amendment to hunting plan horicon national …

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AMENDMENT TO HUNTING PLAN

HORICON NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE MAYVILLE, WI

JUNE 21, 2000

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Summary of current hunting at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge

No waterfowl hunting is allowed except for a special supervised youth waterfowl hunt in the Fall (usually two or three separate weekends during the duck season within one impoundment on the Refuge; dates vary according to state season).

Most of the Refuge, 19,363 acres, is open to ring-necked pheasant, gray partridge, cottontail rabbit, squirrel, and deer hunting during State seasons, with the exception that all hunting ends on the Refuge on the last day of deer gun season.

Refuge areas closed to all hunting include Bud Cook Hiking Area, 137 acres; Refuge OfficeNisitor Center, 30.acres; and Interpretive Displays and Viewing Area, 70 acres (see attached map).

Refuge restricted areas include: Highway 49 Hiking Trails and Auto Tour Route Area, 1,060 acres, is closed to all hunting except during nine-day deer gun season; Area between Point Road and Lehner Road, 600 acres, is closed to all hunting except for special archery permit hunt and gun deer permit hunt for hunters with disabilities; former Stensaas tract on west side, 157 acres, is closed to all hunting except for special youth hunt during pheasant season (see attached map).

Changes for the year 2000 hunting season

Due to the overpopulation of deer, the State has established special "Zone T" areas, which include the Refuge. Therefore, the Refuge will be open to gun deer hunting during the two Tzones: October 26-29 and December 7-10. The closed areas will remain the same, as "closed to all hunting". The restricted areas will remain the same, with the exception that the Highway 49 Hiking Trails and Auto Tour Route Area will be open forT -zone hunting during the December 7-10 hunt.

In addition, the Refuge will be participating in the special gun deer disabled hunt October 7-15. This hunt will only affect the Area between Point Road and Lehner Road, which is a Refuge restricted area set aside for special archery permit hunts and gun deer permit hunts. Normally the archery permit hunt would be on-going during this time period. In year 2000, the time period of October 7-15 will be set aside for the special disabled hunt, with the permit archery hunts occurring before and after.

Another minor change will be to allow hunters to use bicycles during the archery and gun deer seasons.

All of the above changes are for the year 2000 only; they may or may not continue in future years. The T-zone will depend on the State's decision in future years. The special disabled hunt is being tried as a test this year.

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Parking Lot

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Res !rooms

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Horicon Marsh Boundary

Hiking Trail

Lake or River

Woodland

Municipality

Stream or Ditch

Railroad

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Secondary Road

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FWS/ARW-IRE 5l't\~"

MAY 6 1994 OFF!~ ' ~,

s~ Memorandum DA~-p. ss 1-To: Refuge Manager, Horicon National Wildlif e Refuge OFFICE

From: Wildlife Associate Manager (WAMl) SURNAME

Subject: Amendment to Refuge Hunting Plan DATE

OFFICE Your proposed amendment to the Hunting Plan (attache d) is approved.

SURNAME

/s/ B9ward s I.

. C+."ozier -· DATE

• Attachment

Ed Crozier OFFICE

SURNAME

DATE

OFFICE

SURNAME

DATE

OFFICE

SURNAME

DATE

OFFICE

SURNAME

DATE

ARW/IRE:TWorthington:djs:S/4/94:x369l:g:horicon.tcw

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United States Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge W4279 Headquarters Road Mayville, Wisconsin 53050 --- .

In Reply Refer to:

To:

From:

Date:

Subject:

Regional Director, Twin Cities, MN ~ J.I--.Refuge Manager, Horicon NWR, Mayville, WI

April 25, 1994

Amendment to Hunting Plan for Horicon NWR

Attached is an amendment to the Hunting Plan for Horicon NWR for your review and approval.

We conducted an extensive public review process in amending the plan. Letters were sent out to all affected neighbors, requesting their input to proposed changes that we had outlined for the plan. Based on their comments and concerns, we

. reevaluated our proposed changes. The end product is one that we feel is a workable compromise •

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Concurrence:

AMENDMENT TO HUNTING PLAN

HORICON NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE MAYVILLE, WISCONSIN

APRIL 25, 1994

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MAY 5 l~l9tl

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AMENDMENT TO HUNTING PLAN ~D

PREVIOUS AMENDMENT (AUGUST 11, 1992)

Amend - Part IV. DESCRIPTION OF HUNTING PROGRAM

A. Areas open and closed to the public

The Horicon National Wildlife Refuge consists of 16,917 acres of wetland, 3,815 acres of upland grassland, and 410 acres of woodland. Resident game hunting is permitted on 20,905 acres or 98 percent of the 21,142 acre refuge.

The following areas will be closed to all hunting: the 70 acres surrounding the Comfort Station south of Highway 49; the 30 acres surrounding the headquarters and maintenance buildings; and the 137 acre former Hishmeh property.

The 1,060 acres of hiking trails and auto tour route south of Highway 49 will be closed to all hunting except during the 9-day gun deer season.

The 600 acres adjacent to the headquarters and maintenance area will be closed to all hunting except during the archery deer season by permit only and during the 9-day gun deer season by permit only (per station evaluation June 1993). The permit-only hunts will include disabled. An accessible hunting blind, donated by Wisconsin Waterfowl Association (WWA), will be placed in this area for use by a disabled hunter. WWA will be providing additional blinds in the future.

See attached map for a description of the closed and special areas •

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• HORICON NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

U.S. FISH AND WILDliFE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

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DODCE AND '0NO OU LAC CO...- TIES. WI$CDNSIN

AMENDMENT TO BUNTING PLAN

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Mayville, Wisconsin

August 11, 1992

Submitted b~ n ~~ Pro~

Concurrence: ~ WA1tJ..,j

Date~ Date e/zs-!12.-, ,

Date ---~-

Amend -- Part IV. DESCRIPTION OF HUNTING PROGRAM A. Areas open to the public

(2)

FROM:

"2,080 acres south of Wisconsin State Highway 49 which includes a major public use area is closed to all hunting except during the State deer gun season. The deer gun season commences after termination of seasonal general public use in the area."

'1'0:

"2,080 acres south of Wisconsin State Highway 49 which includes a major public use area is closed to all hunting."

Justification -- Public use in this area has increased over the past several years and will undoubtedly continue to increase following completion of the aut9 tour route. Hunting in this area would jeopardize the safety of Refuge visitors.

Enforcement -- The newly closed area will be patrolled along with the rest of the Refuge and will not constitute a significant change in current law enforcement efforts.

Anticipated Public Reaction -- Hunters accustomed to hunting the area will likely be unhappy with the change. However, visitor safety is of a higher concern in this case. Non-hunters will undoubtedly feel safer using the area once hunting is closed.

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REFUGE HUNTING MAP Regulations on Bac!( Side of Map

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Horicon National Wildlife Refuge

Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Arse $\ J .,rE:: /

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TO OF:

SUBJECT:

.,t, ; . ... , UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

memorandum May 26, 1987

Refuge Manager, Horicon NWR, Mayville, WI

Amendrrent to Fox River NWR Deer Hunting Plan

To: Regional Director, EWS, '!Win Cities, MN (.RF-1)

After conducting a penni t deer hunt for the past three years, it has becane apparent that we have not reen very effective in harvesting deer. Successful applicants do not all show up for the hunt, particuar l y after the opening weekend. After informal discussion with Wisconsin Deparbrent of Natural Resource personnel, we have decided to maintain a penni t hunt for the opening weekend to control hunter numbers. However, the remaining seven day season would be open to all. This should be well-received by the local residents. We plan on contacting them regarding this change once the amendment is approved •

.R. _M. Birger

Atta,chment

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MillY 2 91987 •J OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10 (REV. 1-80) GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.1 10111-114

~ GPO I 1984 0 - 421-526 (223)

FOX 'RIVER· NATIONAL WilDLIFE REFUGE - DEER HUNTING:::.P..DAN

Amendment No. · 1

The need to conduct a special penni t hunt to restrict hunter numbers will be detennined on an annual basis and may only involve a pennit requirement during the first two days of the season. Hunting pressure must remain constant throughout the 9-day season in order to better meet the primary hunting program objective which is to keep the deer herd in line with Wisconsin DNR over-winter population objectives for their Management Unit 67. ·

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UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE REGION 3

ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION MEMORANDUM

Within the spirit and intent of the Council on Environmental Quality•s regulations for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act and t~e Fish and Wildlife Procedures, I have established the following administrative record and have determined that the action of (describe}

allowing deer hunting on Fox River National Wildlife Refuge

-is a categorical exclusion as provided by 516 DM6 Appendix 1. No further documentation will be made.

x -is found not to have significant environmental effects as determined by the attached Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact.

-is found to have special environmental conditions as described in the attached Environmental Assessment. The attached Finding of No Significant Impact will not be final nor any actions taken pending a 30-day period for public review.

-is found to have significant effects and therefore a 11 Notice of Intent .. will be published in the Federal Register to do an Environmental Impact Statement before the project is considered further.

-is denied because it causes undue environmental damage.

~u)~ lfll'!~ Region a 1 Director

Review by: (RHPO}

Compliance (REC) -

Date

Approved by: (3~.-_,,..~~ (FA-FS1-FS2-PSW)

Form R3-251 (4/83)

OCT 14190,

Concurred by: (ORO) ~/AI~

Instructions on Reverse

INSTRUCTIONS

The Environmental Action Memorandum serves as the vehicle for the review and final approval by the Regional Director for all actions that require an environmental document and to demonstrate compliance and establish the administrative record for the NEPA process. The Regional Director (or Director) is the only one authorized to sign a Finding of No Significant ~pact or Environmental Impact Statement.*

Distribution:

Original: Master Environmental File- REC's office

Copy: Office of Environmental Coordinator, Washington, D.C.

Copy: Washington Office of Concern (optional, except for EIS's)

Copy: Initiating Office

Copy: Field Office of Concern (optional)

REC does not review categorical exclusions.

RHPO reviews categorically excluded projects only if involving ground disturbance but not ongoing farming operations, or involving changes to structures over 5 years old.

RHPO need not review FA land acquisition proposals.

*Actions detennined to be a •categt'rical exclusion" as defined by 516 OM 6, Appendix 1, are not to be processed beyond level (3) ~rked "Approved by: CFA-FS1-FS2-PSW)".

FIND:rn:; OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACI'

Date OCT 1419L -------------------

. . . For the reasons presented below which are based on an evaluation of the infonna.tion contained in the supporting reference, I ha.ve determined ;that the recc:mrendation to allow a white-tailed deer hunt on the -Fax River National Wildife Refuge as described in the attached enviromnental assessment is not a major Federal action which YX)uld significantly affect the quality of the human environrrent within· the rreaning of Section 102 (2) (c) of the National Enviromnental Policy Act of 1969. An Enviromrental Impact Statement will, accordingly, not be prepared.

Reasons

Stated in the environmental assessment.

SUpporting References

1. Enviromrental Assessrrent (attached)

2. Deer Hunting Plan (attached)

Fax River National Wildlife Refuge

Enviromnental Assessrrent

for

Deer Hunt

August 1983

Table of Contents

I . Purpose arxl Need • • • • • • • . . . . • •

A. Purpose, Need and Background . • . . • • . .

B. IDeation and General Description of Area .

C. Laws, Goals, Interrelationships· ..••.

II. Alternatives

A. Introduction and Alternatives Dismissal

B. Alternative Descriptions .

III. Affected Environrrent . • • .

A. Endangered Species

B. Archeological Features •

c. Wetlarxls, Flocdplains

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N. Environmental Consequences of Proposed .Action . . • • . 5

A. Intrcx:luction • • . • • . • . • • • .

B. Statement of Consequences

v. Consultation and Coordination

A. Private Lando.vners • • . . . • .

B. Conservation Groups in Wisconsin .

C. State of Wisconsin • . • • . . •

Appendix I

State of Wisconsin Ccmnents

Appendix II

Conservation Groups and Public Ccmnents

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I. Purf?se and Need

A. Purpose, Need and Backgrmmd

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to allaN a rifle deer hunting season on the Fox River National Wildlife !Efuge. The purpose of the proposed action is to:

1) To maintain a deer population at a level cx:xrpatible with the refuge and surrounding habitat.

2) Maintain a deer management program which is consistent with the Wisconsin Depa.rtirent of Natural !Esources' ove:rwinter population objectives for Hanagerrent Unit 67.

3) Provide the general public with a quality wildlife-oriented recreational experience and an opportunity to utilize a renewable natural resource.

4) Reduce depredations problems on adjacent private land.

5) Reduce car-deer accidents on perimeter roads.

The Fox River Refuge was established in April 1979. Since that date no deer hunting has been allONed on the refuge. After four closed seasons it is evident that sorrething must be done to reduce deer nl.IDlbers on the refuge. The habitat is beginning to show signs of overuse and neighboring landONners are canplaining about the high deer population on the refuge which is contributing to their crop depredation problems.

B. Location and General Description of Area·

Fox River NWR is located in t-larguette County, Wisconsin (T .14N. , R.9E; parts of Sections 14, 15, 22 and 23). Marquette County had a population of 12,123 in. 1982. Montello, the largest city and the county seat, had a 1982 population of 1,333. Fox River NWR

·is about 40 miles north of Madison, Wisconsin (1982 population of 171,590) and 80 miles northwest of Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1982 population of 629 ,256). Various fo:rms of agriculture canprise the econanio ·.base of the region.

The local relief slopes to the river and adjacent marshes. Elevations raFJ.ge from the Fox River at 770 feet above mean sea level (msl) to an island in the marsh which rises to 816 feet above msl. Muck and peat soils underlain by alluvius deposited by the Fox River are the predaninant soil types. The island and upland edges have sandy silt.

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The high diversity of wildlife associated with the Fox River NWR reflect the variety of plant carmuni ties, seasonally constant supply of water, a largely undeveloped aquatic habitat and diversity of terrain. The area harbors furbearers, marsh birds, raptors, songbirds, upland game birds and a variety of wocx:Uand manmals.

Ten plant ccmmmi ties are reco:Jllized in the area: Upland deciduous forest, pine plantation, upland old field, lowland forest, low prairie, fen, sedge rreadow, shrub-carr, shallow and deep marsh, and sul:me:rged aquatic plants in open water. 'IWo features which give the wetlands an unusual floristic diversity are the combination of acid sands with alkaline seeps. Generally undisturbed ·topo:Jraphic gradients provide all ranges of wet to dry habitats. The diversity and structuring of the vegetation offer an excellent variety of habitats for wildlife.

Another feature which adds diversity is a 40-acre upland island in the center of the marsh. This island is generally inaccessible to humans or cattle during the sumner and represents an excellent example of an undisturbed climax oak-hickory WO<Xllot.

C. Laws, Goals, Interrelationships

1. IB;Jal OVerview

The Refuge Recreation Act of, 1962 (16 U.S.C. 460K) authorized the Secretary of the Interior to administer national wildlife refuge areas for public recreation as an appropriate incidental or secondary use to the extent that it is practicable and not inconsistent with the primary objectives for which the area was established. The Refuge Recreation Act requires (1) th:lt any recreational use permitted will not interfere with the primary p.rrpose for which the area was established, and (2) that funds are available for the developnent, operation and maintenance of the pennitted fonns of recreation. The effects of hunting on refuges were examined in the "Final Environmental Statement on the Operation of the National Wildlife Refuge Systan" (1976) and in the "Recarnnendations on the Managerrent of the National Wildlife Refuge Systan" (1978). These documents detennined public hunting to be "an acceptable fonn of wildlife-oriented recreation" provided it was canpatible with refuge objectives and was a quality program.

The public will be notified about the hunting program on the refuge, through a brief description of the hunting program and accanpanying regulations in the Federal Register. If the refuge is open to hunting it will be listed in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations under Title 50, 32. 21 List of open areas, big game.

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2. Goals

The goals of the refuge are as follows:

(a) To preserve and enhance the wetland and adjacent uplarrl habitat historically found in extensive areas along the Fox River, with anpha.sis on maintaining the natural dynamic ecosystem.

(b) To preserve and enhance wildlife populations through habitat preservation, restoration and managem::mt. Special emphasis will be placed on those species indigenous to the available habitats and on those species dependant up::>n large expanses of natural marsh, such as the greater sandhill crane.

(c) To assure necessary protection for the habitats of any Federal or State endangered or threatened species th3. t may utilize this habitat.

(d) To make the area available for research of the faunal and floral characteristics of these habitats and the interrelationships between organisms which occupy this ecosystem.

(e) To make the area available for outdoor recreation, environmental education and other p.lblic uses that are ~tible with the primary objectives outlined in a) through d) above.

3. Interrelationships

It is the policy of the Fish and Wildlife Service to prepare wildlife managem::mt plans in cooperaton with State wildlife agencies and surrounding private larrlowners when appropriate. As this deals with a State of Wisconsin resident wildlife species which they are intensely managing, the Service 1 s policy is to cooperate and assist the State in aCCXlllplishment of their wildlife managerrent goals. Their main goal in the Fox River Refuge area is to reduce the deer herd to levels which are canpatible with the winter ha.bi tat and one which alleviates depredations on the fannland in this area.

4. Concerns, Issues, Opportunities

The refuge 1 s major concern is to preserve arrl protect the habitat on the refuge. An overpop.1lation of deer could prevent the refuge from acoamplishing this goal.

Another refuge cor:cern is to prevent Service managanent practices fran adversely impacting neighboring land or State managem::mt plans. An overpopulation of deer on the refuge will adversely irrpact neighboring fannland and will make it harder for the State to reach their ovawinter deer managanent objective.

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The overpopulation problem is a major public concern in the area and the public expects the Service to do its part to help solve the problan.

To this end we are proposing a controlled public rifle deer hunt. The hunt will conform to State regulations and will be under a penni t system to lirni t the number of persons allowed to hunt.

II. Alternatives

A. Intrcx:luction and Alternatives Disritissal

Several alternatives to solving the overpopulation were examined and include:

1. No Action

2. Live Removal

3. Rem:>val by State and/or Federal personnel

4. Feeding Program

5. A controlled rifle deer hunt open to the public on a permit basis.

B. Alternative Description

Impacts of the above alternatives were considered and a synopsis of each is included below.

1. No action alternative was dismissed because this would be an unso~ management practice resulting in deer overpopulation which would have an adverse affect on the major objectives of the refuge. This woold cause depredation problems on private land. The State would also experience a negative :impact on their overwinter deer management goals for that part of Wisconsin.

2. Live removal was dismissed because of its impracticality and expense.

3. Rem:>val by State and/or refuge personnel through a controlled hunt was dismissed because of cost, wastefulness and possible adverse public reaction.

4. A feeding program was not selected because it would be costly and could result in a much higher deer population which in turn could amplify the habitat destruction and depredation problems.

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5. The controlle1 rifle deer lrunt was selected because it will aCCCl!Tplish the objective of lowering the deer herd population to the accepted State level. This in turn will stop; refUJe habitat de:Jredation; deer depre1ation on private land and re1uce deer-car accidents on perimeter roads of the refuge. At the same time, the public will have an opportunity to utilize a natural renewable resource which is a State as well as a Service objective. The cost of the program will be less than the other alternatives except for the no actd.'On one.

See figure 1 which lists the alternatives in a matrix canparing each of them to selected standards.

III. Affected Environment

A. Endangere1 Species - No endangered species would be affected by the proposed action.

B. Archeological Features - The Fox River Refuge has confinned historic sites. Ho.vever the propose1 action will have no inpact on these knCMn or potential sites. Parking will be provide1 in an area which was surveye1 and found to have no historically significant sites. The hunt will take place during the last week of November when the ground will be frozen, thus there will be no inpact from hunters walking over the area.

c. Wetlands, Floodplains - The propose1 action will have no effect on wetlands or floodplains.

rJ. Envirolliiel1tal Consequences of Propose1 Action

A. Introduction - The attached checklist was used to determine if there will be any environmental consequences from the proposed action.

Will this propose1 action -

1. be perfonnerl in any area in which threatened or endangere1 species are present? No May it affect the errlangered or threatened

(Yes or No)

species? No

2. potentially affect floodplain or wetland area throUJh develo:prent, rrodification or destruction of these areas? No

3. be expected to ha.ve organize1 opposition or generate substantial public controversy? No

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4. include the intrcduction or exportation of any species not presently or historically occurring in the receiving location? No

5. affect any known archaeological, historical or cultural site or alter the aesthetics of subject area? No

6. include use of any chemical toxicants? No

7. impact on any designated or proposed wild or scenic rivers, trails, or wilderness area?

8. result in any discharge which will conflict with

No

Federal or State air or water quality regulations? No

9. affect any prime or unique fannland, forestland or ecologically critical areas as designated by Federal, State, or local authorities? No

10. require any Federal or State permits? No

B. Statanent of Consequences

The proposed action (controlled public rifie deer hunt) will have no adverse environmental consequences.

V. Consultation and Coordination

A. Private landowners - all refuge neighbors were personally contacted in relation to the proposed action. It is the concensus of the ccmnents received by landowners that a hunt should take place. Their initial concerns inclu:le the following:

1. Too many hunters at one tine.

2. Safety of surrounding off refuge buildings.

3. That enough deer be taken off the refuge to lo.ver the population significantly.

4. I..owering herd productivity by allowing only does to be hunted.

Additional cxmnents concerning the hunt proposal will be included as they are received.

B. Conservation Groups in Wisconsin - the following consenration group$ have been sent the Hunting Proposal and Environnental Assessment: Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, National Audubon Society, Wisoonsin Conservation Congress, Izaak Walton League of America, Wisconsin Trappers Association and Defenders of Wildlife. Their ccmrents will be apperrled to this environmental assessment as they are received.

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Figure 1, Alternatives Matrjx

Selection Standards

Alternative State Environ. Econanic Technical Depredations Socio-DNR Goals Effects (Refuqe) Feasible Abatement logical

No Action 1 + + 0

Live RaoovaJ.· 2 + + .. State/Fed. Hunt3 + + +

Feed 4 0

Public Hunt 5 ++ + + + +

Resulting affect in meeting objectives -

+ + very positive negative

+ positive very negative

0 neutral

State Goals - Reduce deer herd then naintain a canpatible level: provide public with deer hunting opportunity.

0

+

Environmental Effects - Protect refuge habitat: maintain healthy and stable deer poPulation.

Econanics (Refuge) - Costs of instituting alternatives and/or enploying qualified individuals.

Technical Feasibility - Knowledge available to institute an effective deer nanage:nentprogram.

Depredation Abatement - :r;>rogram success in elimination of depredation problems on private land.

Sociological - Impacts on the public i.e. neighl::x:>ring larrlowners, hunting public: conservation organizations, other interested public.

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C. State of Wisconsin - the deer hunting plan was developerl through coordination with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Law enforcement activities for the controllerl hunt will be coardinaterl between the Service and State.

The initial State response to the proposerl deer hunt is attached as Appenclix I.

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APPENDIX I.

State of \Visconsin \ DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Horicon Area Headquarters 1210 N. Palmatory Street Horicon, WI 53032

July 1, 1983

James R. Lennartson Refuge t-tanager ·' Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Rt. 2 ~layvillc, WI 53050

Dear Jim:

..

Carroll 0. Besadny Secretary

I have discussed the Draft Deer Hunting Plan for the Fox River Xational i\ildlife Refuge in ~larquct:e County, \Jisconsin 1..•ith Tom Hansen. the l..'ildlife manager ior ~larquette County and Phil Zieman, the Conservation :,·arden:

i_:\! fully .:!ndorsc ami, in fact, request a deer hunt on the refubc to reduc.:: the deer population to levels consistent 1..'ith :he remainder oi Deer ~lanagement Unit 67.

i'lu:: last overvinter population in t.:nit 67 ~o:as over 35 deer per square mile of deer range. \.:e hope to reduce that population to 30 deer per square mile with the 1983 deer season. \.Je expect the current population in the Fox River 1\VR to be higher than levels of surrounding land because of the recent years of protection on the property. We will be happy to assist you in subscribing harvest goals to reach the desired over-winter population.

llw a;>proach l•f ~Ja,.>tiug only autlerlc~5 deer ~o:ill ht.· the mo5t cfficit:nt :!lcthoJ tl• ~outrld the population.

The reduction of the deer herd in Unit 67 to reduce crop damage has received strong endorscmc11t by the Conservation Congress, the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board, and the Deparcment of Natural Resources.

!»lease let us know if you uecd assistance in planning or implementing the deer hunt •

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c. <:len Eveland ,\rca Wildlife !1-lana~cr

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cc: .J. t-1. Frank, lloricou Douglas Morrissette, SU

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.APPENDIX II.

I. MGR. ASST. MGR. Assr:-MGR. I & R SPEt;.

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·APPENDIX II

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AS~_!_ MGR. ASST. MGR.

. I & R ··SPEC.

StPI 21983 MGR. TRAINEE _ 1. ·L ASS 'f. M~:NT. MAN

.. ..

I~

..... ..... .. .

·--···~ - . --··-··. ---·· ..

• APPENDIX II

.::~ntullo, ~iis.

ril .Jox 61

July 6,\l<JcJ

53949 ~[! /

MGR. _M{. ASST. M·:>R. ASST-:tAGR. I & R SPt:C. --

JUL 0 ':' 1983 i·!r. Jo..~os Lennartson, .ioricon Rei'uge ~ianu.:;or

:.:ori;;on :sational .ildlife ilet'uge

MGR. TRAiNEE ADM • .C.SST. MAINT. MAN

R 2 ~-layvillo ·.as. .53050

3ir: J!IS • t 1 I b Lk d to 'It l 2 so 5 a II II I ttur· 3

·a eoaple of holes i:L '" as SJ 5 J1 La . • G 5 1 ill ., La

. •• 1& 5 li I doss it I I 1 1 : I 33 5 e·?? 3 ']?

In yo·xr lot;tor of June 8, l'i&J ycu so.id you :-:1ny allow 25 to

.>5 : :~!nting _>er:;li ts in '....t.:.~ Pis•l .mU. ~~'il.:..;.li.i'~ ~ou 't!o.iS i'o.ll. It

·.1ould oe very dun~Qrous -wo allow t!1at :;lllll,i . .:.u.nt;ers in ti.lut acrea.;,.e

because of the lo.y of t::1e lo.nd. 4 hign ~>0":;10rutl riflll bu.llot :IO.Jld

travel ~i10 width of i,;:lo I!lnrsh a."lU. ll:::ost t; .• o lan,_,t;t~ of it wiiOhout

o.ny obstruct2.C'n. :1i:lero will be more i:lun'tur~ in t~lv norr.a.Jrn

)art or the I'!Ulrsh aruu this year oocause of t:w sale of u _)arclll

of ::·1J ::1ars!l tO a (;I"OUp Of tour hWlter3 •

?ossibly an antlerless season in t:ds nroa would bo t.i..lo "'•s~

lenat dant;erous &.l''ld less troublosoco ~ld~inex~>onsivo uo:y to get

tho ;>O?ul&tion ot dv·jr undor control.

·~·:1~1..: you fo:..· your conaid:Jration.

ROS!,>9C tfully,

U6s3ie &~loston

"'

,• APPENDIX II

'The Nature Conservancy WISCONSIN CHAPTER

3 Williamson Street Wisconsin 53703

608/251-8140

Sept~mber 1, 1983

Mr. James R. Lennartson Refuge Manager Horicon National Wildlife Route 2 Mayville, Wisconsin 53050

Dear Mr. Leunartson:

·-

r -·--

Refuge

I MGR. I .. -

..

SEP 0 61983

... I Mn••••· ..•.... I

I I --.. _

-

--~-I I

Brent M. Haglund Director of Land Stewardship

Charles C. Mayhew Ill Field Representative

Nancy A. Ortiz Administrative Assistant

As requested in your August 30, 1983 letter, I have reviewed your proposal for reducing the deer population of the Fox River National Wildlife Refuge.

I find nothing in this proposal to impact on the program of The Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin, nor do I find any actions proposed which impose on critical natural areas.

You should be encouraged to continue to propose and enact this sort of rational response to deer overpopulation.

Sincerely yours, /

Un ., --- '1 ~ / !;J~

I ?--,_l,,( I~ _ ~)-Br;nt M. ~glund Acting Director

rs

National Office • 1800 North Kent Street • Arlington, Virginia 22209

~ ~_GR. -.:7

ASST. MGR ASST. MGR: I & R SPEC.

. _ . · APPENDIX II • • 4 •

JUN161983 MGR. TRAINEE f.-

ADM. ASST. -MAIN.T. MAN

. . . . ..

APPENDIX II

National Audubon Society NORTH MIDWEST REGIONAL OFFICE SUITE 920. LUMBER EXCHANGE BUILDING 10 SOUTH FIFTH STREET. MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55401 (612) 375-9140

September 23, 1983

Mr. Jim Lennartson, Refuge Manager Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Route 2 Mayville, WI 53050

Dear Jim:

MGR. ASST. MGR. ASST. MGR. 1 & R SPEC.

SEP2 :31983 MGR. TRAINEE ADM. ASST. MAINT. MAN

I appreciate the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed "Deer Hunting Plan" and the draft "Environmental Assessment" for reducing the deer population on the Fox River National Wildlife Refuge.

The National Audubon Society supports the plan for reducing the deer population on the Fox River National Wildlife Refuge. We do so on the basis that the deer resource can handle the population decrease, based on the information provided. We concur that an overpopulation of deer can wreck havoc within a habitat. Since the controlled public rifle deer hunt will conform to state regulations and will be under a permit system, we have no problem with it. We feel the final goal of maintaining a healthy and stable deer population is most important,

Sincerely,

Carol M. Beim Regional Representative

/js

ll>wa • Minnesota • North Dakota • South Dakota • Wisconsin

AMERICANS COMMITIED TO CONSERVATION

. . . . . . • . APPENDIX II

MGR. A.SST. MGR. ASST. MGR. I & R SPEC.

SEP 1 91983 MGR. TRAINEE ADM. ASST. MAINT. MAN s

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~ / ~ t( p t/;.J o"'-';,_ J'l .. ,{._/o,; {' 19..._.,.;/

~II\ 1\ IC' U.S. FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE I'ICVVV north central region

HORI<:XN NATICW\L WIIDL!IFE REFUGE Lennartson: (414)387-2658

The Fox River National Wildlife Refuge will be open to deer hunting

beginning with the 1984 deer gun season.

Hunters will be chosen through a drawing which will take place at the

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, Route 2; Mayville, WI 53050. The

hunt will be conducted in accordance with State regulations.

Details relating to the specific application procedure, number of

hunters to be drawn and other special · infolJCICltion will be developed

and listed in future news articles released in early Sl..lll'IITEr.

For further information please contact:

JRL/hk

Refuge Manager Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Route 2 Mayville, Wisconsin 53050

•

•

State of Wisconsin \ DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Madison, WI 53707

September 19, 1983

Mr. Harvey K. Nelson Regional Director U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Federal Building, Fort Snelling Twin Cities, MN .55111

Dear Harvey:

File Ref:

Carroll D. Besadny Secretary

2300

Our field personnel have reviewed the proposed "Deer Hunting Plan" for the Fox River National Wildlife Refuge in Marquette County, Wisconsin. The Department of Natural Resources stronglyendorses the objective of using a managed gun deer hunt in the refuge to bring the deer population down to the deer management goals in Unit 67.

The only limitations we impose are that the deer hunters stay within the normal time framework, permit and license requirements, and hunting methods of the Wisconsin gun deer season. The control of hunter numbers is the prerogative of the landowner.

Sincerely,

Ca~esadny Secretary

CDB:GE:lr

cc: Jim Lennartson, Horicon National Wildlife.Refuge

..

Approval:

DEER HUNI'ING PLAN

Fox River National Wildlife Refuge

Marquette County, Wisconsin

~-~-JV::::i1 ()]~ ~~·· Regional Director ,.

Date: to/1r ~~~

Date.: lo/13/?5 r'

Date: /0/;3/~

Date: !Opy/{3

Date:

.. ' .

Table of Contents

I. Int:r"cxiucti.on • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • •

A. Refuge IDeation and General Description

B. History • • • • • • • • •

II. Fox River Refuge ObjectiVeS

III. Hunting Program Assessment

A. Management Problem • • • • .

B.

c. legal Overview • • • • ••

Hunting Program Objectives •

IV. Description of Hunting Program •

A. Hnnting Program Overview • •

B. Control and Enforcement

C. F\mding and Staff Requirements •

D. Consultation and Coordination

V. Measures Taken to Avoid Conflicts with Other • Management Objectives

VI. Conduct of the Hunt

A. Federal Register Special Regulations •

B. Anticipated Public Reaction to the Hnnt

C. Hnnter Application Procedures

D. Hunter Orientation •

E. Media Selection

Map of Fox River National Wildlife Refuge

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources-Ccmnents

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5

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I. Introduction

Fax River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is managed as a satellite unit of Horicon NWR. It was established in April 1979 when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service accepted a purchase agreement for 640 acres of land on the Fax River in Marquette Cbunty, Wisconsin. The land was aCXIUired as part of a court settlement of a suit brought against the owner for construction of a series of ditches to drain a peat marshland.


Fax River NWR is located in Marquette County, Wisconsin (T .14N. , R. 9E; parts of Sections 14, 15, 22 and 23) • Marquette Cbunty had a population of 12,123 in 1982. Montello, the largest city and the county seat, had a 1982 population of 1,333. Fox River NWR is about 40 miles north of Madison, Wisconsin (1982 popu~ lation of 171,590) and 80 miles northwest of Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1982 population of 629,256). Various fonns of agriculture c:x:mprise the econanic base of the region.

The local relief slopes to the river and adjacent marshes. Elevations range from the Fax River at 770 feet above rrean sea level (msl) to an island in the marsh which rises to 816 feet above msl.

Muck and peat soils underlain by alluvius deposited by the Fax River are the predaninant soil types. The island and upland edges have sandy soils.

The high diversity of wildlife associated with the Fox River NWR reflect the variety of plant ccmnunities, seasonally constant supply of water, a largely undeveloped aquatic habitat and diversity of terrain. The area harbors furbearers, marsh birds, raptors, songbirds, upland game birds and a variety of wcx:xUand marrma.ls.

Ten plant ccmnunities are recognized in the area: Upland deciduous forest, pine plantation, upland old field, lowland forest, low prairie, fen, sedge rreadow, shrub-carr, shallow and deep marsh, and sul:merged aquatic plants in open water. 'IWo features which give the wetlands an unusual floristic diversity are the canbination of acid sands with alkaline seeps. Generally undisturbed topographic gradients provide all ranges of wet to dry habitats. The diversity and structuring of the vegetation offer an excellent variety of habitats for wildlife. ·

Another feature which adds diversity is a 40-acre upland island in the center of the marsh. This island is generally inaccessible to humans or cattle during the sumner and represents an excellent example of an undisturbed clilrex oak-hickory woodlot.

1

B. History

The Wisconsin State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has deter:mined that 17 kna.m. historic sites including effigy rround.s, burial and village sites, canpsi tes and burial rround groups, occur within the general vicinity of the refuge boundary. The SHPO advised that no systenatic archeological survey work has been conducted in Marquette County.

An archeological literature search conducted by the FWS in May 1979 docl.:lrrented five known archeological sites: (1) two effigy rround groups; (2) one mound group of an unspecified type; (3) one single effigy rround; and (4) a village site. Effigy rround sites are an important cultural resource. Since they were first discovered, 150 years ago, their number has diminished significantly, causing conceJ:n. Most of the destruction has occurred through agricultural activity, urban developrrent, and uncontrolled excavations by curio hunters.

In addition to the above, three upland areas on the refuge were surveyed in 1982 and an one of these areas a significant find was made.

II. Fox River Refuge Objectives

Fox River was purchased with Land and Water Conservation Funds with the follo.ving objectives as listed in the "Environrrental AssesSITEI1t" for the "Acquisition of Fox River Sandhill Crane Marsh":

-To preserve and enhance the wetland and adjacent upland habitat historically found in extensive areas along the Fox River, with errphasis on maintaining the natural dynamic ecosystem.

-To preserve and enhance wildlife I;XJPulations through habitat preservation, restoration and managerrent. Special errphasis will be placed an those species indigenous to the available habitats and an those species dependent upon large expanses of natural marsh such as the greater sandhill crane.

--To assure necessary protection for the habitats of any Federal or State endangered or threatened species that may utilize this habitat.

-To make the area available for research of the faunal and floral characteristics of these habitats and the interrelationships between organisms which occupy this ecosystem.

-To make the area available for outdoor recreation, environrrental education and other public uses that are oorrpatible with the primary objectives outlined above.

2

The proposed action of hunting white-tailed deer is carpatible with the alx>ve stated refuge objectives. If the deer population is allo.ved to go unchecked they could actually destroy or have a negative i.npact on the habitat that is to be protected.

As hunting will be confined to nine days in November and only a limited number of persons participating, the hunting activity itself will have a minimal affect on other wildlife species and plants and no affect on any present archeological resources.

It should also be noted that prior to acquisition the landowner allowed limited deer hunting to occur.

III. Hunting Program Assessrrent

A. Management Problem

After refuge establishment, by law, it beoorres closed to deer hunting tmtil an approved deer htmting plan is in place. Since establishment, over four years ago, the deer population has increased on Fox River NWR to the point where it is beginning to have an adverse i.npact on the habitat of the refuge. The spillover of deer onto neighboring private land is also having a negative i.npact as increased crop depredations are occurring causing landowners to carq;>lain. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is also very concerned at the possibility of building the deer herd on the refuge beyond their over-winter population management strategy for that area. ·

B. legal Overview

The Re~e Recreation Act of 1962 (16 u.s.c. 460K) authorized the Secretary of the Interior to administer national wildlife refuge areas for public recreation as an appropriate incidental or secondary use to the extent that it is practicable and not inconsistent with the primary objectives for which the area was established. The Refuge Recreation Act requires that: (1) any recreational use permitted will not interfere with the primary purpose for which the area was established, and (2) ftmds are available for the develo:prent, operation and maintenance of the penni tted forms of recreation. The effects of hunting on refuges were examined in the "Final Environrrental Statement on the Operation of the National Wildlife Refuge System" (1976) and in the "Recanrrendations on the Management of the National Wildlife Refuge System" (1978). These documents determined public hunting to be "an acceptable fo:rm of wildlife-oriented recreation" provided it was carpatible with refuge objectives and was a quality program.

A white-tailed deer hunt on Fox River NWR falls within this legal overview as it satisfies the requirements by: (1) the hunt will canplement the primary purpose for which the area was established, and (2) ftmds are available for the developrent, operation and maintenance of the hunt.

3

·.

In legalizing the hunt and notifying the public, a brief description of the hunting program and regulations will be sul:roitted to the Federal Register annual! y. Fox River NWR if opened to deer hunting will be listed in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations under Title 50, 32. 21 List of open areas; big game.

C. Hunting Program Objectives

The objectives for a white-tailed deer hunting program are:

1) 'lb maintain wildlife populations at levels carrpatible with the refuge habitat.

2) Manage tile deer herd in line with Wisconsin DNR over-winter population objectives for Management Unit 67.

3) 'lb provide the general public with a quality wildlife-oriented recreational experience and an opportunity to utilize a renewable natural resource.

4) Reduce depredation problems .on adjacent land.

5) Reduce car-deer accidents in the area.

N. Description of Hunting Program

A. Hunting Program OVerview

The entire Fox River National Wildlife Refuge, approxinately 640 acres, will be open to white-tailed deer hunting during the State's 9-day rifle season only.

An annual hunting program will detennine number of hunters, procedure in obtaining a penni t and other pertinent deta.ills. Hunter numbers will be liroi ted to the capacity of the area which is approximately one hunter per 50 acres.

B. Control and Enforcanent

Selected hunters will be required to park in designated parking areas.

Refuge and/or State Enforcement Officers will be present during the entire season to rronitor and oontrol the hunt.

c. Funding and Staff Requirernents

Approxinately 28 staff days will be required to administer the hunting program. Staff tiire will be expended on issuing news releases, infonnation dissemination, boundary posting, law enforcement and pennit administration.

4

Funds will be required for travel (per diem) , overti.rre pay, gas, maps and regulation handouts and other supplies. Total rosts will be approximately $4,000 annually.

D. Consultation and Coordination

The deer hunt will be in confonnance with State regulations except for the requiranents of a special penni t. The planning process has been done with State involverrent at all stages (see attached letter containing State of Wisronsin a::mnents and concerns) .

V. Measures Taken to Avoid Conflicts with other Managerrent Objectives

The hunting program will not conflict with biological, public use or administrative activities.

VI. Conduct of the Hunt

A. Federal Register Special Regulations

The only special regulations outside of State hunting regulations is the requiranent for a special pennit.

B. Anticipated Public Reaction to the Hunt

Public reaction is anticipated to be favorable as the public is pressing for a deer hunt on the area.

C. Hunter Application Procedures

Application and registration procedures will be developed on an annual basis. The public will be notified well in advance of the hunt as to the proper proc.edure to use in applying for the hunt.

D. Hunter Orientation

Each successful applicant will receive a map and set of regulations. Before the hunting season successful applicants will be allowed to scout the ref\.Be. Applicants will be directed to park in a designated parking area while hunting on the refuge. During the first rrorning of hunting, refuge staff will hand out the colored armband and a success card. At this time questions concerning the hunt will be answered on a personal basis.

E. Media Selection

IDeal newspapers and radio stations will be given news releases relating to the hunt. A short note in the State published hunting regulations will also include Fox River National Wildlife Refuge.

5

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LEGEND

- Refuge Boundary •••••• Gravel Access Road

m c:::J c:::J

Vehicle Parking Ditch Upland Habitat Wetland Habitat

X RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

U.l ..... .UOO WLDUA MJW>Ca __, 01' TMI ..,._ JUN[ 198:S

.. .. . ...

. ·.·.·.·.·-:-: ...... .

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·state of Wisconsin \ DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Horicon Area Headquarters 1210 N. Palmatory Street Horicon, WI 53032

July 1, 1983

james R. Lennartson Refuge Manager Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Rt. 2 Mayville, WI 53050

Dear Jim:

Carroll D. Bessdny Secretary

I have discussed the Draft Deer Hunting Plan for the Fox River National Hildlife Refuge in Harquette County, Wisconsin with Tom Hansen, the wildlife manager for Marquette County and Phil Zieman, the Conservation \~arden.

We fully endorse and, in fact, request a deer hunt on the refuge to reduce the deer population to levels consistent with the remainder of Deer ?-lanagement Unit 67.

The last overwinter population in Unit 67 was over 35 deer per square mile of deer range. We hope to reduce that population to 30 deer per square mile with the 1983 deer season. We expect the current population in the Fox River NWR to be higher than levels of surrounding land because of the recent years of protection on the property. We will be happy to assist you in subscribing harvest goals to reach the desired over-winter population.

The approach of shooting only antlerless deer will be the most efficient method to control the population.

The reduction of the deer herd in Unit 67 to reduce crop damage has received strong endorsement by the Conservation Congress, the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board, and the Department of Natural Resources.

Please let us know if you need assistance in planning or implementing the deer hunt.

Sincerely, G ~

C. Glen Eveland Area Wildlife Manager

CGE:lr

cc: J. M. Frank, Horicon Douglas Morrissette, SO

---- -- ..

DEER HUNI'ING PLAN

Fox River National \._:ildlife R.e~u..;.:.:

;.1arquette County, 1\isconsin

Date: /o/, 1 /?: ~

Date: /Q );3/f'5 ('

Date: /o/;.:J/i3

o9' AsN::iX (JJ~\_ -~

~-;" Regional Director

Date: ;ofv/13 Approval: Date:

; '

I. ;,.

II.

III.

rv.

v.

VI.

Table of Contents

Introduction . '. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Refuge Location arrl General Description

B. History . . . . . . . . . Fox River Refuge Objectives

Hunting Program Assessment . . . A. Managerrent Problem . . . B. Legal Overvie.v . . . . . . c. Hunting Program Objectives

Description of Hunting Proc3-rarn . A. Hunting Program Overvie.v . . . . . B. Control and Enforcarent

c. Funding and Staff Requirarents

D. Consultation and COordination

Measures Taken to Avoid Conflicts with Other Management Objectives

Conduct of the Hunt

A.

B.

c. D.

E.

Federal Register Special Regulations .

Anticipated Public Reaction to the Hunt

Hunter AH?licaticn Procedures

Hunter Orientaticn •

Media Selecticn

Map of Fox River National Wildlife Refu::Je

.

. . .

. . .

. .

.

Wisconsin Depa.rtrrent of Natural Resources-caments

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Page

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I. Intrcduction

Fax River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is rranaged as a satellite unit of Horicon NWR. It was established in April 1979 when the U.s. Fish arrl Wildlife Service accepted a purchase agreenent for 640 acres of land on the Fax River in Marquette County, Wisconsin. The land was aCXIUired as part of a court settlement of a suit brought against the owner for construction of a series of ditches to drain a peat marshland.


Fax River NWR is located in Marquette County, Wisconsin (T .14N. , R. 9E; parts of Sections 14, 15, 22 and 23) • Marquette County had a population of 12,123 in 1982. M:>ntello, the largest city and the oounty seat, had a 1982 FOPU).ation of 1,333. Fox River NWR is about 40 miles north of Madison, Wisconsin (1982 population of 171,590) and 80 miles northwest of Milwaukee, Wisconsin ( 1982 IXJP.llation of 629, 256) . Various forms of agriculture a:mprise the econanic base of the region.

The local relief slopes to the river and adjacent marshes. Elevations range from the Fax River at 770 feet above mean sea level (msl) to an island in the marsh which rises to 816 feet above msl.

Muck and peat soils underlain by alluvius deposited by the Fax River are the predaninant soil types. The island and upland edges have sandy soils.

The high diversity of wildlife associated with the Fox River NWR reflect the variety of plant carm.mi.ties, seasonally constant suwly of water, a largely tmdeveloped aquatic habitat and diversity of terrain. The area harbors furbearers, marsh birds, raptors, songbirds, upland game· birds arrl a variety of wocdland mamnals.

Ten plant camunities are recognized in the area: . Upland deciduous forest, pine plantation, upland old field, lCMland forest, lCM prairie, fen, sedge meadow, shrub-carr, shallCM arrl deep marsh, and sul::lrerged aquatic plants in open water. 'IWo features which give the wetlands an unusual floristic diversity are t:re cx:::rrbination of acid sands with alkaline seeps. Generally undisturbed topographic gradients provide all rarges of wet to dry habitats. The diversity arrl structuring of the vegetation offer an excellent variety of habitats for wildlife.

Another feature which adds diversity is a 4Q-acre upland island in the center of the marsh. This island is generally inaccessible to humans or cattle during the surmer and represents an excellent example of an undisturbed clinax oak-hickory wocx:llot.

1

••

B. History

The Wisconsin State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has determined that 17 J<:na..m historic sites including effigy nounds, burial and village sites, carrpsi tes and burial nound groups, occur within the general vicinity of the refuge boundary. The SHPO "advised that no systerratic archeological survey work has been conducted in Marquette County.

An archeolcqical literature search conducted by the FWS in May 1979 documented five known archeolcqical sites: (1) two effigy nound groups; (2) one mound group of an tmSpeCified type; (3) one single effigy nound; and· (4) a village site. Effigy nound sites are an inportant cultural resource. Since they were first discovered, 150 years ago, their nunber has diminiShed significantly, causing concern. ~st of the destructiOn has occurred ~h agricultural activity, urban develc::prent, and uncontrolled excavations by curio hunters.

·In addition to the above, three upland areas on the refuge were surveyed in 1982 and m ooe of these areas a significant find was made.

II. Fox River Refuge Cbjecti ves

Fox River was purchased with Land and Water Conservation Funds with the followin;J objectives as listed in the 11Environnental Assessrrent 11 for the 11 Aoquisi tion of Fc:oc River Sarxllri.ll Crane Marsh" :

.. · .. -To ·preserve and enhance the -wetland and adjacent upland habitat

historically found in extensivE!· areas along the Fox River, with enphasis._ on maintain:inj -the.· na~al dynamic ecosystem.

- ~ :;·.-·_.-._·.r:;t·· .... _;. ~,.,~~'~t-:~ .. ~:.~~~: _ -To p~ and enhance ·wiuli_; 'f~\pq>ulations throu:Jh habitat

preservation, restoratiOn arld--'management. Special enphasis will be: placed on those ~es.-d.rXpgerious to the available habitats and: m-:: ·tl'¥JSe species ~t~~ large expanses of natural marsh such as the greater sarilhill crane •

. ·. . . . ': .• · ... ~f~:~:~~::~~~~:t-t.:~,~;;~~.:.~~~ .. -To assure necessary protection·.':for the habitats of a:ey Federal

· ',.".-'"- ·; .. · .r -- · ' -:-.: or-State ;-.E!l'ldai"gered·· or-~ threatened species that IlBY utilize this habitat. . -' . - .

·:-To· make· the area availiu:>ie-'for research of the faunal and floral characteristics of these habitats_ and the interrelationships bet-ween 01:ganisms which cx::cupy this ecosystem.

-To make the area avail.cible for o~tdoOr recreation, environrrental education and other public uses that are catpatible with the priirary objectives outlined above.

·;:~~:

2 ·~ ..

j·-:.1

•; . ·:;:~1;4~-i~~~~~·.,. ... ,• .·::.

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. ~-4f~:r,, ,_· :'.'<\'~, ;'~;:;._ :. ---- "; ' ... .:,f.\~.·: :\: ·:: :.:

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The p:rqx:>Sed action of hunting white-tailed deer is carpatible with the above stated refuge objectives. If the deer population is allowed to

'go unchecked they could actually destroy or have a negative inpact on

..

the habitat that is to be protected. · ·

As lumt:inJ will be confined to nine days in November and only a limited I11.1lTber of persons participating, the huntin:j activity itself will have a minimal affect on other wildlife species and plants and no affect on any present archeological resources •

It should also be noted that prior to acquisition the landowner allowed limited deer hunting to occur.

III. Hul1t.in:J Prc?gram Assessnent

. . ... -.:· .. ....

A. Managerrent Problem

After refuge establisbnent, by law, it be<::XXIes closed to deer hunting · until an approved deer huntin:j plan is in place. Since establishrcent,

0\ler. four years· ago, the.- deer population has increased an Fax: River NWR to the point where it is beginning to have an adverse inpact on the habitat of the refu]e. The spillover of deer onto neighboring private land is also havin; a negative impact as increased crop depredations are oocu:rr~ causi n:J l.arrlcMners to c:cnplain. The Wisconsin Departlrent of .Natural Resources .. (OOR) is also very concerned at the possibility of truil.din3 ·the deei ·berd an the refuge beyond their over-winter pcp,lation.managarent, .. strategy for that area.

B. Is3al .OVerview .. :-~. -~. -~ .•.. :.~ ··::~·. ·-~~ '<.q,:·i·;_-~·-:·:·-r:'. .

'lb!· Re!U:Je Jecreatien.:·kt of 1962 (16 u.s.c. 460K) authorized the secretary .of the·:. Interior to administer national wildlife refuge areas.~for,,pUblic:~J:ec,reation as{ an appropriate. incidental. or secondary use·.·to the ·extent~~t:hilt/.it':1s practicable and· not inconsistent with ~ ptilnary:-d:>~~.;~for which the area was established. ·'rhe Refuge

· :Rec:rSticli Acit.~~ . ..-t:hat:: Jl) any r,ecreational use pennitted will not·· intei'fere~,~~~~~Pr.iniarY. purpose .. for which ·the_~. wa.s:~estab- ·. lished/'"aixi '(2)::JuiiCis''are available for the deVeloprent; Operation. and ·maintenance.~.~;h~'--Penni tted fo:ms . of recreation~ ·:.The. effects of. huntirxJ. cnj:e~s:~-were examined in the . "Final Envirotmental. .

. ,: i:~~~c!i~J~~1ii~~N6~~~~=~~~Y.s.~'~ · .. National Wildlife: ~e: Sys:tem" (1978) •. These docurrents det.eimi.ned public .hunting· to'.·b¢:\~ari acceptable form of wildlife-oriented

. ·: recreaticn" providE~F·it 'Wa.s canpatible with refuge objectives and was a quality program~·-··

.'•1-• •v .. • • •

A'white-tailed deer.;_hunt on FoX River NWR falls within this legal overview as it satif?fies the requirerents by: (1) the hunt will c:anplenent the primary. purpose for which the area was established,

-.·:am:: (2) :fu1'x1s are· available for the devel.oprent,· operatic:n and uBintenance of the hunt~ · · ~ ·~~fr·.i · · :.., :

··::ro.-'. . ~.... . . •:..· . ~ .. .. \;: ·~ ... :~/;:·~~~~' >::--..: ; . ·• : .

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...

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c.

In legalizing the hunt and notifyin:3 the public, a brief description of the hunting program and regulaticns will be sul:mi tted to the Federal Register annually. Fox River 1-MR ~f opened to deer hunting will be listed in the U.S. Ccxle of Federal Regulations under Title 50, 32.21 List of open areas; big game.

lhmting Program Objectives

The objectives for a white-tailed deer hunti.n:J program are:

1} To maintain wildlife populations at levels carpatible with the r~e habitat. ·

2) Manage the deer herd in line with Wisconsin DNR over-winter populaticn objectives for Mana:janent Unit 67.

3) To provide the general p.lblic with a quality wildlife-oriented recreaticnal experience ard an QpiX:>rtunity to utilize a renewable natural resource.

4) Reduce depredation problems on adjacent land.

5) Reduce car-deer accidents in the area.

rv. Descripticn of lhmting Program

A. Hullting Pro;Jram Overview

B.

'!he entire Fox River National Wildlife Refuge, approximately 640 acres, will. be. open to white-tailed deer hunti.n:J during the State's 9-day rifle season only. ··

ri ..... • •• ' ....... • • . ..

'. L'''

.An·:annl.m:F.hunting ·prO:lram will detennine .. number of hunters, · procedure in obt:.aini.nJ· a penni.t and' other perti:rient detiUU.s. Hurlter'"rrurnbers.···Will.·be limited· to the capacity of the area which.is aw~tely one hunter per .. SO acres • . · ··:.~\· /~:i:_~~~ .. ~:~.~:::~:··-~~}~~~£f,Y~~~~:,~~~-;;:i_:~:~ ... -. · .. <. .··· .-~ -·.:~·-···; · · ~ · ··:.'.··.A.~- .. ·.. · ...

Cc:ntrol and Enforcanent . .. ~ :~ .. _· : ·<.'\~;-~:~~-~-} .. J.~~:·~--~;-:-,: . . . . . . .

~~ _.· ... t~i~;:·~~'>··;·,_:· ·, .. ;~· . . Sel~.:.~~~~·~-~.'--~ .~to_~-~ designateci.~g · ... areas~:~-::,r-~ .. -~~~_?.f:~i~.irf~f:~~[~~::r~:'\~--~ ........ ~:~:~· r~.-~:-: .·. ~ · ... : .: .-.~_ ..... :. \- . . . . ··,·~~ .. :::· .. · ·· ...

"\. '.

. c . . .

Refuge curl/or ·s~~·:worcanent Officers will be pre5ent during the entire season··w.nrinitor and control the .hunt.

• o • r• ,,• ',,: ''"'_o; -~~·~·=;:,':-':' "': •

E'urrlin;J and Staff ·~anents

· '' · · :_'2\Wraximately 28 :·s-taff days ·wtll be required to administer the hunt.fn:J program. Staff tilre ·will be expended on issuin:J news

· ·: :~ ~ J;eleases, infonnaticn · dissemination, boundary ~sting, law · · ~·enforcenent and peimit administration. ·

':,_·,~-=·:;/fl·~~·'", ... ' ~···. :~~'/.._'~, ~~'' ·: .. :,,, .. ' .·. · ... 1 , ' ~

' D.

::Furrls will be required for travel (per dian) , overtime pay, gas, maps and regulation handouts and other supplies. Total costs will be awrCDdmately $4, ooo annually.

ConsUltation and Coordination

The' deer hmt will be in confonnance with State regulations except for the requiranents of a special pennit. The plann.f.n3 precess has been dane with State involverent at all stages (see attached letter cxntaining State of Wisconsin CXIlueuts and cancerns) •

v. Measures Taken to Avoid Conflicts with Other Managanent Objectives

The lnmtirv:J program will not conflict With biological, ·public use or OOministrative activities.

VI. COrrluct of the Hunt

A. Federal Register Special Regulations

The only special regulations outside of State hunting regulations is the requirenent for a special pennit.

B. Anticipated :Public Reaction •· ·tc; .the Hunt

·Public· :Ceacticn is anticipated to be favorable as the :public is ~ for a deer lrunt on_ the area •

..

. . . ·.·· . .

· -·<~li6;ltian·.and 'registratic:n.:;~ :Will- be developed on an -.'.< annuat ~baSis:··: • The • tm>iic Will~ be '·'OOtifiEd ~: m:aclvaric:eT of :the

)umt 'a5 ·to:t:he_proper·procedilre to'use:in;awlyiiq···fo~-the mmt •. l ~ . • . • ••• . . . •. . :- .' -~ ... .-·:·.::·.:- .. -~··:· •. ··;. ~ ' .-- ''• f . .'' . . . . • . • .

( . . . .

',.; :·-~--~ '\-~ __ ;_ ·· D. ·.- -~~~~~~~~~~~-.:; >::, .<<.-:::1~:~i~~;;~:?~8%js:;:;~~;j:;::~~;~_,::,~~-:)i;;' >~::?i:~J.i~f\·~~;\;~_.f?_P.~'2:X:=~ ;: ... _.· . · . . . . ,·.·

,. ··: Each: successfUl· applicant .will .. recei~··:a:map :and ._set .. of. ~:tions • . . :-·:·.-..... ·. ·.:·:Be£ore'"the··:hunt:inJ sea5ari·SuCce5s£UI:::aPf>iicants Will'ib9 ·auoWec1 to .. ~~;~:~ti~{~;0,:·; .. ;}--~:~:4if~~-i@.;~~~~::~~~~~~=f~~:::=~-

. ·.· .. ·. of Jnmting, refuge._ .. staf£:· Will ·hi:un oUt the. colored arinband arrl a . · ·. ·- -<·. success·· caret : _-'At: .this ·time qilestians carx::erning the hunt will re.

, __ .. ~-on.a;~basis.· · .:··· ·

• '. • • • •, :: ,''-'. ow•·,...:·' ·,, • :,\' 0 • ' •

IDeal ·newspapers ·and. radio· stations will·. be given news releases .. ·relating to. the lnmt. · A sb:>rt note in the State· published hunting

-·--·------~- ... ::·!.:: ___ . ·regw.atians. Will a1So inClude Fox. River, National Wildlife Refuge. ··.· ... _ .. :<~ .. :. :X\):~n<· . . ': __ :_-:_._ ,':/-::~:':··. ..··:-~:y: __ · -~--~-~ ...

~~~i¥i~·~.-:~i~4~i~~~~~~lit),~i~~rli~~:k~:~:,:~~:,~::~:;,,~,,:~·::;::~~~{:~~wrs:~~]~~i;~;~iFi~!~~1!~~:

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State of Wisconsin \ DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

'Horicon Area Headquarters 1210 N. Palmatory Street Horicon, WI 53032 .·

July 1, 1983

James R. Lennartson Refuge Manager Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Rt. 2 Mayvilie, WI 53050

Dear Jim:

Csrrol/ 0. Besadny Secretary

I have discussed the Draft .Deer Hunting Plan for the Fox. ~i.ver National \.Jildlife Refuge in t-tarquette County, Wisconsi~1 with Tom Hansen~·. the · wildlife manager for Marquette County and Phil Zieman, the Conservation Warden.

\~e fully endorse and, in fact, request a deer hunt on the refuge to reduce the deer population to'leveis consistent with "the" remainder.:of Deer ~lanagement Unit .67.

The last overwinter population in Unit 67 was over 35 .deer per square mile of deer. range. We hop·e to reduce .that population 'to·Jo deer· per

·square 'mile with the 1983 deer season.· .. We.J!Xpect the current. population in the .Fox. River NWR .to .. be higher than levels of. surro\indlng land because of" the .. : rece~t :yeaJ;s::o(·protection'·on -th~. pro.pert}1.· .. ·we "will"_be "happy;to. ass is c" .you·_'in::·subscribing ,• hat'Ves t .·goal's ·. t"o .• ·reach the' de~ ired. over ..:.Winter population. -:·: .· . :.·.:.. · · ·· '

· Th~ -~P:~'r~'ci~~i.~~t~i:~·~.~~i~g;:·~·niy. ~~tlerless d~~~-:~il.:l,:··:~,~.::~,t:_h~~~j,·~:~:i·~~f_Hcient method to co"ntrol 'the" popuhtion •.

. . .. . >:~~~:~/:~;r:~i.,~~ff:~~;~:::.!.·:· ::'•' · . . . · .. ·:· .. . ~;·:';;-r: :,· .... . The reduction:·of':the~;de'er .. herd in ·Unit 67 to reduce cropJ:(iauiage ··.has . -.

, , -·~·;";~ .. ~'"(.•,..•.·'X~:···I.,.::·.·)~--·· ', .. , ,' r .. . • ...... ·F .:;,..'!,l ···~ :. ,. ~- • ..

received. strcms.::~~dQ"rsem~~t>by • the Conservation~-Congress·~'<j~tne;.Wisconsiri.-.:.~ : .. ::.~, . · .. . Na.tur al Reso~rceS:~'"Boi"ra :(~ar\((:'tht; Depa"r tmeni". o"f -~Natural: Re~:~il'""rces ·: :~: ... ·-:: ,.:,:<:.~t :.> -.. ·.': . ... '· .

· .... . _: ·-:·;:::~t·:·~~:~ .. ~~:;.,~:~~:.~ .: · .. ·. . \· .. : _:::.:j.l!i·~"·.

Please let us know if 2you -need assistance in planning o~· .. impt~enting ••• ..,.: .. c:'l.' •\_ •. • the deer hunt. · ~-:, ··-'·7·;·:"'·' · ..

· ...•.

.,

-~ .... ~ •• ! ••

FINDIN:; OF NO SIGNIFICANI' IMPACr

Date OCT 141SL ------------------

For ~ reasons presenterl below which are based on an evaluation of ~ info:rmatian oontained ·in the suppo~ reference, I have detennined that the recx:::mneOOatian to allow a white-tailed deer hunt an the Fcoc River National Wildife Refuge as described in the attached environmental assessnent is not a major Federal action which would significantly affect the quality of the human envirarnrent within the mean:in:J of Section 102 (2) (c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. An Enviromental ~ct Statanent will, aa:ordingly, IX>t be prepared.

Reasons

Stated in the envircnnental assessnent.

SU:ax>rt.:i.n;3' Refereoces

1. Envirorarental Assessnent (attached)

2. Deer Htu1ting Plan (attached)

.·· ' . '"'•··:~. -; ' : ~ ::: ·.·.:: .... :: .' .... . ··.··· . . ~· . . ..

a ,.

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UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE REGION 3

ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION MEMORANDUM

Within the spirit and intent of the Council on Environmental Quality's regulations for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act-and t~e Fish and Wildlife Procedures. l h_ave established the following administrative record and have determined that the action of (describe)

allowing deer hunting on Fox River National Wildlife Refuge

-is a categorical exclusion as provided by 516 DM6 Appendix 1. ·No further documentation will be made.

x -is found not to have significant ·environmental effects as determined by the attached Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact.

-is found to have special environmental conditions as described in the attached Environmental Assessment~ · The attached Finding of No Significant Impact will not- be final' nor any~ actions taken pending a 30-day period for public review • .1 • •• , • • • •

-is found to have· significant:effects and therefore a "Notice of Intent" will·be:-published in.·the-.Federal·.Register- to'do an Env-ironmental-Impact Statement .. before the project is considered further •

. • ·\ ... 1 ~.~~.' --:~ :t~·-~.,. :.~..~... . . ~ . :• . . .:, .

·-is denied;·:beca'use:·it·. causes undue. environmental damage • .. ·

~u)~ f!l!~ Reg~ on a 1 Director. . . .

OCT i 419l . . " ,; .. ~·:c . ~· .:; · .. . .Oa te

l-·

INSTRUCTIONS

., The Environmental Action Memorandum serves as the vehicle for the review and final approval by the Regional Director for all actions that require an environmental document and to demonstrate compliance and establish the. administrative record for the NEPA·process. The Regional Director (or Director) is the only one authorized to sign a Finding of No Significant ~pact or Environmental Impact Statement.*.

Distribution:

Original: Master Environmental File- REC's office

Copy: Office of Environmental Coordinator, Washington, D.C.

Copy: Washington Office of Concern (optional, except for EIS's)

Copy: Initiating Office

Copy: Field Office of Concern (optional)

REC does not review categorical exclusions. . . :.· . . ~

RHPO reviews categorically. excluded projects only if involving ~round disturbance but not ongoing farming operations, or involving changes to structures over 5 years ol~.

·-·J ..

RHPO need not review FA land acquisition proposals. . .. ·~.

. . .. . . ~ . ~- ; ..

.:t··. :····" .;.:·: .

. . . : .. -:_

. . !":_:.,. :_ ., . , .....

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·"II\ A~ e U.S. FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE I~CVVV north central region

IDRICXN NATIOOAL WIID!lrFE REFtXiE I..erulartson: ' (414) 387-2658

The Fox River National Wildlife Refuge will be open to deer hunting

be:.Jinning wi. th the 1984 deer gun season.

Hunters will be chosen throu:Jh a drawing which will take place at the

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, Route 2; Mayville, WI 53050. The

hunt will be corrlucted in acex>rdance with State regulations.

Details relating to the specific application procedure, number of

hunters to be drawn and other special · infol;JYlCltion will be developed

and listed in future news articles released in early SUI'IlTEr.

For further infonnation please contact:

JRL/hk

Refuge Manager Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Route 2 ·:

·MayVille,· Wisconsin 53050

' ...

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§ 32.32 Special regulations; big gane; for individual wildlife refuge areas:

Wisccnsin

Fax River National Wildlife Refuge

(a) 'l1le l:runtin;J of white-tailed deer by refuge pennit is allc:Med concurrent with the State rifle season.

(b) Chnst:roctian or use of ~t blinds or platfonns is prohibited.

.. ·.

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•

State of Wisconsin \ DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES·

WI 53707

September 19; 1983

Mr.. Harvey K. Nelson Regional Director ti. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Federal Building, Fort Snelling Twin Cities, MN 55111

Dear Harvey:

File Ref:

Carroll D. Bessdny SecffJtBry

2300

Our field personnel have reviewed the proposed "Deer Hunting Plan" for the Fox River National Wildlife Refuge in Marquette County, Wisconsin. The Department of Natural Resources strongly.endorses the objective of us~ng a managed gun deer hunt in the refuge to bring the deer population down to the deer ma~agement goals in Unit 67.

The only·i~itations we impose are that the deer hunters stay within the normal time framework, permit and license requirements, and hunting methods of the Wisconsin gun deer season. The control of hunter numbers is the prerogative of the landowner.

Sincerely,

cc: Jim .Le~~~~s~n--;:: Horicon National.Wiidiife Re~uge " • ·.w ..... : •-:.·: •• ~,' •

· .. · .... -~· ..... . -... :

I ·•

; ·:· .... ~.:;-..

,:. . ·<. :>,lf~~~i~~f:

.. :: __ ,

Fax River National Wildlife Refu;Je

Environmental Assessm;mt

for Deer Hunt

August 1983

... :: : . .... ~.. . ..

,.

' I.

.. II.

III.

IV.

v.

Table of Contents

PurpOse arrl Need

A.

B.

c .

Purpose, Need and Backgro'lll'rl

Location and General Description of Area

laws, Goals, Interrelationships·

Alternatives

A.

B.

Introduction arrl Altema.tives Dismissal

Alternative Descriptions •

Affected Erlvirannent •

~ererl Species A. .•

B.

c. Archeological Features

Wetlarrls, Flocxiplains

Environmental ·Consequences of Proposed Action

A.

B.

A.

B.

c.

Intrcxiuction

Statarent of Conseql.leoces

Private I..arrlc:Mners • · .,.":•,·

Conseivatian ~ ~··wiseonsin . state of wiscx:msili · ..• :.\· •.•.

.·. i' :a..........,. • ..;H.., I ~.............n. ..•

State of. ~·.:6;,~,~~ . '· .. .

Coose%vaticn .Groups· .. and.: Public Carrrents

. . . . ;, iLil~>~:;t';~,;j§~ . . . ·· :i~!( ';,· ..

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2

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5

5

5

5

5

5

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~ I. Purpose and Need

A. Purpose, Need and Backgrmmd

~ u.s. Fish and Wildlife Service prqx>Ses to allow a rifle deer hunting season on the FaK River Naticnal Wildlife Iefu:]e. The purpose of the prc:posed actioo is. to:

1) To maintain a deer population at a level cx:I~patible with the refuge and surrounding habitat.

2) Maintain a deer management program which is consistent with the Wisconsin Depart:Irent of Natural Iesources' overwinter pq;W.ation-cbjectives··for Management· Unit 67. ·

3) Prori~ ·:~·-:9enercil._i;Ubi.:ic Wifh:a:-·quaut:y wildlife-Oriented recreatiOnal experience and an opportun.i ty to utilize a renewable .. natural resource.

•• • •• 11

4) ~ depi:edati.alS. piOblems 00: adjacent-·pnVate lai1d.

5) FedtK~ car-deer. accidents on perime~ roads.

'lbe FaK River ~e WaS established in April 1979. Since that "date:·no: deer:Jnmtin:(l:laS·.:beeli. allcMecl·on·-the refu:]e·.·:" .. ·After four. closed":seasoris it"'is evident that :sarething nrust"be c:k1rle •to reduce <Eer:.Jntinbers:::·an···the ··refUJe·~ ···'!be'"-habitat is· begi.nn:i.nj to 'sl'n-1 signs: of. ~·and _·l)e.ighboring .landowners· .are Cc:mplaining

-a"botit'-:t:he'::hl.gh· CJeei:: pq,W.ation~ ar{'the··· refu:Je which is. contributing . to. ~·:-~;~~?~~~~~-.P~~~···:::>'_.~-_.:_.::::_; ·-· . -. : .. •· .:

B~ I.ocaticn,. ahd·.:Generill.·:•nescription·:·of:·.Area·· .. , , .. ·. ;.,;, ,c.. ... ·. , .. ,.

. ·~ 1~~~:~~:~.,-'i.::.r'_;_· .. _:,..:' .. :.:_-:~·;.-_· ... :_\r_··,• ... _-~ .• had_._a: .. ~P..Q~J-2.o;_..).2,~~-.. m.l9~~-!·:~a\M.Jntellp,_.;,~'.~"'~ty .. r.,,··,;;-:,io···.;:.·wv''''~;.:•,

"and''the··· · cy"··'· ·~e"''had. · 1982-'popti.lciti ··'"'f T 333'·\'"'Fax:'"'Ri: ·'·N\'&·······"·"·)··.J.···.,.- ..

. ..:··::" < · ... ·. · . . : .... _is:~~¥;!~~: ~~,--~~-.'-~-~i~~~" .. :(~8~~~-g~~~~~:~i _.,'_':.~: ::;::;;:;:·<:.;,,;~' · · ~:·.· · , : .. · ·,:·. -.... :· '< .--17lr590h<arid'.i.BO-.,mles·mort:hWest .of .MilwaUkee,::.Wl.SOCilSUl:t-(1982-,·.g";.:~.-.~-~-.. ,; :::r<'i:.::'q),;:t . .,_..;,~.:.:.:

i!;t~%ti~J~''it~i:j;0~~iig==,~~~~~~~J:~t•~B~~;,~t~~~:f~ ... ~,. .· . ~·El.Svat..ials ~,~ratLthe ·Fax._ River .. at}70 "feet: .~::mean .sea· .

··level. (msl):.~.:to.,·an~~island in,·the marsh which rises' t:O .816 feet :al:x:M! msl.·_ ·:~·: .. aoo::peat _soils ·underlain bY: allm.1-tis:'~posited

... ::· . . _ ·· ....... '_,,'.:_ .. :-.'· :.: ... ·,:?Y_ the FaK .Ri~~-.~ ,.~-: Predaninant. -,~1 :tYPes!.·-·· ~_,,island • and upland Ed.Jes have·.sandy silt. • • I •: ' •• . ' '· .: .--·~· •.•: ~ • • ··:

... ' . . : : ~-: '• •":) ~-: :T:~. ~)~ ::~ , ,

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The high diversity of wildlife associ at.ed with the Fax River NWR reflect the variety of plant camn.mities, seasonally constant suwly of water, a largely umeveloped aquatic habitat ard

·diversity of terrain. The area· harboi-s furbearers, marsh birds, ·raptors, sc:n;Jbirds, uplarrl game birds and a variety of woodland mamnals.

Ten plant ccmtJ.mi.ties ·are reccx:Jilized in the area: Upland deciduous. forest, pine plantation~· uplarrl old field, lowlarxl forest, low prairie, fen, sec:k3e:.necdaw, ... shrub:-carr, shallow and deep marsh, and subnel:gecl aquatic i plants· in open water. '1\«> features which give the~ an unusnal floristic diversity are the carbination of acid Sazx1s with alkaline seeps. Generally urdisturbed 't:Opc)3raphic grcidientS·:·prOvide all :ran:Jes of wet to dry habitats. The diversity., am~;~, ~of ... ~- yegetation offer. an excellent variety ·of . habitats~for~w.i ldl j fe.:<:, -~ ..... - · · . ·· . · ·

~'-t~~~~lf~%l~~t;)>ts i ·4~~--uPiand islarxl in the center :o£~.,tlifbmiSJ:i~ .. ·-~·'Ibis: island is generally inaccessible to'; bJmans :·~:~-ca~fl.e~~irici=~-: sunner·· and·' represents an excellent exarq;>le af .. _:an)ni~~ti)rJ.JE:ii'i~clilriax"·~-liickory ~- ·.

.. . . ::;~-:\ ~;:~~-:~_~:~~~:~;;~~~~~:-~'~/x.~-- .·. ~ . . . . . . . . - .. c. Laws' Goals' Interrelatiariships

. <:~·::.:-::·~:.·:

1. Legal OIJerview

~ --~~ ... RI.· ea:ea1:.1an: 6f-;'i962·' .. (i6 u.-s~c~; ·46bK> :_:authoi:'izerl the.. T_ .... _.~·· .. .to: administer. natiaWJ.· wiidH fe refuge ·· ···':as~.an ~te'incidental

· · it· is .practicable arid;.·_ .tl)~1the~::Pl~:u;y,~·.oo,jec· ti'\l .. e·~ ... ;. ;_~or·· ~-~~,the_.·

as~,~~!bl.l~n·:

-_.,. _ .. , ,.~.~~iir:- ~c · ···-. ·~~~- : . ~< :::;~f~~;~·: ._:~.~-·; <<;. -

2. Goals

The goals of the refuge are as follows:

(a) To preserve and enhance the wetland and adjacent uplam habitat historically found in extensive areas along the Fax River, with anphasis on maintaining the natural dynamic ecosystem.

(b) To preserve and enhance wildlife pop.llations through habitat preservation, restoration and nanagement. Special anphasis will be placed. on tb:>se species indigenous to the available habitats and on tb:>se species depeniant up::>n large expanses of natural marsh, such as the greater sandhill crane.

~. _.;,-.. : <: (c) To assure·neces8ary protectibn for the habitats of any

Federal ar.::Sta:te.~:~ered or threatened species that may utilize .. this· habitat.

"· (d) To make the area·- available for research of the faunal am

floral charcicteri.Stics of. these habitats and the interrelationships between organisms which occupy this ecosystem.

(e) To make the area available for outdoor recreation, environmental education and other p..lblic uses that are CCil'pCltible with the .primary objectives outlined in a) throu;h d) above.

. ··- ... ·. . .

3. Interrelationships,· ...

It is the pol..iCY ;··of: the Fish and Wildlife Service to prepare wildlife, ~ement::;pl.aris in.· cooperatan with State wildlife

. agencies: ani~;~ priVate l.aiXlowners when awrc:priate. · .:As ·.this de3}S~~~~!;li;i~~;~tate. o~ ... W~in reSident wildlife · .- '~es~:~~~,~~?~~;nttenSel.y· .managi.nCJ ~~.::t:he Sel:Vice.' s tolicy

· ·.is·.t:O'COopei;~t.e;:~{~sist the State.•.in.ac6arplisbrent.of ·:their. ·,·w.ilifrife)l~riag~~:g6a.ls •. · ;.'Jlleir:main goal in the ·Fax River

·~ · .. ~l;t~;rr::~~~~~~J~=::e~~ ·~~s·

~- ,;ii1an.~·fL:;:~=~~~c,,,,,~··lL, ·· ..• ·'!be ·.·J:efuje··~?:iiaJor ,~ is t.O .. pieSei:ve· iurl. prOtect:· tne · .. · habitat en 'the"-retll:Je~-'.·:An overpopll.atian' of deer could .. prevent· the·.::refu9e.··fran a.c:cx:xrpl.ishin:J this goal.

- _· -- ·_-_- .. ·:r~~~~-:i';f;:~::~;-~-::-.. ::~; .. -:\~~ .. -/·.~··:- .--:-~ -- ·_ ~:-· __ : __ : .. : __ ~-: ~~-_: ... -.~-:-~ ::_:~-=:- ~~.::.-·~··.i-: .. : .... -... 1. .·-

. Another. refuge :·cOrx:;ern·' is to. prevent Service managanent

. practices .:frat\. adversely :iJnpa.ctirr:J ·neighbOri.rij land or · state nanagenent·;.pl.arls •.. :An overpopllaticn· of deer on the refu;Je will adversely inpact neighlx>ril'xJ fannland and will make it harder1 for the State to reach their avez:winter deer ma.nageterit. objectiVe. . . . ' . . . ; ....... .

. -~.: . -... ~ ~--: ... ·::· ... ·:r·~;· ·-~-~ ..

: .. ·:·.

The overpopulation probiem is a major p.lblic cx:mcern in the area arxi the p.lblic expects the Service to do its part to help solve the problem. ·

To this errl we are proposing a controlled :p.lblic rifle deer hunt. The· hunt will · canfonn to State regulations and will be under a pennit systan to limit the number of persons allowed to hunt.

II. Alternatives

A. Introductioo arx:1 Alternatives Dismissal

' Several altematives .to .. solving the ovel:']?OFUlation were examined and include: - ·

1. No Act.ioo

2. Li. ve Raooval.

3. Rarova.l by State arx:l/or Federal persormel

4. F~ Program

5. A controlled· rifle deer lumt open to the public on a penn:it basis.

B. Alternative Description

Impacts of ~·:.~-.:alternatives were considered and .a synopsis of each. is''incl.u:led~below~.::' ·. . . . .

:. }:·)~f. }f~~~'~;,::._~F! -~:· ~L~ .j:: · :·F· ·

1.· ·.~ .. N().:-~~Jd~~~-was _disnissed::.because this woold be .. an · -··.:.t:unsoUixl,.~~r~ce' i:esul:t.:i.n]:-in deer ovezpcp.ilati.on

.· .Which·WOOiQ::baVe'~:·mi{aC!Verse· affect. on the major objectives of . -the·'retuge~~{'lbiS:'~lcf~use· t:lePredatian problems on private

3. hunt. Wa5'._disnisSed -because. of ·cost, wastefulness and possible

adver5e.~tA;§J~~~~-,.;·_,·,· .. >:~ ·;_~d :· -- · ·. .. ·

4. ·A feedi.n;~_p.rcigl:arri W8 oot ·selected because it would be costly and coul;d ~t. iq::.}:t .ltll.lcA _higher.·~ popllation which in turn could _amf)Iify·':the· habitat-destruction arx:1 depredation prob~.,- ~ ::;·.:·:.~.-.f. •J.--::: .. · ·

. . ..

'

..

5. The controlled rifle deer hunt was·selected because it will acc:atplish the objective of lCMeri.n:j the deer herd pop.1lation to the accepted State level. This in tum will stop; iefu:Je habitat degredaticn; deer depredation on private lard am reduce deer-car accidents on per.imeter roads of the refuge. At the sarre time, the plblic will have an opportunity to utilize a natural renewable resource which is a State as 'Well as a Service objective. The cost of the pro:Jratu will be less than the other altemati ves except for the no action one.

See figure 1 which lists the alternatives in a matrix~ each of then to selected starrlards.

III. Affected Env:i..rarment

N.

A. ~ered Species - No erXlangered species \t.U\l1d be affected by the proposed action.

B. ALcheol.ogiccil FeatUres -··The FaK River Refuge bas canfi.Lm:d:historic sites. However the proposerl action will have no inpact on these· known or potential ·sites. Parking will be providerl in an area which was surveyed curl fourrl to have no historically significant sites. '!he hlmt will take place durin:] the last Week of November

· when:·the.gramcl,will be frozen, thus there will be no inpact fran hunters wal.k:in;J- over tre. area. . .

. -·· . ·.· ~ '• . . .. . :·.:: .. '. . ·'. ' .

c. Wetlards, Floodplains ~ The prq:x::>serl action will have no effect oo.wetlarrls. or fl~lains. · . . ··: : -~. :~·· ~:, .. :· .~·_:~-~·-·.:~~;;F. .. :· <. ~--·: .... ~:. ~:; ..

. .

Envi.l:aatental·~ CCilseqllences of .·Prq>oserl Action . . .· .... . . .... ~ ~- ~-:~~/:~.g-~~-tf!~?~;~~~~~~-~;.~~~t'~t~:~\~~~~:~.:~~~." .. · ~~:. ·; ~· · .. ·.:' . .' . . . . . ~ .. ·. . · .... ,_ . : : :.. . .. ~. . ··. :·. ;• ~-· ·> .:~:~.-~·:~1 ;·i: · .... ' .. ,:.

A. Infrodt.x:tiaf'"~·~ '!he- attaclal checklist was userl to det.enni.ile if · · theJ:e.Wil.l:-Jde.;~<:ewirorinental consequences fran· the·~SE!d _

~~~~:~t~ ·: .... ~, . ,~~~;~0:(~~r:p,:. -- :' .. :.. -· , · :·. ~::~;., -~·-~::·-~i:;\~,tt~~~.~~~;·:~:;:eP;·:~:::t· ;,_ ·. -~·~~ ·: __ : ... · Will this:~: action .- (Yes ·or No)· -

1.-~'!!Sl~lf:e~?~:~'- ;n :;·J•?~: ~ :··,, .··· . . May it .. aff~.:the·.ezxlangererl or threatened· · ,., '·' ;.~ .... · · ... ,' .,.

~;%~fJ~:X6:!~~;:-F?-: ·-~: . • . . . . lb

2. potential.ly~affect flocxiplain or wetland area·t:hrot.JJh::d~t, m:x:lification or destruction .. of these areas? .

. . · '':~-~.(:~~~~,: 1.. . . . I. .

3. be ex:pecteid ~ to have organized owosi tion or generate'' substan~ ·.~lie. oontrove;-sy?_ ·'· :No.

. : ~:T·:·~":/::::~( . . , . . -.. . .-... : .· •·< •I ' '·~ ~~:.

..

4. include the intrcrluction or eKpOrta.tion of any species rx:>t presently or historically occurring in the receiving location? · No

s.. affect any known archaeolCXJical, historical or cultural site or alter the aesthetics of subject area? No

6. include use of any chanical t.aricants? No

7. .impact oo any designated or proposed wild or scenic rivers, trails, or wilderness area?

B. result in·any discharge which will oonflict with

No

Federal or State air or water quality regulations? No

9. affect any prime or unique fannland, forestland or ecolCXJically critical areas as designated l:7;{·Federal, State, or local autb::>rities? No

10. require any Federal or State pennits? No

B. Statanent of Consequences

The proposed action (controlled public rifle deer hunt) will have no adverse ertvirormental consequences.

v. Consultation arrl Coordination

A. Private l.andowners_- all refuge neighbors were. personally contacted in relation to the proposed action. It is the ooncensus :of .the~- -cx:mnents received by larrlowners that a hunt should take place·. Their initial concerns inchrle -~ follow:iD}: ._.

1. Too many hunters at one tine.

2 •. Sa,fety of:surrOurrling off refuge tu.p.dings •... ' .. : . ". ;"<.~--~-.. -. : .. _L:· .::~ = •. :: ~ ::< :·--:·:= :'.'?~) --~ .. ;- ~ ·-_-·... -~ ~... . .. -~ : . . ' ~-... ~; ~ ~-.. _::_-( ~~-:~~::;,.~-~~:: .·~--~:-:·f. .. ~- J:::~.:~y~~-~:- /f~~ <. :: .. -~ ~- .: --·:. :. . ..

3. That enough deer be taken off the refu:.Je· to lower· the population significant1y. _ ·:.· · · · · - ·· ·. . ..

o A .:.-:·

4. -!£Mer~'-~. pr¢uctirity by all~' ~~>-~:'tri:te·· ~~~~----:' • "• -, , I •. , , . • ', ::', • • .. ' ·'.: :·. .. • ' '.':•t' ,. ' , ·:0,1. '. : .,· •• •

Mdi tioDal cc:rnren1:s · conc&ning the tnmt prqx>sal ~1 be iix:iUded as they are recayro.. . .

. .. ···:. ·.- .. -. .

B. cOnservatioo Groups 'in WiscOnsin - the followin], consexvation group~ __ . have been _sent the lhmting Proposal and Environrrental Assessment:·

Wisconsin Wildlife Federation,· National· Audul:x::Jil SOCiety,. ·wiscxmsin · Conservation CciDJress, Izaak Walton league of JWerica, Wisconsin

:Trappers Associatim' and Deferrlers of Wildlife~·.~· Their ·caruents will be apperrled ... to this env:iroilrrental. assessnel'lt as they are .

. ~-'reCeived. . . . ' \·~·,\X,

I :,,~ ,' : .,;. : •• '\ . . . , . ,. • • ::i~~~.llr ...... . '. ' 1 •.

:;• .. •

Figure 1, e

Alternatives Matrix

Selection Standards ., Alternative State Environ. Econanic Teclmical Depredations Socio-

DNR Goals Effects (Refuge) Feasible Abatanent logical

No .Action 1 ++ 0

Live~2 + + 0 .. State/Fed. Hlmt3 + + +

Feed 4 0

Public Hlmt 5 ++ + ++ + +

Resulting affect in meeting objectives -

+ + very positive negative

+ positive very negative

0 ne..1tral

State Goals - Reduce deer herd then maintain a ccmpatible level; provide fci>lic with deer hunting opportunity.

Enviromrental Effects - Protect refuge habitat; maintain healthy arrl stable deer pop.uation. · ·· · · ·

Econanics. · (~ge)' ·- ~~~ of instituting· alt&riati~ _ard;or ~atploying · qualified individuals. · . . :. · · . - ... · · ..

Teclmical Feasibility .·:7 Knowledge available to· _insti~te an effep~ve · ·· deer managementprcqram~ · · · .: , _:>>:'i. '!:~-~·/·:<<< .. ::· ·;, ·, 'i:~?J.,~·;·:-t:':

Depredation Abaterent ··~_:J;>rogram sucCess in elimination of· depredation problems pn private larrl. · :··.: ' ·:· < ·,- ·.

J • -

~i~1~i~- ~-;~·&"'pl1blic Le~ neighl:x,rm9··~~s1>"'tiJntin9 ·· . . fci>lic; conservation organizations, other interested. public.

' 7 .

:~~~,:~·: :: : ·;, .,;'j;· ·:·, 1~~s~f,:,.·.< .. ;;~~~~~~~:~,~~~;[i·>· ~f~~: ·:·;~~~~{~~2~~·~~:.-ff ~~

c. .,

State of Wisconsin - the deer huntin;J plan was developed through coordination with the Wisoonsin Deparbnent of Natural Resources. Law eriforcanent activities for the controlled hlmt will be coordinated bet:v.leen the Service ·am state.

The initial State response to the prOposed deer :tumt is .attached as Appendix I.

.. -r: •.

~· .. ;

~:

8 .......... · ... ·

~~~~,,;,,,,,! ~-}~,:i~~it~~~:':1-i~if~~~~t&\~,1i;~;,

APPENDIX I.

e e State of \Visconsin \ DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Horicon Area Headquarters i210 N. Palmatory Street Horicon. ~I 53032

July 1. 1983

James R. Lennartson Refuge !'lanager ·' Horicon National Wildlife Refuge _ Rt. 2 Nayvil1e • WI 53050

Dear Jim: -·

CamJ/1 D. IJnMiny

. ~tary

I have discussed the Draft Deer Hunting Plan for the fox River ~ational i,"ildlife Reiu~c in ~larquet:e County, Wisconsiu ,_.ith Tom Har1s~n~ :he ~o.·Hdlife r.~anager for :"larquet:te County and Phil Zieman. the Conservation ~.:arden:

i.:l! iully .endorse ami, in fact. request a deer hunt "" the reiubc to reduce the deer population to levels consistent ,_.ith :he remainder oi Deer :"lana~ement l;11it 67.

i'hl! last overvinter population in· l,;nit 67 \.laS over )) deer per square t:lile of deer range. \.:e hope. to reduce that population to 30 deer. per square mile vith the 1983 deer season. We_expect the current. population in th.e Fox River ~'\IR to be higher _than levels· of surrounding 'land. because oi the recent year~ of protection.on.the property •.. We.~ill.:be .happy_ to assist you in subscribing harvest· goah to· ... _reach the .. desired .·over~vinte~ population. . ..

II".' &l;>proach t•f. sh~,.:•tiu~ .only antlcrlcs!' ~ccr \JilL. he, t~~c i!tost _cffici~nt :!tctlii•J t~· con.trv.l tiic·. popular iosl• .<=,: ·<-'' .. · '-~~-· :> ·:"::~~- ~-:·<>';':~:f;;~i·:;>:~-~·:': ·-,~;-:;. ';'-··:

The reduction ··o·r ·ctic\i~cr· i1erd ln linit'_-67 to reduce .. crop.'damage has . ·. received strong e~do·r~·cm·~-nt by the: Conservation Congress~:,-.;che _\Hs~o~sin; ..

. Natural Resources .. Board. -aml the ~Department ·of. ~atural ,Resources • .' .. ~ .::.~ ·: · · . : .· .· ... :'."·. · .. · · .. •.· ; ~ · .. ::· ,~. ·.:,:· ... ,l.:'..::::f .· :,· ·_~::- ._r'·:''·, .. : .... :>·:·"'*~· ·.:~.·~-~--.. ~ -~ .. '

·!,lease let us knov if you need assistance in plan.ning .or 1nip1cmcnting ·the deer hunt •

. Sincc.!'cly. '.J ..

~.......--

c:. <:t~n Eveland ,\reOl \JUdlifc ~laua~cr

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cc:· J. M.·:.F.rank. lloricon . Dousl~~- _MorriSsette~. su

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.. APPEN>IX II •

..

l. MGR. ASST. MQR. ASST.MGR. I & R SPEC.

OCT 01.1983 ~ ,(}; \ M~lt YRAiNEE .. ADM. ASS i'. 'MAINT. MAN

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APPE:IDIX II

'

·. CA ~:¥- :< / ~S:)_r:. MGR .

ASS'f.'MGR. I & R·sPEC.

.. . ... ~

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StPl 21983 MGR. TRAINF.E

1.·!. ASS'f. M-":NT. MAN

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' . APPENDIX II

:.£nt~llo, ~iis.

rll Jox 61

July 6.\l<;CJ /

MGR. ASST. M .. R. ASST:-L1GR. I & R SPt:C.

JUL 0 ':'1983 i·:r. Jo.'":los _Lennartson, .jor!con Reruge ~~Ubo:

~.:ori;;on :Sational .ildlife Refuge

MGR. TRAiNEE ADM. J:SST. MAINT. MAN

R ~ ~-layvillo ·.iis. 5J050

Sir: J:a last e ts: 1 t lk J D& ·It a a a en I I II ' flll' a

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11 i szzee is sa

·a soa;le el holies

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In yo~ lo~tor or June 6, l~&J ycu snid yo~ ~ny allow 25 to

J5 . ~~!n ting _>er:;li ts in "...t:..-.: Piso.l :mu ~~il.:.:.lii'~ :.:.rou 't!::.is i~nil. It

'.!ould oa very d~!.lrous :o o.llo~ t!la t :JtUl.;,· • .:un tars in t~lu t ncre~a

because or the lny of t:1e lo.ild;. 1L hi(;Ll )0~·10rO)U riflll bu.llot ~O-lld

travel -:i1o width of -.;;10 onrsh B..'ld .:ll:::ost ~ .. o larlv~'! of" it without

nny obstruct.:.c-n. ':;.•hero will.: 'be x:lOro ilun"&or:; in t;lv nor~11.lrn

:>art of ·the ~sh arilli ·-t~~--- ye~- oo~ause :'·o.r t:1o salo or n _,arc\31

of ::1.l· ::~arsl:l .to-.a-.-croup,ot.~{to\J.r,_hunter;~ •. ; ~;.: · ' ···.: ·: .':.· ~- t~·!_:· --~:-·.·.-'·;.·. ··: :~·~:': .. ..;.:~·~.':·;f'·\';'}-;:~.;_:~~-··:,_··· .:., ·r ·• • :· , .·.··- . • . •

?oasibly.->.m--antlerles·a .'season-''in· t;d-s nroa would be tWl ·

len:~ t dani;erous :, a.~~Si~~·s'·::·t;o,ble·~·~Cl~ · ~}d\• i5riex£,onsi vo uo.y to se:

. . . • .. ·. ~-- .. ·~-~ ~';~ ... ~'t,l"'-.- -:~\~:··.:-;:=-:~t·.j--:1:..·~;.-_·.,:.~··.t·,~~ .. ~·.:,/<: ·~ ;:- ... '. ' . . . . . . tho .lO~ulati'on·~~ of:~!d~'~i-:~;.Uzidor~~fcontrol 1~ :_: .~,: ,:,:i;::.--,;:. '-' -, .; · .

• .•• • ·~ .·. ·.~ ... ~-!- ~---;.1:_~~>· ::.. .>:.~Y:r-!f'~f.{:':.·':: .. ~:/ ... : . ::·, . · t. ,.

·.:.·;L~~: you .fo-·. _yo~ _con:sid~ration . ... ;~ . ~-- ~ :.,~~·)(c?-·~.:~<·. ·~~ -~' -~-:·~)·::{~ .\ -~·-. . ~ . .-:

Ros!)ectf'u1ly •

.ues:Ji:e S&;loston

"

Jlf<.

.•. APPENDIX II

The NcPture Cons~vancy . : •,

WISCONSIN CHAPTER . 3 Williamson Street

""'''...n" Wisconsin 53703 608/251-8140

September 1, 1983 ,..

Mr. James a. Lennartaon Refuge Manager Borieon·Rational Wildlife Ref~ge Route 2 Mayville, Wiaeonain 53050·

Dear Mr. Lennartaon:

-

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----

-.·

_MGR •. T "'

SEP 0 61983 . r ·· M ....... ,., •• .......

I

I --··--

-..1-I I

Brent M. Haglund Director of Land Stewardship ·

Charles C. Mayhew Ill Field Representative

Nancy A. Ortiz Administrative Assistant

AtJ requested in your Aug~at 30, 1983 letter, I have reviewed yo~r _proposal for reducing the deer population of the Fox River Rational Wildlife aef~ge.

I find nothing in thia propoaal to iapact on the program of The Nature Conservancy in Wiaconsin, nor do I find any action• propoaed which impose on critical natural areaa.

You should be encouraged to eontin~e .~o propose and enact this sort of rational reaponae to deer overpopulation~

Sincerely youra, t n VI '':Li " U~-~-rnl····.~

Brent M. Haglund Acting Director•

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National Audubon Society NORTH MIDWEST REGIONAL OFFlCE SUITE ~0. LUMBER EXCHANGE BUIL,DING 10 SOUTH AfTH STREET. MINNEAPOLIS. MN 55401 (612) 375-9140

Septe~ber 23, 1983

Mr. Jim Lennartson, Refuge Manager Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Route 2 Mayville, WI 53050.

Dear Jim:

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MGR. ASST. MGR. ASST. MGR. l & R SPEC.

SEP2!l1983 MGR. TRAINEE ADM. ASST. MAINT. MAN

I appreciate the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed "Deer Hunting Plin1" and the draft "Environmental Assessment" for reducing the deer population on the Fox River National Wildlife Refuge.

The National Audubon Society supports the plan for reducing the deer population on the Fox River National Wildlife Refuge. We do so on the basis that the deer resource can handle the population decrease; based on the information provided. We concur that an overpopulation of deer can wreck havoc within a habitat. Since the controlled public rifle · deer hunt will conform to state regulations and will be under a permit system, we. have 'no ··problem with ·it. ·we· feel the final goal of maintaining a healthy and stable.deer population is'most important,

Sincerely,

carol. H. • Beia· .;;· .. ~;~~i~~;~~~~~f;:~~~;·~~:{. :- . , . ..: · .. };:.::.~~·~:C .. Regional Representative" ··

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amendment to hunting plan horicon national …

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