klamath basin national wildlife refuges

KLAMATH BASIN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES Tulelake, California

Tule Lake, Lower Klamath, Clear Lake, Upper Klamath and Klamath Forest

National Wildlife Refuges California and Oregon

NARRATIVE REPORT July 1 - December 31, 1975

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM Fish and Wildlife Service

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

JULY 1 - DECEMBER 31, 1975

PERMANENT PERSONNEL

Robert C. Fields Refuge Manager E. Homer McCollum Refuge Manager Paul E. Benvenuti Refuge Manager Michael T. Vivion.. Refuge Manager Edward J. O'Neill.. Wildlife Biologist (Mgt.) Blake F. Chapman Engineering Equipment Mechanic Foreman Lowell D. Green Maintenanceman Foreman Samuel D. Merriman Maintenanceman Workleader Pauline R. Chapman Administrative Officer Earl M. Irvine, Jr Engineering Equipment Mechanic Raymond H. Hanson Engineering Equipment Operator Billy E. Sellers Engineering Equipment Operator Donald C. Griffith Engineering Equipment Operator Jimmy W. McKoen Maintenanceman Barry S. Ward Maintenanceman Lawrence F. Bigoni Maintenanceman

TEMPORARY PERSONNEL

Kevin J. Foley 7/1-9/30 Conservation Aide Laborer Randall L. Blake 7/28-9/5 Laborer Mark H. McMahon 8/4-9/12 Laborer

// Review for Approvals

/y/ / / -

Submitted by ,Date Area Office Date

Refuge Regional Office

KLAMATH BASIN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES

JULY 1 - DECEMBER 31, 1975

JOB OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM PERSONNEL

James Callahan 8/18-12/5 Carpenter Richard L. Landreth... 8/18-12/5 Carpenter Helper Henry A. Ebinger 8/18-12/31 Truck Driver A. Charles Mancillas..8/18-8/22 Truck Driver David Marcott 8/18-12/5 Truck Driver Eddie P. Morris 8/18-12/5

Truck Driver/Engineering Equipment Operator Sheila M. Sheldon 8/18-12/5 Clerk-Typist/Truck Driver Bruce Hibbert 8/18-12/5 Laborer Joseph L. Pigeon 8/18-12/5 Laborer William W. Tranah 8/18. .Resigned. .9/11 Laborer Henry D. Rodgers 9/22-12/31 Laborer Illys A. Reeves 9/14-12/31 Clerk-Typist

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. GENERAL Page

A. Introduction 1 B. Climatic and Habitat Conditions 1 C. Land Acquisition 1 D. System Status 1

H. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

A. Construction 1 B. Maintenance 1 C. Wildfire 1

III. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

A. Croplands 1 B. Grasslands 1 C. Wetlands 1 D. Forest lands 1 E. Other Habitat 1 F. Wilderness and Special Areas 1 G. Easements for Waterfowl Management 1

IV- WILDLIFE

A. Endangered and Threatened Species 1 B. Migratory Birds 1 C. Mammals and Non-Migratory Birds and Others 2

V. INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION

A. Information and Interpretation B. Recreation C. Enforcement

VI. OTHER ITEMS

A. Field Investigations B. Cooperative Programs C. Items of Interest D. Safety

JfK'

TL 75

1

I. GENERAL

A. Introduction

The summer and fall of 1975 passed in a more or less normal fashion. No major calamities or windfalls occurred.

B. Climatic and Habitat Conditions

The dry, warm conditions of the previous period persisted throughout the summer. Average temperatures for December (41 degrees) made it the mildest month with the lowest snowfall in 12 years.

II. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

No major construction projects were undertaken. Workers hired under the Title X Program constructed an addition (1 bedroom and bath) on residence 6. They also built a moveable 12 x 12' building for use as a hunter check station. Buildings at Headquarters site were painted. Two old buildings at MCM Camp were demolished, and surfacing material placed on approximately 1 mile of the tour routes.


1,675 acres were seeded to small grain by refuge personnel. Fields 36, 37, D2 and C, E, 1, K, in Unit B2 were summer fallowed and leveled. The irrigation system was reworked on fields B 6 § 7.

IV. WILDLIFE

A. Endangered and Threatened Species

Prairie Falcons and Bald Eagles enjoyed about the same status as the previous year.

The raptor Peninsula Tract transfer-annexation to Tule Lake Refuge, which would benefit several species and control public interference is still in negotiation limbo undergoing final (?) action by Reclamation, the Service, and Bureau of Land Management. Meanwhile the all-terrain vehicle traffic, stayed by the proposals and publicity, is resuming at an accelerated rate.

B. Migratory Birds

Botulism among ducks and shorebirds caused the loss of an estimated 250 birds from July through September. Banding efforts during the summer tallied 100 immature Canada geese, 147 Ruddy ducks (3 transmitters). Fall pre-season banding netted 2,491 Mallards and Pintails. During the fall-winter period California Fish and Game cannon-netted and banded 1,142 geese of four species.

2

The fall migrations and populations were 25 to 30% lower than usual (1,060,000 less use-days for 1975), presumably due to mild climes to the north. There was, however, an unusually high influx of mallards in October and November. We presume the dry mild conditions at areas like Malheur may have contributed to this. Certainly the increased influx of canvasbacks this year might be traced to the exodus at Malheur.

In early September an uncommon Common Gallinule was noted on Sump 1-A.

C. Mammals and Non-Migratory Birds and Others

Three feral goats were collected from the band of 16 which inhabit Sheepy Ridge for pathlogical tests and examinations relative to blue-tongue and sore-mouth disease among the bighorns in the Lava Beds National Monument enclosure. Tests indicated negative for the two diseases. The goats were found to be remarkably free of contagium.

During the special four-day pheasant season there was an unprecedented loss of hen pheasants presumably due to continuous hunting during wet, stormy conditions. On areas adjacent to water (Frog, SW Sump Units) dripping wet birds attempting to escape dogs and hunters everywhere flew across the open water only to encounter more of the same on the far shoreline. Unable to escape or renegotiate the long distance back; birds apparently alighted on the water and drowned. Along the west edge of the Frog Pond Unit some 37 hens and two roosters were found. Along the north shoreline of the Lower Sump 14 hens and three roosters were gathered. Eight hens were critically examined. Only one had been shot. In the Unit 12 area of Lower Klamath (flooded) seven hens and one rooster were similar-ily lost.


Several changes were made in the hunting program. Entry permits, previously required for the first two weekends of the waterfowl season, were required for the first weekend only.

The following news release was issued twice from the Regional Office and was also carried in California Fish and Game releases.

TL v y _ 7 5 l i f c P I I I A D E P A R T M E N T O F T H E I N T E R I O R

z || P | X J U S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

PI I I 111 VHP VP P. 0. BOX 3737 PORTLAND. OREGON 97208

^ 75-61

Refer: John A. Sayre V-A-AA^V-AU 503/234-3361, Ext. 4056

^AAAAAAA-/

RELEASE ADVANCE RESERVATIONS FOR WATERFOWL HUNTING AT TULE LAKE-LOWER KLAMATH NWR'S HILL BE REQUIRED FOR OPENING WEEKEND ONLY

Advance reservations for waterfowl hunting on Tule Lake and Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuges will be required for the opening weekend only, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today. Applications for reservations will be taken by mail instead of the telephone answering service which was used the past two seasons.

Other changes involving opening weekend entry permits are—only 1,600 permits will be issued: 200 for Tule Lake Marsh; 600 for Tule Lake Field; and 800 for Lower Klamath.

No standby list will be maintained; cancellations and "no shows" will not be refilled.

Applications will be accepted by mail at Tule Lake headquarters from August 1 through 15. A drawing will then be held to determine the successful applicants, and permits mailed to them. Unsuccessful applicants will not be notified.

Up to four hunters may apply together as a party, but each hunter is permitted only one application (whether applying as an individual or as a member of a party). Permits are not required for hunters under 16 years of age.

The procedure to follow in submitting applications is:

1. Use a 3^ x 5^ postal card - type or print plainly.

2. Give name and address (up to four) for each person requesting permits. Zip codes must be included.

3. Indicate first and second choice of hunting areas—Tule Lake Marsh, Tule Lake Field, Lower Klamath.

4. Mail to: Manager, Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges, Route 1, Box 74, Tulelake, California 96134.

Any person whose name appears on more than one application will be excluded from the drawing, as will any application which is received late, is illegible, incomplete or on other than a postal card.

Hunters are reminded that waterfowl hunting on the California portion of Tule Lake and Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuges will be from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1:00 p.m. daily.

7/30/75 X X X

We received 1,475 cards - 3,805 individual requests for the 1,600 available permits. Approximately 90% of these applications were in usuable form - i.e. on postal cards, contained all needed information .

Thirty-eight individuals, or approximately one percent were rejected because of duplicate applications.

Valid applications were serially numbered and placed in a drum. Judge Victoria Thayler presided at the drawing on Monday, August 25. Permits were written, rechecked for duplicates, and mailed on Friday, August 29. 180 man hours were required for the entire process, including 300 Modoc permits. We calculate permit issue costs at 37<f each.

Shooting hours for waterfowl were changed to end at 1 p.m. in an effort to reduce gun pressure on the birds and encourage movement into the hunting areas.

On the field units some rearranging of the open and closed areas was done.

Blind site markers were located approximately one-fourth mile apart on the old 'firing line' and on an area extending two miles south into the Frog Pond.

Hunters wishing to hunt in this area were required to register each morning prior to the hunt. Blind assignments were made by a drawing, and shooting was restricted to within 30 feet of the assigned site. The program worked well and received many compliments.

Season total of 15,000 hunters with 11,570 ducks and 17,450 geese represents a seven percent increase in hunter use, six percent increase in duck bag and a sixty-four percent increase in goose bag over the 1974-75 season.

VT. OTHER ITEMS

Field Investigations

Not applicable.

Cooperative Programs

Not applicable.

Items of Interest

Federal Government payments to counties from Klamath Basin Complex operations are made under P.L. 88-523 and P.L. 88-567 to two California counties and one Oregon county. 1975 payments to the counties of Modoc and Siskiyou. Following is a breakdown of payments to counties made during 1975.

California Oregon

COUNTIES Siskiyou Modoc Klamath Total

P.L. 88-523 200.45 8,979.29 9,179.74

P.L. 88-567 98,301.50 13,496.11 11,313.76 123,111.37 98,501.95 13,496.11 20,293.05 132,291.11

Disposal of 55 gallons of Ceresan chemical was successfully completed after several years of unsuccessful attempts to remove the product from the refuge. Disposition was handled by Industrial Tank, Inc., Martinez, California in their high mountain property which is completely rock lined, with no outlet nor access to water.

The Klamath Basin Complex worked with California and Oregon State Employment offices to hire 10 temporary workers. Reporting date was August 18. The hiring was made possible by $40,000 in Title X Job Opportunity Program funds.

Refuge personnel staffed an interpretive exhibit for three days of the Tulelake-Butte Valley Fair.

Noted photographer, George Harrison, spent several days on the area taking pictures for a book on the favorite birding areas of Roger Troy Peterson.

FWS/BR/BLM have reached a basic agreement on the fate of the Peninsula area near Tule Lake Refuge. It is probable the area will be transferred from B/R to FWS for use as a sanctuary for birds of prey.

Administrative Officer, Rosie Chapman earned a 20-year service award November 2. A 20-year safety award was earned at the same time. Engineering Equipment Operator Bill Sellers earned a 10-year service award.

Credits:

Section I-B and Section IV -- O'Neill Section VI-C -- R. Chapman All other Sections -- McCollum Typing - Davis

Safety

Four minor personal injury accidents occurred during the period, all involving J.O.P. workers.

One motor vehicle accident, involving a refuge pickup and a private vehicle occurred on the Stateline Road. There were no injuries, damage to both vehicles was minor.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

TULE LAKE AND LOWER KLAMATH NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES

% PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS

1975-76

LEGEND Refuge Boundary

State and County Lines

Interior Retrieving Zone

Hunter Access Route

Trailer Park

H Parking Area

No Hunting

Pheasant Hunting Only, During Special Four Day

Season. Limit 2 Male Pheasants Per Day

Waterfowl and Pheasant Hunting Only, During

Regular State Seasons (Entry Permit Required During First Two Days of Waterfowl Season)

Waterfowl and Pheasant Hunting Only, During Regular State Seasons (No Entry Permit Required)

Restricted Blind Spaceing

(See regulations on back

SPECIAL REGULATION • Waterfowl Hunting Hours Shall Be From One-half

Hour Before Sunrise to hOOPM. On All California

Portions of Tule Lake and Lower Klamath National

Wildlife Refuges

-Petroglyphs Section of Lava Beds Nat'l Monument

\ NO HUNTING U- \

SPECIAL SPACED BLIND AREAS: In those areas of the Tule Lake and Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuges designated as spaced blind areas, hunters may not possess any loaded firearm further than 30 feet from the established blind stakes. Decoys may be set at any distance from the stake.

Not more than four hunters may hunt at any one blind stake.

Blind sites in the Lower Klamath spaced blind area will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Blind sites in the Tule Lake spaced blind area will be selected by lottery at the beginning of each day's hunt. The lottery will be held at the blind area check station located on the County Line Road. Only those hunters receiving blind assignments from this check station may hunt in the Tule Lake spaced blind area.

The map below shows the arrangement of blind stakes within the Tule Lake Area.

G.P.O. 699-323

HUNTING REGULATIONS Tule Lake - Lower Klamath

National Wildlife Refuges Route 1, Box 74

Tulelake, California 96134

LICENSES AND PERMITS: All hunters must have in their possession a valid State hunting license and all required State and Federal stamps and permits. ATTENTION: During the first two days of waterfowl season, all hunters 16 years of age and older must have in their possession an entry permit for the controlled hunting unit in which they are hunting. Permits are issued well in advance of waterfowl season to applicants selected by lottery.

ENTRY: The public is allowed on the refuges only during the times posted at refuge entrances.

SHOOTING HOURS: Hunting is permitted 7 days weekly. Legal shooting hours shall be from one-half hour before sunrise to 1:00 P.M. on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge and on the California portions of the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge. Waterfowl shooting hours for those portions of the refuges within Oregon shall correspond to State regulations. Pheasant shooting hours in the California and Oregon portions of the refuges shall correspond to State regulations.

CAMPING: Camping and overnight parking are prohibited on all refuge lands.

ACCESS ROADS AND PARKING: Primary hunter travel routes are posted with "Hunter Access Route" signs. ATI travel may be prohibited when road conditions are hazardous or when travel may result in damage to roads and dikes. Hunters are requested to park only in designated parking areas. Make certain your parked vehicle will not obstruct traffic or interfere with another person's hunting. Hunting is prohibited on all designated access routes and parking areas.

BOATS: Boats may be used on all areas open to hunting. Air-thrust, water-thrust, and sculling boats are prohibited.

RETRIEVING ZONES: Posted retrieving zones are established on certain hunting units to promote safety and to reduce waterfowl crippling loss. Possession of firearms in these retrieving zones is prohibited except, unloaded firearms may be taken through the zones when necessary to reach or leave hunting areas. Decoys may not be set in retrieving zones. Retrieving zones are also closed to pheasant hunting.

DECOYS AND OTHER PERSONAL PROPERTY: All decoys, boats, and other personal prop-erty must be removed from the refuges at the close of each day. Any such property remaining unattended will be subject to impoundment and disposal by sale.

LITTERING: the depositing of any refuse (including, but not limited to, garbage, human waste, animal entrails, shell casings and wastepaper) is prohibited, except when deposited in designated containers.

HUNTING BLINDS: Temporary hunting blinds may be constructed of natural vegetative material. Construction of such blinds, however, does not establish priority to the blind or hunting area. The use of pit blinds is prohibited on the refuges.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. GENERAL Page


11• CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE




IV. WILDLIFE



A. Information and Interpretation 2 B. Recreation 2

C. Enforcement 2

VI• OTHER ITEMS

A. Field Investigations B. Cooperative Programs 2 C. Items of Interest 2 D. Safety 2

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LK 75

1

I. GENERAL

Operations proceeded in a normal fashion. No major problems developed.


Two and one-fourth miles of dike, paralleling the drain on the south side of Unit 4, was constructed by refuge personnel. The dike was needed in order to develop Unit 4 into a marsh and still maintain capacity in the drain to handle other water.

With the help of the Job Opportunity Program Crew, surfacing material was placed on approximately five miles of Tour Route roads and a Hunter Access Route of approximately one and one-half miles, into Sheepy West was completed.

m. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

Nine co-op farming permittees handled 5,440 acres of small grain. One-third of the crop was left in the field as wildlife food.

1,066 ton of hay was removed by three permittees. Four operators had grazing permits totalling 3,950 Animal Use Months.

The north portion of Unit 4, approximately 1,200 acres was taken out of crop production, and is being developed into a marsh unit.

IV. WILDLIFE


No change in status for eagles. Prairie Falcon, Tule White-fronted goose, or Lost River Sucker. The mid-winter inventory turned up 46 Bald Eagles on the refuge. No Endangered Species Recovery Team involvement.

B. Migratory Birds

The fall population of migrants was down some 25% over previous years as at Tule Lake, probably due to delayed migration and mild, dry conditions. Total 1975 waterfowl use days were down four and one-half million compared to 1974. In September five Ruddy Shelducks were seen on Lower Klamath Units 4, 9 and 12A. At least two of these were shot and one was found frozen at a later date. Botulism claimed an estimated 450 ducks and shorebirds from July to September in the Klamath Straits Unit (Lot 19) which was under water to eradicate quackgrass during the summer months.

Most of the shallow marsh areas froze over in December.


No significant change in status judging from census data and observations.


Hunting program changes included 1 p.m. closure on waterfowl hunting, and the north portion of Unit 6 was opened with White Lake being closed.

An attempt was made to spread hunters out along the Unit 7-8 firing line by designating blind sites approximately one-fourth mile apart. This was designed as a first come-first served operation. It was not successful, and was abandoned at the start of the pheasant season.

An estimated 9,900 waterfowl hunters took 14,900 ducks and 3,100 geese. This represents a 23% drop in hunter use, a 35% drop in duck harvest and a 5% increase in goose harvest compared to the 1974-75 season.

The special pheasant hunt was extended to the last four days of the season, opening on Thursday instead of Saturday as had been done in the past. This action cut the first day pressure in half as compared to the previous year, and made for a considerably safer hunt. Season totals were 3,400 hunters with 2,480 birds, down from 5,200 hunters with 4,200 birds last year.

VI- OTHER ITEMS

Credits:

Section IV -- O'Neill All other sections — McCollum Typing -- Davis

CL 75

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. GENERAL Page


11• CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE



A. Croplands 1 B. Grasslands 1 C. Wetlands 1 D. Forestlands 1 E. Other Habitat 1 F. Wilderness and Special Areas 1 G. Easements for Waterfowl Management 1

IV. WILDLIFE

A. Endangered and Threatened Species 1

B. Migratory Birds 1 C. Mammals and Non-Migratory Birds and Others 1

V- INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION

A. Information and Interpretation B. Recreation 2 C. Enforcement 2

V!. OTHER ITEMS

A. Field Investigations B. Cooperative Programs C. Items of Interest 2

D. Safety 2

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2

the time 14 adult bucks were noted and a removal quota of 10 males was offered. For the first recorded time antelope remained on the U-Peninsula Tract as late as December 8 when 65 were present. No doubt the dry open weather accounted for this occurrence.


California Department of Fish and Game operates a permit antelope hunt on the "U" portion of Clear Lake allowing only 10 hunters on the area at any one time.

The hunt is generally well organized, and provides a 'quality' experience .

An estimated 30 hunters used the refuge, both on and off the "U", and took 14 animals in the 10 day season.

Waterfowl hunting is rather spotty. We estimate 250 hunters took 200 birds during the 93 days season.

VI. OTHER ITEMS

Credits:

Section IV -- O'Neill All other sections -- McCollum Typing -- Davis

CL 75

1

1. GENERAL

Lying to the east of Tulelake, Clear Lake serves as one of the water sources for the Klamath Reclamation project. The area is sparsely populated and receives the least 'people pressure' of the five Klamath Basin Refuges.

As with the rest of the basin, the warm, dry weather, continued into the fall and winter, but produced no serious effect on habitat.


Nothing to report.


Bureau of Reclamation handles water levels as the demand for irrigation dictates.

The Bureau also issues the grazing permit for the area.

IV. WILDLIFE


No change to report on eagles or Lost River Sucker. No involvement with Endangered Species Recovery Team this year.

B. Migratory Birds

1. Waterfowl

Waterfowl use days were down 35,852 compared to last year. This reflects a trend toward lower spring and fall-winter use on all of the basin areas. At one time in November 2,500 geese used the refuge (1,730 Canadas, 800 Cackling).

2. Others

No significant change in status.


1. Game Animals

The population of antelope showed a production of 18 kids on all refuge lands July 16 at which time a total of 78 all class pronghorns were counted. On July 31 the population on the "U" was surveyed for the hunting outlook. At

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UK 75

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. GENERAL Page






IV- WILDLIFE



A. Information and Interpretation 3 B. Recreation 3 C. Enforcement 4

V I . OTHER ITEMS

A. Field Investigations 4 B. Cooperative Programs 4 C. Items of Interest 4 D. Safety 5

I. GENERAL

Introduction

Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge is situated on Upper Klamath Lake, 25 miles northwest of Klamath Falls, Oregon. All of its 12,457 acres is marsh and open water, accessible only by boat. Included in this refuge is Hanks Marsh, approximately 1,100 acres of marsh situated on the east side of Upper Klamath Lake five miles north of Klamath Falls. Both areas are of prime importance as breeding and migration stopover areas for Pacific Flyway waterfowl and other marsh birds.

Climatic and Habitat Conditions

Weather data is collected at the Pacific Power and Light installation in Klamath Falls, approximately 25 miles southeast of the refuge. Temperatures and rainfall for the six month period were very close to the average. Water levels followed normal fluctuations, with a slightly higher than normal water level occurring throughout most of the summer. As a result habitat conditions were normal for the marsh.

Land Acquistion

In December a meeting was held between U. S. Forest Service, Oregon Fish and Wildlife Department, and Refuge personnel to discuss management of Upper Klamath Marsh. At present the Forest Service owns approximately 2,400 acres of Marsh and upland west of the refuge boundary. They voiced an interest in divesting themselves of this acreage and felt that it should be under Fish and Wildlife Service administration. Further development of this acquisition possibly will be pursued in 1976.

System Status

Major objectives of the refuge deal with its importance as a waterfowl production and migration resting area. Importance of the marsh as an entirely natural entity, with no water manipulation other than that conducted by the Bureau of Reclamation as part of the whole Upper Klamath Lake, is stressed. The refuge is funded as part of the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges complex and therefore receives funding out of the total complex budget.


Other than normal maintenance pertaining to the upkeep of the refuge cabin site and refuge signs no major construction or maintenance projects were planned or completed.

2


A. Croplands

Not applicable.

B. Grasslands

One grazing permittee paid $726.00 for his cows harvest of 204 Animal Use Months. The permit and receipts were handled by the Bureau of Reclamation. Grazing is accomplished, depending on water levels, on the northernmost 400 - 700 acres of the refuge which is a meadow/shallow marsh area.

C. Wetlands

Refuge water levels are controlled by Bureau of Reclamation irrigation activities and Pacific Power and Light power generation. Minimum Upper Klamath Lake levels and flows in the Klamath River downstream are regulated by the Pacific Power and Light dam on the Link River and are set by contract with the Bureau of Reclamation.

There are no refuge water control facilities, therefore, no management of water levels or vegetation exists. Annual water fluctuation is only a few feet over the course of a normal year and the pattern is fairly constant, lowest levels from November — January and highest levels in May and June. Vegetation diversity and distribution varies little from year to year.

D. Forestlands

Nothing to report.

E. Other Habitat

Not applicable

F. Wilderness and Special Areas

Not applicable.

G. Easements for Waterfowl Management

Not applicable.

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3 UK 75

IV. WILDLIFE


The winter inventory disclosed seven Bald Eagles using refuge lands compared to five last year. No involvement with E S Recovery Team this year.

B. Migratory Birds

1. Waterfowl

Duck, goose, and coot use figures were down 61,000 use days compared to 1974 reflecting the same trend over all basin refuges. We attributed this to milder weather and delayed migration for some species.

2. Others

Use and production data for marsh and shorebird species showed only slight variation from previous trends.


Nothing to report.


A. Information and Interpretation

Two information boards are available just off the refuge at Malone Springs and Rocky Point Resort boat launch. Current hunting and fishing regulations were available at these sites for public distribution.

B. Recreation

1. Wildlife Oriented

A total of 8,970 visits were estimated for the refuge during this period. Primary use, as in all years centers on fishing (35%), Wildlife/Wildland Observation-boating (35%), and waterfowl hunting (30%). Tremendous fishing for trout and perch is a major attraction for all Upper Klamath Lake and not just the refuge. Large catches and large fish are very common during the right time of the season.

UK 75

4

The refuge received considerable use by waterfowl hunters this year. A total of 2,650 hunter visits were estimated, with 0.5 birds/hunter visit the result. Hunting on the Hanks Marsh unit was usually very good for the few people that used the area.

Two muskrat trapping permits were issued for the 1975-76 season while one additional permit was issued by Bureau of Reclamation for the trapping of Hanks Marsh. Reclamation handles the receipts generated from Hanks Marsh only. Trapping results will be included in the 1976 narrative.

2. Non-Wildlife Oriented

Water skiing is the only activity in this category of any magnitude. A portion of Pelican Bay on Upper Klamath Lake on the edge of the refuge is the main area of use. Conflicts with wildlife are minimal.

C. Enforcement

Distance from and higher priorities at the Tule Lake and Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuges allows only marginal enforcement effort by refuge personnel. The area is also patrolled by Oregon State Police game enforcement personnel. Several cases were made during the waterfowl hunting season. No major problem areas were noted.

VI. OTHER ITEMS

A. Field Investigations

Nothing to report.

B. Cooperative Programs

Nothing to report.

C. Items of Interest

Refer to Tule Lake Refuge unit for breakdown of payment paid Klamath County, Oregon resulting from revenues received.

Credits:

Section IV -- O'Neill All other sections -- Fleischer Typing — Davis

Safety

Safety is stressed during all refuge activities. See the Tule Lake Refuge narrative for safety information pertaining to the entire Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges complex.

KF 75

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I- GENERAL Page




111• HABITAT MANAGEMENT

A. Croplands 2 B. Grasslands 2 C. Wetlands 2 D. Forestlands 3 E. Other Habitat 3 F. Wilderness and Special Areas 3 G. Easements for Waterfowl Management 3

IV- WILDLIFE



A. Information and Interpretation 4 B. Recreation 4 C. Enforcement 4

V!. OTHER ITEMS

A. Field Investigations 4 B. Cooperative Programs 4 C. Items of Interest 5

D. Safety 5

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I. GENERAL

Introduction

Klamath Forest Refuge is located approximately 50 miles north of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Its 15,427 acres, 92% of which is deep and shallow fresh marsh and open water, is an important nesting and migration resting area for Pacific Flyway waterfowl.

Climatic and Habitat Conditions

Weather data is collected from the Chemult Weather Bureau Station 20 miles north of the refuge. Temperatures varied little from normal. Freezing temperatures occurred every month. The low temperature was -3 (December) and the high was 94 (July).

Rainfall from July through October totalled 5.69 inches, up 78% over the 1962-71 average and far more than the 1.68 inches that fell this same period last year. The first snow fell October 26 and totalled 36.3 inches through December. This is 52% of the 1962-71 average and the third smallest total since 1962. Prospects for better snow pack conditions for 1976 appeared poor by December 31. Total precipitation amounted to 12.43 inches, 2% below the 1962-71 average.

Record marsh water levels, aided principally by 171 inches of snow the first half of 1975 (highest amount of snowfall for this period in at least 13 years), carried into this period. On July 1 the Silver Lake Road gauge indicated at 4514.60' mean sea level. This was almost one foot higher than last years July 1 level (also a record) and slightly more than 2 feet above the 1960-69 level. The last time water levels reached even the 4513.00' msl by July 1, was in 1971. Water levels gradually fell to 4513.35' msl by September 30. Water froze solid in October with little fluctuation occurring the remainder of the period.

The record water levels previously discussed created above normal grazing pressure this year to upland grasses that border the marsh. During lower water levels, cattle can graze deeper into the marsh thus relieving pressure on the upland grasses.

Land Acquisition

A land exchange proposal was initiated during this period with an adjacent land owner, the Nichol Land and Cattle Company. Refuge lands involved in the exchange unit G-7, and unfenced 40 acre tract isolated from remaining refuge land and completely surrounded by Nichol land and a 40 acre Nichol tract that lies adjacent to the

2 75-

2

refuge which could easily be absorbed into the refuge with minimal fencing. Both parcels of land are of similar value. Progress was made but final approval was not consummated by the end of the year.

D. System Status

Because of the unknown status of refuge water rights (to be discussed in III C), little work was completed pertaining to refuge objectives so there is nothing to report.


Nothing of significance to report.


A. Croplands

Not applicable.

B. Grasslands

Four grazing permittees paid $10,968 for the harvest of 5,484 Animal Use Months. No major problems occurred with the grazing program although several permittees were forgetful in informing usr of turn-in and turn-out dates.

Two hay permittees paid $1,105 for their harvest of 212.5 tons. Two other permittees were unable to operate because of wet conditions previously discussed.

C. Wetlands

At present no physical management of the marsh occurs. No water control structures exist and, except for the Silver Lake Road grade which bisects the marsh and temporarily slows down the Williamson River flow through the marsh, there are no dikes to control water.

Marsh succession is continuing at a steady pace no thanks to yearly uncontrollable fluctuating water levels resulting from either fluctuating annual snow pack and subsequent base water supply, increasing diversion of Williamson River water by upstream pasture irrigation programs, or both. Water cannot be maintained at necessary levels during critical growing periods to prevent the current annual rapid growth of hardstem bulrush and cattail. As a result biological productivity is decreasing as the marsh gradually chokes itself out.

KF 3 75

On October 7, 1975 the United States began proceedings in Portland's Federal District Court to obtain an adjudication of the water rights in the upper Williamson River area. U. S. rights hopefully extend back to October 14, 1864 when what now is the refuge was then established as part of the Klamath Indian Reservation. It will be at least several years before an outcome is reached.

Water rights are the key to the future of the marsh. Without substantial water rights there would be no justification to finance the development of the marsh into a much more biologically productive unit to meet refuge objectives.

D. Forest Lands

Not applicable.

E. Other Habitat

Nothing to report.

F. Wilderness and Special Areas

Not applicable.

G. Easements for Waterfowl Management

Not applicable.

IV. WILDLIFE


Bald Eagles were more prominent after October 10. Nine were noted November 4th. Freezing conditions in early December seemed to drive the eagles out of the area along with most of the waterfowl. Only 2 Bald Eagles were recorded during the winter inventory.

B. Migratory Birds

1. Waterfowl

Duck, goose, and coot use days for the period compared to 1974 were some 40% higher. We attributed this to much better water conditions than last year.

After December 1, most of the marsh was frozen over.


Nothing to report.

kr V 75

4

V- INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION

A. Information and Interpretation

Nothing to report.

B. Recreation

A total of 4,300 visits were recorded for the period. Wildlife/ Wildlands Observation accounted for 85% and occurred mainly along the Silver Lake Road. Waterfowl hunters accounted for 10% to rank second. Hunting was fair, with success averaging 1.25 birds/ hunter visit. Fishing, although available, was of little significance. Some catches of trout and catfish were made.

Two trapping permits were issued in November for removal of 1,600 muskrats. All indications pointed towards a successful season, with results to be reported in CY 76 report.

Although picnicking is no longer a planned refuge objective, an estimated 50 visits were recorded for the year. Some overnight camping, also no longer a refuge objective, occurred in conjunction with the hunting program.

C. Enforcement

Isolation of this refuge from other Basin units precludes devoting much time to enforcement. Most patrol work is done by Oregon State Police Wildlife Enforcement Officers.

VI. OTHER ITEMS

A. Field Investigations

Not applicable.

B. Cooperative Programs

A comprenhensive Soil and Water Conservation Plan of the refuge, prepared by local Soil Conservation Service officials was received this period. Major topics included suggested range practices for four basic range site types on the refuge, stocking rate recommendations for the various refuge pasture areas, soil interpretations for the soil types present, and general suggestions on better overall vegetation management. Information from this plan will be incorporated into future land use programs.

KF 75

C. Items of Interest

Refer to Tule Lake Refuge unit for breakdown of payment paid Klamath County, Oregon resulting from revenues received.

Credits:

Section IV -- O'Neill All other sections -- Fleischer Typing -- Davis

D. Safety

See Tule Lake Refuge narrative for information.

klamath basin national wildlife refuges

Documents