.

ROUTiNG SLIP

filUNCH OP WILDLIFE RJSFUGEfc

NARRATIVE HJSPOHT

February lU, 2

HTc S*lj9T _

Mro Kni«ia«0

Mr- DuMont

HI 3ft Bausi

SECTION OF OPERATIONS.

MR. BALL '

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VT., Mo f 1 •y

SECTION OP HABITAT IKPMOVEMENTs

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SECTION OF LAND MAlUGKKESTfe

Mro? Ack«rkn«cht

stenographers^

REFUGE^ Okefenokee

September-December, 1951

OKEFENOKHE ITATlON.Ai IVILDLIFE REFUGE

NARRATIVE REPORT

SSFTEIvSSR - DSCETviBSR 195/;..

Table of Contents Page

jl » GENERAL i o A. leather Conditions 2. B. Wat er Levels . 2 C. Fires

j-a.# WILD LiFE __ 2 3 A. Migratory Birds g*

'1 • Populations and Behavior 2. Food and Cover 2

B» Upland Game Birds o C. Big Game Aniina.ls 2 5

1. Populations and Behavior 2* 2, Food and Cover

D. Fur Animals, Predators, Etc. 3

S. Predaceous Birds 7 F. Fish 3 G. iilligators 3

III. REFUGE DBVELOPf^IT ATD MAINTENANCE — 3#4

IV. ECONOMIC USES _ 4

WI., PUBLIC RELATIONS _ 4 5 6

A. Recreational Uses 4

B. Refuge Visitors 4 5 C. Refuge Participation 5

D. Hunting 5 E. Fishing 5 F. Violations q

VII. OTHER ITEMS. _ q

Photographs. NR Forms .

OKEPEtJOKEE NATIONAL NILDLIFE REFUGE

.NARRATIVE REPORT

SEPTEI^EEi - DEGEIvSSR 1951.

I. GENERAL.

A« Vfeather Conditions*

September October November December Total

Temperatures

September October November December

Max. Min. Precipitation Temp, Temp,

9.41 97 60 3.94 94 45 3.42 84 29 5.53 82 22.30 Extremes 97 2o

Average Haximum

89 81 70 70

Average Rinimum

68 58 4-5 50

average Mean 78.5 69 57.5 60

Precipitation was good over the entire period and at about the same total as for the like period in 1950. The total, 22.30 inches, was 8.17 inches above the average for the 13 years preceding 1950.

^ Temperature readings of 32 degrees and lower occurred on 5 days in November and 2 days in December. A table showing the monthly average maximum, minimum and mean temperatures has been included for the purpose of indicating general temperature conditions.

Water temperature readings are to be started January 1, 1952.

3. Water Levels.

A low of 119.98 was recorded at the east side on September 1 for a 10 year low record at that station. Heavy rains during September and the following months brought the water up and on December 31, the levels throughout the swamp were slightly above normal.

2

G» Fires.

None for the period,

II. WILDLIFE.

A. Migratory Birds .

1. Populations and Behavior.

(e) G-eese, One lone Canada goose was observed in The Pocket for several days. This was the only goose reported on the refuge though several flocks wero seen flying over.

(b) Ducks, The total duck population shows an increase of approximately 25/o over the corresponding period for 1950, Wood duck population remains about the same,

2. Food and Cover.

Indications are that food is plentiful for all waterfowl, with the Brasenia patches increasing in size in both Chase and Grand Prairies,

(c) Water and Marsh Birds, Winter population for these birds is slightly below number reported for like period of 1950,

B, Upland Game Birds,

i^uail populations remain static.

Wild Turkey population shows a definite decline. Logging operations near refuge boundaries probably caused these birds to move,

G, Big Game Animals,

1. Populations and Behavior.

(a) White-tailed Deer, Deer are plentiful on the upland areas of the refuge and are seen frequently along the road in The Pooket.

(b) Black Bear, No depredations by bear were reported during this period. This maybe attributed to the good food available in the swamp areas. Population apparently about the same as in 1950.

2. Food and Cover.

Thdre is apparently an ample supply of food for both deer and bear.

D» Pur Animals, Predators, Etc.

Otters may been seen on nearly every trip into the swamp - in the runs, lakes, 1 gator ponds and Suwannee Canalo They appear to be on the increase.

Dob-cats are numerous and some reduction by trapping should be undertaken as soon as time permits for the protection of deer and turkey.

S. Predaceous Birds.

No increase or decrease was noted in any of these birds,

F. Pish.

The rise in water levels and filling of potholes and prairies in October and November provided good feeding and foraging conditions for fish which should pay off next spring. These same conditions together with relatively cold water temperatures resulted in rather poor fishing success during the latter two months of the current period, and fishing pressure declined to nearly zero.

u. Alligators.

Gold weather and rising water caused alligators to start moving out into prairies and retiring to their caves. Not much increase was noted. Bear depredation on nests during summer is thought to be one reason.

1X1. REPUGP DEVELGHIHNT AND IvIAINTENANQE.

Preparations for controlled burning as a factor in timber manage­ment was given priority over all other work under this heading during November and December. The greater part of the pine land within^ the refuge is in urgent need of burning to remove an excessive "rough" as a preventive against disastrous uncontrolled fires. Controlled burning can be done safely only during December, January and February; and then only when moisture and wind conditions are suitable,

in all-steel loading ramp for the G.M.G. truck to facilitate load­ing and unloading the D-4 Tractor and fire lane plow was constructed in November, The ramp is detachable.

Plowing of fire lanes ivas started on December 10 on Fiddler's Island. Controlled burning was started on Fiddler's Island and on The Pocket about December 13. Fire lanes plowed on The Pocket last spring were utilized in connection with the burning in that area. Weather was unfavorable for this work during much of December and only 10 miles of fire lanes were plowed, and about 500 acres burned.

Materials were purchased and construction started on a 50x30 foot S-stall equipment shed at Gainp Cornelia. Construction accomplished consisted of concrete footings poured in place.

The ^jnfetic tank at the Gamp Cornelia service building failed and plans were made to replace the old steel tank with one of concrete. This remains to ho done,

An electric welding machine was obtained by transfer from Savannah Refuge. It lias been very useful in the construction of the loading ramp and in repair and maintenance of refuge vehicles and equipment. An effort is being made to get as much as possible of our back log of weld­ing work done before we "loan" the welder to St, Marks Refuge about March 1,

All buildings at Camp Cornelia and the Coffee Bay shelter were treated for termites. Wood, trash and earth were cleaned away from foundations. Trenches were dug 8 inches wide and 6 inches deep along foundation walls and filled with pre-mixed sand and Penta-fuel oil solu­tion, In addition where stubborn termite infestations were encountered in the wet half-rotten logs, holes were bored at 12 inch intervals in bottom logs on the inside of the building and these holes filled several times with Penta-fuel oil solution to saturate the logs. Eradication is not yet complete,

IV, ECONOLIIC USES.

The concessionaires providing boats, guides and related facilities at the east, west and north entrances were operating at low ebb during most of the period due to slack demand "for their services.

VjU. PUBLIC RELATIONS,

A. Recreational Uses.

For the entire calendar year 1951 it is estimated on the basis of available records that 15,300 persons visited the refuge. Sport fisher­men exceeded any other group, hut there were very substantial numbers of sightseers, nature lovers and boy scouts.

We have been informed unofficially that the road from Fargo to Jones Island has been placed in first priority position by Clinch County for the next Federal ̂ *d hard-surfacing job,

3, Refuge Visitors,

September 10th and 24th, Walker T, Ilarrod, U. S, Game Management Agent re cases disposal and conference on Black Bass Act,

September 23rd, Mr, William Emerson, Jr. of Collier^ Magazine for official edit of story on Okefenokee Swamp,

5.

September 29th and 30th. Mr. Sabe Benzer, photographer, for il­lustrations of Mr. Snerson's story in Collier's,

October 5th, 6th, 7th, Mr. Robert Webb, Director, and Mr. Sidney Bowen, Production Manager, for Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Hollywood, California for location of motion picture "Swamp Girl".

October 10th to October 15th, Mr. Roy Moore for inspection and plan­ning preparatory to tailing over refuge as juanager.

October 19th to November 20th. Director Robert Webb, Sidney Bowen, Actress Jean Peters and Actors Jeffry Hunter, Walter Drennan of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation of Hollywood California to film motion pic­ture "Swamp Girl", This picture was subsequently renamed "Cry of the "Swamp",

October SCth, Mr, Richard Dittman, Regional Engineer for inspection of buildings and equipment,

October 12th, Regional Director Silver for inspection and conference.

November 5th, Melvin M, Moore, U, S, Weather Bureau, for conference on weather reports,

November 6th, Miss Fanny Owens, Division of Land Acquisition, to check on lands to come under refuge control.

C. Refuge Participation.

Manager Moore and Patrolman Hall assisted and took part in a tele­vision news reel film made by Ted Saizis, photographer for l;r,E,C, Tele­vision Company,

Assistant Manager Eadie helped Twentieth Century Fox in filming scenes on the Refuge for a new color motion picture to be called "Cry of the Swamp",

D, Hunting.

None on refuge. Deer hunting very good on areas adjacent to west side of refuge, Turkey hunting was very poor on areas around refuge.

£, Fishing.

Fishing during the September-December period -was generally poor, but there was some exceptions.

6

g. Yiolations.

No arrests or apprehensions were made during the period but evi­dence of violations were noted as follows:

On November 20th indications of trespass were found on lots 22S, 2S3 and 399 where Patrolmen Hall and Cone destroyed eight strychnine and honey baits for bear. The remains of one befAr was found near one of these baits that had been eaten.

On November 10th a dead wildcat and doe deer were found in The Pocket and indications were that they had been killed by night hunters.

On November 20th Patrolmen Hell and Cone located several raccoon traps on lot 393 but failed to apprehend the persons who had set the traps .

On December 1st a party of deer hunters escaped capture on The Pocket by running their car through the roadside ditch around the Government pickup that had been placed as a road block by Patrolmen Hall and Cone.

VII. CTIER IT SI'S •

A change in Refuge Managers occurred during this period, «feu R, Edwards left on October 13th to take up his new assignment in davarmah, Georgia as U. S, Game Management Agent. Assistant Manager hedie served as Acting Manager until November 1st when Roy Moore arrived in Waycross to take over the duties as Refuge Manager•

During part of October end November the oast and crew of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation filmed part of the notion picture "Cry of the Swamp" on Billy's Lake. Included in the film group were Director Bob Webb, Production Manager Sidney Bowen, Actress Jean Peters, Actors Jeffrey Hunter and Walter Brennan, all of Hollywood, California. Approximately eight days were spent in filming on Billie's Lake and several days were spent at the Swamp Park off of the refuge. Rain hindered filming progress but many fine technicolor scones were filmed.

All persons with this motion picture cofcpany were very in­terested in the swamp. Miss Peters and Mr, Hunter said they hoped to spend some time in the swamp sightseeing and fishing when they return to Waycross for the premiere of "Cry of the Swamp",

/ •

During my first two months here I have been gratified to find that all of the reluge personnel are competent and most cooperative®

Assistant Manager John Sadie was on sick leave for about a month but returned to duty in time to do the spade work on this report®

Respectfully submitted.

Roy Moore January If, 195^® Refuge Manager

3ved Regional Ec: ge Supervisor

On loo at ion with 20th Century Fox Film Company on Billy's Lake, Reflectors used to increase light for technicolor motion picture ''Cry of the Lwamp",

Sidney Bowen, Production Manager of "Cry of the Swamp"®

Actor Jeffery Hunter in pole boat, plays one of the leading male parts in "Cry of the Swamp" •

"Mike" Dog plays "Carelas3,, (with Trainer Frank Weatherwax) in "Cry of the "Swamp"*

WA.TERFCWL

Refuge*^!! fcntha of ******* 19 81

CD Species

(2 ) First Seen

(3 ) Peak Concentration

(4 ) Last Seen

(5 ) Young Produced

(6 ) Total

Common Name Hummer Date Number Date Number Date Broods Seen

Estimated Total

Estimated for period

I. Snans? Whistling smn

II. Geesej Canada goose Cackling goose Brant White-fronted goose Snow goose Blue goose

III • Ducks: Mallard Black duck Qadwall Baldpate Pintail Green-winged teal Blue-winged teal Cinnamon teal Shoveller Wood duck Redhead Ring-necked duck Canvas-back Scaup Golden-eye Buffi e-head Ruddy duck

XV. Cooti

I

Pipes ent ftreeent

8 8 8

12 1 Z

1

IVesent

12/31 12/S1

9/lS

12/51

wAs

12/31

1

6,SOO 4,600

825 260

2,000 260

1,000

5,000 % 76

5,000 j - ^

25

4,400

12/31 « •

1

fees •

ant

i

1

6,500 4,500

525 275

2,000 250

1,000

5,000 76

5,000 j, • w o

25

4,400

3-1750 (over) Form NR-1 (Sept.1950) Interior - Duplicating Section, Washington, D.C. 82449

Periodically Sept •-Deo,

Dates mterfowl counts «uie mi '"u ̂ "*****»*

SUUEfLHIES

Percent of mterfoirl area covered

Dates brood counts made

substantially all

Total aaterfoai usage during period

Peak aaterfowl numbers

22,925

22,925

Percent of area covered in brood counts

Total production!

Geese

Ducks

Coots

Areas used by concentrations

uplands

All areas of nramp except

Principal nesting areas this season

Ho estimate

Reported by

, INSTRUCTIONS

In addition to the birds listed on form, other species occurring on refuge during the reporting period should be added in appropriate spaces. Special attention should be given to those species of local and National significance. '

The first refuge record for the species during, the season concerned in the reporting period, and the number seen. This column does not apply to resident species.

The greatest number of the species present in a limited interval of time.

The last refuge record for the species during Hie season concerned in the reporting period.

Estimated number of young produced based on observations and actual counts on repre­sentative breeding areas. Brood counts should be made on two or more areas aggregating 10$ of the breeding habitat. Estimates having no basis in fact should be omitted.

Estimated total number of the species using the refuge during the period. This figure may or may not be more than that used for peak concentrations, depending upon the nature of the migrational movement.

(1) Speciess

(2) First seenj •

(3) Peak concen­tration;

(4) last seen j

(5) Young produced ?

(6) Total:

Note? Only columns applicable to the reporting period should be used. It is desirable that the Summaries receive careful attention since t' e data are necessarily based on an alysis of the rest of the form.

3-1751 Form NR-1A (Nov. 1945)

Refuge. Ckefenokee

MIGRATORY BIRDS (Other than waterfowl)

Months of...Jtoytaniiwe to.-JBeaembtep- .1954..

(1) Species

Common Name

I. Water and Marsh Birds

Mitt* Pied-billed Grebe Cormorant Anhinga-anhinga Ward's Heron Little Blue Heron Green Heron Yellow Night Heron Wood Ibis American Egret White Ibis Fla* Crane ila. Galllnule

II. Shorebirds. Gulls and Terns:

Mis on Snipe Woodcock Solitary Sandpiper Greater Yellow Legs Black fern Herring Gull

( 2 ) First Seen

Number

Prei ant

Date

(3) Peak Numbers

Number

100 250 100 500 400 200 200 150 2500 2000

20,000 500 100

600 550 50 50 60 50

Date

9/1/61 8/y6i

9/1/51

(over)

(4) Last Seen

Number Date

StiU Present

(5) Production

Number Colonies

Total # Nests

Total Young

( 6 ) Total

Estimated Number

100 260 100 600 400

" 200 200 150 2500 2000

20,000 500 100

500 550 50 50 60 50

ID

III. Doves and Pigeons: Mourning dove

• White-winged dove

IV. Predaceous Birds: Golden eagle Duck hawk Horned owl Magpie Raven Crow# Sout3n©ni Osprey Barred Owi Red-Shouldered Baidc Red-failed ilanfc Marsh JStatk

.121

Present

131

sec

460 260 1200 1000 200

00

9A/S1

0/X/61 9/l/Sl

141

Still Present

n « « »

. Reported by.

(6)

660

450 250 1200 1000 200 60

1) Species:

(2) First Seen

INSTRUCTIONS Use the correct names as found in the A.O.U. Checklist, 1931 Edition, and list group in A.O.U. order. Avoid general terms as "seagull", "tern", etc. In addition to the birds listed on form, other species occurring on refuge during the reporting period should be added in appro­priate spaces. Special attention should be given to those species of local and National significance. Groups: I. Water and Marsh Birds (Gaviiformes to Ciconiiformes and Gruiiformes)

II. Shorebirds, Gulls and Terns (Charadriiformes) III. Doves and Pigeons (Columbiformes) IV. Predaceous Birds (Falconiformes, Strigiformes and predaceous

' | | ' - Passeriformes) The first refuge record for the species for the season concerned.

13) Peak Numbers: The greatest number of the species present in a limited interval of time.

(4) Last Seen: The last refuge record for the species during the:season concerned.

(5) Production: Estimated number of young produced based on observations and actual counts.

(6) Total: Estimated total number of the species using the refuge during the period concerned. Interior—Duplicating Section, Washington, D. C. 82362

•

3-1752 Form NR-2 (April 1946)

Refuge_ OkeTenokeo

UPLAND GAME BIRDS

Months of

1613

to ffiiMiiir 19̂ gl

(1) Species

(2) Density

(3) Young

Produced

w Sex Ratio

(5) Removals

(6) Total

(7) Remarks

Common Name Cover types, total acreage of habitat

Acres per Bird

TJ U m-

I 2,2 ^ rO O

Percentage

s1 •H

I h-a

o

Vi (0 O 0) ft, «

Estimated number using Refuge

Pertinent information not specifioally requested. List introductions here.

Quail

Eastern Turkey

50,(XX) acres. Hne woods, fieldji uplands*

14*2

* Unknown

14*5

4,000

350 (Includes birds ranging on and off the refuge) •

INSTRUCTIONS

Form NR-2 - UPLAND GAME BIRDS.*

(1) SPECIES;

(2) DENSITY;

Use correct coimnon name.

Applies particularly to those species considered in removal programs (public hunts, etc.). Detailed data may be omitted for species occurring in limited

numbers. Density to be expressed in acres per animal by cover types. This information is to be prefaced by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres in each cover type found on the refugej once submitted, this information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur in the area of cover types. Cover types should be detailed enough to furnish the desired information but not so much as to obscure the general picture. Examples; spruce swamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottomland hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in Midlife Management Series No. 7 should be used where possible. Figures submitted should be based on actual observations and counts on representative sample areas. Survey method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks.

(3) YOUNG PRODUCED; Estimated number of young produced, based upon observations and actual counts in representative breeding habitat.

U) SEX RATIO;

(5) REMOVALS;

(6) TOTAL;

This column applies primarily to wild turkey, pheasants, etc. Include data on other species if available.

Indicate total number in each category removed during the report period.

Estimated total number using the refuge during the report period. This may include resident birds plus those migrating into the refuge during certain seasons,

(7) REMARKS; Indicate method used to determine population and area covered in survey. Also include other pertinent information not specifically requested.

* Only columns applicable to the period covered should be used.

1613

3-1753 Form NR-3 (June 1945) Ref\ige_

BIG GAME

Oksfenokeo Calendar Year 1951

W Estimated

Total Refuge Population

(1) Species

(2) Density

(3) Young

Produced

00 Removals

(5) Losses

( 6 ) Introductions

(8 ) Sex Ratio

Common Name Cover types, total Acreage of HaMtat Number S"

•H

I

* a

^ o o +> a* ®

2

JH CO U Pi

Vi a> a

fj « S3

Pi 4) Source At period

of Greatest use

As of Dec. 31

White-Tail Deei

Black Bear

150,000 aeree. Pine -moods, cypress swamp and islands

150

50

M 0 M S Nona

mm

Unknowi n

150

Remarks:

Reported by

t. JT' ' ' '•

r.O.t/r INSTRUCTIONS

Form NR-3 - BIG GAME 1

(l) SPECIES:

(2) DENSITY

Use correct common name; i.e.. Mule deer, "black-tailed deer, white-tailed deer. It is unnecessary to indicate sub-species such as northern or Louisiana white-tailed deer.

I Detailed data may be omitted for species occurring in limited numbers. Density to be expressed in acres per animal by cover types. This information is to be prefaced by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres in each cover type found on the refuge; once submitted, this Information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur in the area of cover types. Cover types should be detailed enough to fur­nish the desired information but not so much as to obscure the general picture. Examples spruce swamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottomland hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in Wildlife Management Series No. 7 should be used where possible. Figures submitted should be based on actual observations and counts on representative sample areas. Survey method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks.

(3) YOUNG PRODUCED

(U) REMOVALS:

(5) LOSSES:

Estimated total number of young produced on refuge. •j j J I I * i

Indicate total number in each category removed during the year.

On the basis of known records or reliable estimates Indicate total losses in each category during the year.

(6) INTRODUCTIONS: Indicate the number and refuge or agency from which stock was secured.

(7) TOTAL REHJGE POPULATION:

(g) SEX RATIO:

Give the estimated population of each species on the refuge at period of its greatest abundance and also as of Dec.

Indicate the percentage of males and females of each species as determined from field observations or through removals. luooa

.1

3-1756 Form NR-6 (April 1946)

Refuge. Ckefenokee

FISH

Tptals for the .Year X9»..«

Species

Blaok Bass

Picker el, Eastern

Warmouth Bass

Flyer Bream

Blue Sill Bream

Catfish

Grrinuel

Relative Abundance

Plentiful

Sport Fishing Man days Fishing

2,000

2,000

6,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

Number Taken

6,000

16,000

65,000

5,000

2,000

15,000

16,000

Commercial Fishing _ No. of Permits

Ion©

Pounds Taken

Restocking Number Stocked

Ittie

Area Stocked

Number re­moved for Restocking

Heme

REMARKS:

Refuge Okefenokee Year 1951

Fonm M-5,7,8,Sa,9,10,11 - Rothing to Report.