plan. The Refuge will notify the Regional
Historic Preservation Officer early in the planning process
for each construction and development action, as well as for
requests for archaeological investigations on Refuge land.
Contaminant Investigations/Cleanup
Objective: Maintain a contaminant status on Refuge land that does not
negatively impact fish and wildlife populations, human
health, or create liability issues, throughout the life of this
CCP.
Strategies include investigating all potential contamination
sites on the Refuge within 2 weeks of their discovery and
conducting a contaminant investigation on all land consid-ered
for acquisition.
Water Rights Management
Objective: Maintain 1997 baseline water flows throughout the Refuge
over the life of this CCP.
Strategies include researching and documenting Refuge
water rights and establishing baseline water quality/quan-tity
standards for receiving waters. The Refuge will work
with upstream landowners to ensure high quality water
sources for Refuge waterways.
Monitoring and Studies
Goal: The Refuge will support, promote, and coordinate high quality scientific
research that enhances Refuge management decision making.
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Objective: Ensure that research conducted on the Refuge is publish in
an appropriate scientific journal no later than 2 years after
the completion of the field work.
Objective: By 2003, establish coordinated research programs to expand
our understanding of the Refuge and Yellow River area
natural resources.
Strategies for accomplishing this objective include conduct-ing
at least two studies of rare sedge meadow habitat and
completing a baseline inventory and cover type mapping for
the Refuge and the Yellow River Focus Area.
Surveys and Censuses
Objective: In accordance with the Refuges wildlife inventory step-down
plan, the Refuge will continue to conduct/support the follow-ing
annual surveys throughout the life of this CCP:
  Spring Waterfowl Breeding Pair Surveys
  Fall Waterfowl Surveys
  Waterfowl Banding
  Sandhill Crane Fly-out Surveys
  Mourning Dove Coo Surveys
  Woodcock Surveys
  Songbird Point Counts
  Karner Blue Butterfly Surveys
  Massasauga Rattlesnake Population Surveys
  Wolf Howling Surveys
  Wolf Tracking Surveys
  Midwest Sandhill Crane Counts
Coordination Activities
Goal: The Refuge will develop and maintain strong, long-term, mutually-beneficial
working relationships with Refuge stakeholders that lead to healthy
sustainable fish and wildlife populations on the Refuge and within the Yellow
River Focus Area.
Interagency Coordination
Objective: Beginning in 2002, hold annual joint management plan
reviews with the Wisconsin DNR to facilitate management
and coordination of Meadow Valley Wildlife Area, Wood
County Wildlife Area, Sandhill Wildlife Area, and scattered
parcels in Jackson County.
Objective: Enhance communications with the Air National Guard by
participating in at least one meeting per year to discuss the
routing of low-flying aircraft in relation to wildlife and
visitor use impacts.
Objective: Work with natural resource management agencies in Juneau,
Wood, and Adams counties to enhance Service trust resource
management throughout the life of this CCP.
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Strategies for accomplishing this objective include regular
meetings with county and Wisconsin DNR staff.
Tribal Coordination
Objective: Ensure open communication and provide technical assistance
to local Tribal Nations, as requested, throughout the life of
this CCP.
Private Lands Activities
Objective: Restore a minimum of 15 wetlands per year on private land
within the Necedah Private Lands District to provide for a
diversity of fish and wildlife values throughout the life of this
CCP.
Objective: Restore a minimum of 60 acres per year of native grasslands
on private land within the Necedah Private Lands District to
provide for a diversity of wildlife values throughout the life
of this CCP.
Cooperative/Friends Organizations
Objective: Actively support the “Friends of Necedah National Wildlife
Refuge, Inc.”, throughout the life this CCP.
Strategies include maintaining a staff liaison to the Friends
of Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, Inc. and providing
office space and use of office equipment to Friends volun-teers.
Public Recreation, Education, Interpretation, and Outreach
Goal: The Refuge will provide the public high quality wildlife-dependent uses of
the Refuge (e.g., wildlife observation and photography, hunting, fishing, envi-ronmental
education and interpretation), to foster the public’s understanding
and appreciation of the Refuge, the National Wildlife Refuge System, and
Service trust resources, and to expand the role the public plays in their steward-ship.
Wildlife Observation and Photography
Objective: By 2009, increase wildlife observation and wildlife photogra-phy
use-days on Refuge land by 20 percent (in 1999, roughly
116,000 trips were made to the Refuge for wildlife observa-tion
and 20,000 trips for wildlife photography).
Strategies include working in partnership with local, re-gional,
and national tourism groups to promote the Refuge
as a “Watchable Wildlife” destination in central Wisconsin.
Hunting
Objective: Provide the public safe, high-quality hunting opportunities
on Refuge land where hunters will have a reasonable chance
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of success for waterfowl and other migratory birds, deer, and
small game, throughout the life of this CCP.
Strategies include working with the Wisconsin DNR on an
annual hunter education program and determining how
many days the Refuge will be open to hunters based on
hunter satisfaction, safety and the deer population.
Fishing
Objective: By 2010, increase fishing use-days on Refuge land by 10
percent (in 1999, roughly 3,500 fishing visits were made to
the Refuge for the purpose of fishing).
Strategies for accomplishing this objective will include
promoting and hosting National Fishing Day events in
conjunction with the Wisconsin DNR and other partners;
cooperating with Wisconsin DNR fishery biologists on
management issues; and developing a fishing pier at
Harvey’s Pond.
Education, Interpretation, and Outreach
Objective: By 2010, expand the Refuge’s education and interpretation
efforts by 20 percent over 1999 estimates (in 1999, the
Refuge reached an estimated 300,000 people through its on-site
and off-site efforts)(excluding media contacts).
Strategies will include completing the Ellen Allen Outdoor
Learning Center, enhancing coordination with local and
regional educators, developing a comprehensive guide to
interpretation and education for teachers and other commu-nity
members, and developing an additional 5 miles of
interpretive trails on the Refuge.
Objective: By 2003, develop and maintain a comprehensive communica-tion
strategy for the Refuge (communication step-down plan)
focusing on its five target audiences.
Strategies for accomplishing this objective will include
enhancing cooperation with local and regional media, devel-oping
and regularly updating the Refuge’s web site, partici-pating
with the Juneau County Economic Development
Committee on natural resource related projects.
Objective: By 2017, develop and maintain a group of local and regional
stakeholders that actively participates in the stewardship of
the Refuge, the National Wildlife Refuge System, and
Service trust resources.
Objective: In conjunction with the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association,
maintain sponsorship (and funding) for the Wisconsin
Federal Junior Duck Stamp contest throughout the life of
this CCP.
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge
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Strategies will include maintaining a database of teachers
and other individuals who have participated in or expressed
interest in the Federal Junior Duck Stamp program.
Facilities and Services
Objective: By 2015, 95 percent of Refuge visitors completing a Refuge
“customer service feedback form” will rate their overall
Refuge experience as excellent.
One strategy toward achieving this objective will be a
cooperative project with other federal, state and local
partners to design and build a visitor center. The center will
serve as a first point of contact for Refuge visitors and will
also provide office space for Refuge staff and classrooms and
meeting space for educators.
Objective: By 2008, improve the accessibility of Refuge visitor groups
with special needs.
Strategies include constructing a universally accessible
fishing pier, hunting blind, and hard-surface trail or board-walk,
and making Refuge brochures and videos available in
other formats, such as braille and close-captioned versions.
Planning And Administration
Goal: The Refuge will maintain a safe and healthy environment for employees,
volunteers and visitors, and be will proactive in addressing Refuge opportunities
and issues.
Objective: By 2004, review and revise all Refuge step-down manage-ment
plans.
Objective: Hold the number of work-related injuries to two per year or
less.
Strategies include holding regular safety meetings and
supporting a trained safety officer.
Objective: Maintain a safe and palatable water supply for Refuge staff
and visitors.
Objective: By 2002, identify all property stewardship needs and com-plete
the following projects that have already been identi-fied.
Work Force
Goal: The Refuge will maintain a technically skilled and diverse workforce with
high morale and job satisfaction sufficient to maintain high levels of stakeholder
satisfaction.
Objective: Provide all Refuge staff members with an opportunity to
participate in 40 hours of training annually.
Summary Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan
15
Objective: Hold weekly staff meetings to facilitate staff communication
and coordination of Refuge activities.
Objective: Fill all staff vacancies within one year of creation.
Objective: Ensure diverse candidates are on every hiring certificate, in
compliance with Region 3 diversity directives.
Strategies include using the Student Temporary Employ-ment
Experience Program and the Student Career Experi-ence
Program whenever possible, and also maintaining
contacts with colleges.
Objective: By 2002, hire one additional full-time Private Lands em-ployee
(Medium Priority).
Objective: By 2005, hire one additional full-time Wage Grade employee
(Medium Priority).
Objective: By 2002, add one full-time Refuge law enforcement officer.
Objective: By 2004, increase Refuge volunteer participation by 20
percent over 1999 levels.
Objective: Continue to support work training programs such as the
Wisconsin Conservation Corps and the Private Industry
Council’s youth training program each year throughout the
life of this CCP.
Implementation
Tools
The Refuge staff currently includes one Refuge manager; two Refuge operations
specialists; one biologist; one park ranger; one fire management officer; two
biological technicians; one administrative technician; one maintenance mechanic;
one equipment operator; and one office automation clerk. The staff also includes a
part-time forestry technician and a student trainee.
In order to fully implement the CCP and accomplish the goals, objectives and
strategies it describes, the following staff positions are needed: biologist; park
ranger (law enforcement); maintenance worker; and part-time office automation
clerk.
Step-down Management Plans
Step-down management plans will be an important component in fully achieving
the outcomes stated in the CCP. They will provide detailed guidance on refuge
management and will contain the strategies and implementation schedules for
meeting CCP goals and objectives.
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Partnerships
Partnerships with Federal, state, and local agencies; private organizations; and
individuals will be essential to the successful implementation of this CCP. Refuge
staff will seek out partnerships to fulfill the goals and objectives outlined in this
plan and create the desired future habitat condition. Natural resource issues
extend beyond social and political boundaries. Stakeholders with a variety of
interests and backgrounds need to be included in the day-to-day management of
the Refuge, and take ownership in its development.
Voluntary participation from private landowners will be an essential part of the
Refuge’s new focus in the Yellow River area. Nearly all the land in the Yellow
River area is in private ownership. In fact, nearly 70 percent of all available fish
and wildlife habitat in the United States is in private ownership. With increased
demographic trends toward urbanization and suburbanization, there is a ten-dency
for people to lose touch with the land and the goods and services it pro-vides.
The Refuge’s approach to sustainable management of public and private
land will be to actively support a network of lands and waters dedicated to fish,
wildlife, and plant conservation. This means that partnerships are not only
desirable for accomplishing Refuge objectives, they are necessary.
Also, natural resources do not organize themselves according to political bound-aries.
Clean air and water, sustainable populations of wildlife and plants, and
positive aesthetic and recreational experiences are a community-wide effort
involving multiple Federal, state, and local jurisdictions. The Refuge will support
other governmental agencies, private organizations and industries, and private
landowners in managing natural resources in ways that enhance Service Trust
Resources for present and future generations. The Refuge will contribute staff
expertise, equipment, and monetary resources, where possible, to individuals and
groups requesting assistance with:
  Sustainable timber management
  Game management
  Habitat management
  Conducting rare species inventories
  Water management, including wetland restorations, water level manage-ment,
and water quality issues
  Real estate transfers and easement information
  Education and outreach
Refuge Volunteers
The Refuge’s volunteer program is vital to the fulfillment of the Refuge’s vision.
Volunteers assist the Refuge with fish and wildlife management, habitat manage-ment,
education and outreach, administration, and maintenance - in other words,
in nearly every aspect of the Refuge’s operation. In 1998, volunteers contributed
over 7,000 hours at the Refuge. Some volunteer projects have included:
  Tracking pileated woodpeckers using radio telemetry
  Building new Refuge hiking trails
  Assisting with the Wisconsin Federal Junior Duck Stamp Contest
  Burning brush piles for the Refuge’s savanna restorations
  Creating a savanna demonstration area in proximity to the Refuge Head-quarters
Summary Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan
17
Land Acquisition
Land acquisition is one method the Refuge will use to facilitate restoration and
preservation of the Yellow River Focus Area. With the completion of this CCP
and associated environmental assessment, the Refuge will be positioned to
purchase conservation easements and fee simple purchases from willing sellers.
All land acquisition will occur from willing sellers only. The Refuge will not use
eminent domain or condemnation to acquire any land in the Yellow River Focus
Area. It should be noted that the Service did not request money for land acquisi-tion
for the years 2000 or 2001. It is anticipated that the Service will request
land acquisition money for fiscal year 2003. The Environmental Assessment
(available in the full CCP) contains additional information about the Yellow River
Focus Area.
Where You Can Find the CCP
You can see the complete comprehensive conservation plan in a number of places.
If you have access to the Internet, you can see the plan in a portable document
format (pdf) at the following address: http://midwest.fws.gov/planning/
necedahtop.htm
Copies of the plan are also available at libraries throughout the Necedah area,
including:
  Mauston Public Library
  New Lisbon Memorial Library
  Wisconsin Rapids Library
  Necedah Memorial Library
  Charles and JoAnn Lester Library
  Tomah Library
Copies of the revised draft CCP are also available at the Refuge.
Tell Us What You Think
Public participation is the cornerstone of comprehensive conservation planning.
By letting us know what you think of the revised draft comprehensive conserva-tion
plan, you can help the Service develop a plan that accomplishes conservation
goals and fulfills the needs of people visiting Necedah National Wildlife Refuge.
A public review period follows the release of the comprehensive conservation
plan and this summary. In order for your thoughts to be considered in prepara-tion
of the final CCP, we need to receive your comment by November 20, 2001.
Comments can be submitted electronically through our Web site:
(http://midwest.fws.gov/planning/necedahtop.htm) or in writing.
The Refuge’s address is:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge
W7996 20th Street West
Necedah, WI 54646