ERIE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Guys Mills, Pennsylvania

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT

Calendar Year 1984

f /A 6 "/ 9'$'̂ Refuge Supervisor Review Date

C/zi/r^ Regional Office Approval Date

INTRODUCTION

The 7,994 acre Erie National Wildlife Refuge consists of two units approximately ten miles apart in northwestern Pennsylvania in Crawford County.

1. Sugar Lake Unit

The Migratory^Bird Conservation Commission approved Erie NWR on March 11, 1958. Establishment of the refuge occurred on May 22, 1959 when the first tract was purchased. Under the original and subsequent approvals, 105 tracts totaling 4,966.66 acres were acquired at a cost of $560,087.78. Approximately 167.8 acres remain to be acquired.

,2. Seneca Unit

The Seneca Division was approved by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission on June 6, 1967. Nineteen tracts totaling 3,027.15 acres have been acquired at a cost of $341,350.00. Approximately 1,321.85 acres remain to be acquired. The last land acquisition was in 1973.

The topography of northwestern Pennsylvania resulted from the retreat of the last continental ice age glacier. This hilly country in the upper reaches of the Allegheny River watershed is dotted with numerous lakes, swamps and marshes in association with meandering valley streams.

Historically, the area was an important nesting and resting area for waterfowl using the western portion of the Atlantic Flyway. During the 1800's, intensive logging and farming coupled with the near extinction of the beaver resulted in the loss of much valuable wetland habitat. The corresponding decline in waterfowl use eventually led to the creation of the Erie National Wildlife

Refuge.

Contrary to popular belief, the refuge is not on the shores of Lake Erie. As the crow flies, the Seneca Unit is twenty-five miles south and the Sugar Lake Unit is thirty-five miles south of Lake Erie.

The name, Erie, comes from the Erie Indians. This small tribe resided along the shores of what is now known as Lake Erie. In the mid-17th century, the Seneca Indians defeated the Eries and the tribe ceased to exist as a distinct group. In 1969, the refuge was officially named after this extinct Erie Indian Tribe. Unfortunately, the name, Erie, is more closely associated with the area north of the refuge because of Lake Erie, the City of Erie and Erie County. This causes much confusion especially when the public is trying to locate the refuge for the first time.

INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS i

A. HIGHLIGHTS 1

B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS 7 ^

C. LAND ACQUISITION 1

1. Fee Title I 2. Easements Nothing to Report 3. Other 2

D. PLANNING

1. Master Plan Nothing to Report 2. Management Plan 2 3. Public Participation Nothing to Report 4. Compliance with Environmental and Cultural

Resource Mandates Nothing to Report 5. Research and Investigations Nothing to Report 6. Other Nothing to Report

E. ADMINISTRATION

1. Personnel 2 2. Youth Programs 5 3. Other Manpower Programs 6 4. Volunteer Program 6 5. Funding 7 6. Safety 8 7. Technical Assistance Nothing to Report 8. Other 8

F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

1. General 10 2. Wetlands 10 3. Forests II 4. Croplands 11 5. Grasslands 11 6. Other Habitats Nothing to Report 7. Grazing Nothing to Report 8. Haying 12

9. Fire Management 12

HABITAT MANAGEMENT (Cont.)

10. Pest- Control 13 11. Water Rights Nothing to Report 12. Wilderness and Special Areas 13 13. WPA Easement Monitoring Nothing to Report

G.. WILDLIFE

1. Wildlife Diversity 13 2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species 13 3. Waterfowl 13 4. Marsh and Water Birds 15 5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species 15 6. Raptors 16 ,7. Other Migratory Birds 16 8. (fame Mammals 16 9. Marine Mammals Nothing to Report

10. Other Resident Wildlife 17 11. Fisheries Resources 17 12. Wildlife Propagation and Stocking Nothing to Report 13. Surplus Animal Disposal Nothing to Report 14. Scientific Collections Nothing to Report 15. Animal Control 17 16. Marking and Banding .- 17 17. Disease Prevention and Control Nothing to Report

H. PUBLIC USE

1. General 18 2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students 21 3. Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers 22 4. Interpretive Foot Trails 22 5. Interpretive Tour Routes Nothing to Report 6. Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations 23 7. Other Interpretive Programs 24 8. Hunting 25 9. Fishing 26

10. Trapping 26 11. Wildlife Observation 26 12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation 27 13. Camping Nothing to Report 14. Picnicking 27 15. Off-Road Vehicling Nothing to Report 16. Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation Nothing to Report 17. Law Enforcement , 27 18. Cooperating Associations Nothing to Report 19. Concessions Nothing to Report

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I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

1. New Construction 29 2. Rehabilitation 29 3. Major Maintenance 34 4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement 35 5. Communications Systems Nothing to Report 6. Computer Systems Nothing to Report 7. Energy Conservation 35 8. Other . . . ̂ Nothing to Report

J. OTHER ITEMS

1. Cooperative Programs 35 2. Other Economic Uses Nothing to Report

'3. Ipems of Interest Nothing to Report 4. Credits 36

K. FEEDBACK Nothing to Report

L. INFORMATION PACKET

Hi

A. HIGHLIGHTS

— Congressman Tom Ridge opened our 50th Anniversary Duck Stamp Celebration - 152 stamps were sold throughout the year. Western Pennsylvania Nature Conservancy advises they are voluntarily

— beginning the process of acquiring outstanding mineral rights within the Seneca Unit to preclude natural gas drilling in refuge wetlands and natural areas.

— Sierra Club honored the refuge with a Conservation Award.

— Bald eagles were sighted February through December. A yearling black bear was spotted at the Pool 9 banding site.

— Meyers dike and Cooper's dike were resloped and a nesting island added to Cooper's Marsh.

B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

Weather data was obtained from the U.S. Weather Bureau Station one mile south of Meadville, PA. The refuge is approximately 200 feet higher and 10 miles east of Meadville, which lies in the warmer lowland of the French Creek Valley.

This year, the frost free day season ran from May 17 to September 17, totaling 124 days. Total precipitation- amounted to 47.24 inches, 1.24" over the 46" average for this area. Rainfalls were evenly spaced with only seven rainfalls over 1". There were 103.3 inches of snowfall. The temperature extremes ran from -240F recorded January 11, 20 and 21 to 890F from June to August.

While January was extremely cold, February was unseasonably mild. Daily highs during the first three weeks generally ranged from 40-60°. Small impoundments were completely open by February 17, while larger impoundments were open at inflow and shoreline areas. Then, on February 27 a severe storm hit dropping 18" of snow over a two day period. The impoundments stayed frozen through to the last week of March. May was wetter than usual, with some minor flooding occurring. Ground water levels were un­usually high throughout June due to the wet conditions in May. Overall, climatic conditions during the year were favorable to wildlife.

C. LAND ACQUISITION

1. Fee Title

On September 22, 1984, Paul Wiegman, of Western Pennsylvania Nature Conservancy, notified refuge personnel that the subsurface mineral rights for the Meridian property (240 acres) were being sold by the owners. In October, the owner of the subsurface rights offered to sell them to us or the Conservancy. This is a wetland area within the Kelly Run Public Use Natural Area which came very close to being developed for natural gas production in 1983 and made us realize how difficult it would be to really protect the refuge without owning the mineral rights.

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Other

On July 25, Mr. Leon Burdick, refuge cooperative farmer, contacted refuge personnel about exploring alternatives (including a land swap) 'for acquisition of a portion of his inholding in the southeast comer of the Seneca Unit. The regional office was notified on August 7. It is becoming increasingly obvious that remaining tracts and outstanding mineral rights must soon be acquired on the Seneca Unit to allow order­ly development and proper management of the refuge.

D. PLANNING

Management Plan

The Fishing Management Plan was revised and submitted to the Regional Office for review. A Fishery Management Plan was written and submitted to the Regional Office for review/approval. A Forest Management Plan outline was submitted to the Regional Office for comment.

E. ADMINISTRATION

Personnel

Personnel

1. 'Thomas L. Mountain, Refuge Manager, GS-11, EOD 7/8/84, PFT

2. James H. Wood, Assistant Refuge Manager, GS-9, EOD 9/2/84, PFT

3. Janet A. Marvin, Outdoor Recreation Planner, GS-7, EOD 11/6/66, PFT

4. Ruth A. Brugler, Secretary, GS-4, EOD 3/4/84, PFT

5. Robert Granda, Maintenance Mechanic, WG-9, EOD 4/20/60, PFT

6. Robert E. Battin. Maintenance Worker, WG-8, EOD 3/14/77, PPT

7. Dargle R. Lons, Assistant Refuge Manager, GS-9, EOD 1/28/79, PFT (transferred 8/3/84)

8. William J. McCoy, Refuge Manager, GS-11, EOD 11/21/77, PFT (transferred 1/8/84)

YCC Staff - Temporary Appointments

1. Kimberley R. Began, Group Aid, GS-4

2. Eric P. Marsh, Group Aid, GS-4

3. Jean A. Mum ford, Group Aid, GS-4

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YCC Enrollees - Temporary Appointments

1. 'Donald R. Rodgers 12. Richard D. Hogue

2. William F. Schneider 13. Daniel P. Sokol

3. Glenn G. Armstrong 14. Shannon L. Sterling

4. Jeanne M. Nosko 15. Wendy L. Bierfeldt

5. Laura J. Holzer 16. David L. Schenberg

6. Kristine E. Bidwell 17. Karen A. Downie

7. Julia H. Nosko 18. Jeff A. Price

8. Denise McElhaney 19. Karen M. Hudak

9. Delmar C. Hites 20. Austin L. Shellenberger

10. Chris B. Wigton 21. Michele M. Sullivan

11. Shawn L. Ford 22. Colette Sekerski

CETA Employees

1. John Slick

Volunteer Programs

1. Erik Egensteiner 4. Tom Terrill

2. Bethesda Youth Services 5. Joan Terrill

3. Lake Edinboro Sportsmen1s Club

In 1984, the refuge experienced a substantial turnover in refuge staff. On January 8, Refuge Manager McCoy transferred to Wichita Mountains NWR. Janet Marvin, our former secretary, officially became our new Outdoor Recreation Planner on November 29, 1983. This left the secretary position vacant until March 4, 1984, when Ruth A. Brugler was hired to fill the vacant position. In the meantime, Daryle Lons was Acting Refuge Manager until Tom Mountain arrived from Missisguoi NWR on July 8, 1984 to fill the Refuge Manager position. Daryle Lons then transferred on August 3, 1984 to Koyukuk NWR. The Assistant Manager position was vacant until September 2, 1984, when James H. Wood arrived from Ninigret NWR. This completed the personnel actions for 1984.

Full-Time Part-Time Temporary Total FTE

FY-84 5 1 FY-83 5 1

FY-82 4 1 0 4 #9

0 5.9 0 .5.9

FY-81 4 1 FY-80 4 1

Youth Programs

0 4.9 0 4.9

The refuge hosted a YCC program for 22 enrollees from June 18 to August 29. During this year's program, enrollees spent a great deal of time with beaver plug removal, refuge boundary line clearing, maintenance of the cross-country ski trail and nature trail, litter clean-up, bluebird box construction and maintenance, fishing pier construction at Pool K, as well as general building maintenance and dike maintenance.

YCC enrollees, Austin Shellenberger and Julia Nosko, install newly constructed bluebird box. EM 7/84

Pool K fishing pier constructed by our YCC's. JM 7/84

3. Other Manpower Programs

In cooperation with the Penncrest School District CETA Program, the refuge utilized one student during the summer months. John Slick, CETA employee, was^greatly appreciated for the extra hand he provided during the summer.

4. Volunteer Program

This year we had one Allegheny College student participate in the independent study project on the refuge during the summer. In an attempt to collect some base line data on Muddy Creek, in the event of future gas well development, the student performed a macroin-vertebrate survey and water quality analysis of Muddy Creek.

Vicki Mountain and Barb Wood assisted refuge staff with waterfowl banding activities.

A Bethesda Youth Services crew performed volunteer work during May and June. The crew performed general maintenance duties.

Lake Edinboro Sportsmen's Club members constructed and erected 20 wood duck boxes on the Seneca Unit during March.

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Tom and Joan Terrill performed trap and relocate nuisance beaver control work from May-September. In conjunction with this activity, -road culverts were cleared of debris and beaver plugs to prevent township road flooding.

5. Funding

The funding for the Erie Refuge for the past five fiscal years is as follows:

Fiscal Year

'81 '82 '83 '84 '85

Migratory Birds (1210) O&M 109,000 127,000 124,000 pay act funds end-of-year add-on 11,877

Rehabilitation

Mammal & Non-Migratory Birds O&M (1220) 11,000 10,000 12,000

Interpretation & Recreation (1240) O&M 18,000 15,000 16,000 pay act funds

Refuge O&M (1260) 216,000 207,000

Quarters O&M 2,500 3,000 3,000 3,500 6,000

Expenses for Sales " 1,000 1,000 1,000 2,000

YACC ** **

BLHP Projects Office Pool 4 Temporary Shop 17,100 Permanent Shop • 140,507***

YCC 24,400 31,000 32,000 41,700

Totals 215,000

41,700 BLHP 17,100 140,507

** unknown ***funds converted from cancelled Pool 1 project of '78.

O&M 152,377 Rehab. YCC 24,400

156,000 156,000 220,500

31,000 32,000

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6. Safety

* There were two accidents this year, one involving a YCC enrollee and the other involving a refuge employee. The YCC enrollee sprained his back when he attempted to swat a swarm of wasps. The refuge employee got a wood chip in his eye. Both employees lost one day of work as a result of the accidents.

The committee reviewed the circumstances surrounding the two accident-si, and recommended that enrollees be instructed to use the wasp killer bombs provided and that all employees be reminded of the requirement to wear their safety glasses. Some of the other matters that the committee discussed and implemented during their regularly scheduled meetings included:

— annual and monthly fire extinguisher checks

*

— vehicle safety checks

— first aid kit restocking

— Safe-T-Plug battery cables installed in vehicles

— A "chain pull" opener installed on the office garage door to facilitate opening and closing this heavy wooden door.

8. Other Items

Daryle and Helen Lons receiving a "block" of 50th Anniversary Duck Stamps as a going away gift from the Erie Staff. JM 8/84

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Assistant Manager Lons was notified in late June that he had been selected as the new Assistant Manager at Kogukuk NWR, Alaska.

.Dargle and Helen departed Erie NWR on August 3 for their new assignment.

Acting Manager Lons delivered revenue sharing checks to the secretaries of Randolph, Rockdale, Richmond and Wayne Townships during March and April.

Refuge Supervisor Gavutis visited on July 24-26. Supervisor Gavutis, Manager ̂ fountain and Assistant Manager Lons reviewed refuge manage­ment programs and looked at potential development projects.

Manager Mountain and ORP Marvin met with Congressman Tom Ridge on August 20. The recent decision involving the old headquarters con­version to a residence for the Assistant Manager was discussed with Congressman Ridge.

Carl Pelino visited the refuge on September 5 to review the Bowes farm fields hay seeding. Leigh Bowes re-seeded his farm fields in late September with winter wheat and plans to interseed the fields with timothy/clover in late winter. The original hay seeding was very poor.

On September 21, Manager Mountain met with Pennsylvania Game Commission Waterfowl Biologist Fred. Hartman to discuss this year's efforts for capture and collaring of Canada geese. Goose surveys were conducted on a weekly basis to try to identify collared geese.

Special Agent Hart visited the refuge in September to become ac­quainted with new personnel.

Dr. Ed Mastellar, from the Behrend Campus of Penn State, Paul Heinrich, and Walt Maggi visited the refuge on May 18. Dr. Mastellar is a National Natural Landmark Reviewer for the National Park Service. He visited the refuge to initiate his review of the proposed Lake Creek Marsh National Natural Landmark. The area was proposed as a National Landmark in 1976.

Two other reviews of the proposed Lake Creek Marsh National Natural Landmark were conducted during June. Tom Smith and Terry Wilkinson from the Nature Conservancy visited on June 6 and Dr. Webster from Penn State visited on June 15.

Acting Refuge Manager Daryle Lons presented a program about native grasslands during the Wildlife Resources meeting held a t NASA, Wallops Island, VA on January 10-12. >

Acting Refuge Manager Lons attended the A-76 training held at the Regional Office during the week of January 23-26.

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Acting Refuge Manager Lons attended Fire Management Training held at Cambridge, MD during the week of February 6-10.

Secretary Brugler attended the PAY/PERS Training held at the Regional Office the week of March 25-30.

On May 12, Janet Marvin, ORP, attended the Earth/Sky Workshop presented by Joseph Cornell, author of the hook entitled Sharing Nature with Children.

On June 7, Maintenance Worker Battin attended the Heavy Equipment Safety Training held at Montezuma NWR.

Manager Mountain attended the Waterfowl Banding Workshop at Middle Creek, PA, the week of August 13-17.

ORP Marvin attended the Fisheries Academy course "Managing Public Awareness Programs on Field Stations" held December 13-14.

Manager Mountain returned to Missisguoi Refuge on September 19 and 20 to attend the Waterfowl Hunting Plan Revision Hearing held in Swan ton.

On September 20, Assistant Manager Wood was detailed to Rhode Island for Federal Court to testify in a case pending from last summer at Ninigret NWR.

Marshal Fox, Denver Engineering, visited the refuge on October 9 to reinspect Pool 9 and Pool 7. A Dam Safety Report will follow.

John Amato, Engineering, visited the refuge November 7-9 to complete engineering work for scheduled FY 85 ARMM projects.

Bob Trost, Cornell University Cooperative Research Unit, visited the refuge on November 14 to review our goose banding operations.

F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

1. General

Habitat conditions on the refuge were good throughout the year. Our cooperative farmers had differing opinions on cropland condi­tions. According to the farmers, it was either too wet or dry for yields to be good. Farmers claimed they put a lot of money into the ground with no return. It is the same story every year! Wild fruits, nuts and berries had nice yields and the wildlife in the area utilized them to a great extent.

2. Wetlands

Wetland habitat covers about 2500 acres of the refuge. On the Seneca Unit there are about 1400 acres of wetland, which include,

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.HC

stream channels, natural marsh and swamps and beaver pond floodings.

'There are about 1100 acres of wetlands on the Sugar Lake Unit of the refuge, with about 800 acres being creeks, beaver floodings, natural marsh, swamp and seasonal wetlands. The remaining 300 acres are made up of 14 impoundments with water control structures, 8 pools without control structures, dugouts and potholes.

Although the beaver is the'best waterfowl manager we have at Erie NWR, we do ous^best to enhance the waterfowl objectives on the refuge by managing the impoundments. The impoundments were manipulated during the year according to the station's Annual Water Management Plan. Vegetative transect lines were run on each manageable impoundment and these lines were documented with photographs. Due to personnel trans­fers some problems were encountered with the vegetative transect analysis. The transects were not started as planned in the first week of September. Heavy frost and early freezing killed a large number of the plant species present, making plant identification very difficult.

3. Forests

The refuge does not have a forest management program. A Forest Management Plan is in the planning stages. Commercial timber stands are very small or are in research natural areas and public use natural areas, which will preclude any management cutting.

Forest management at Erie will probably deal with a variety of timber management practices to enhance American woodcock production as well as general species diversity.

4. Croplands

Cooperative farmers or Agri-business people, if you prefer, farmed a total of 653 acres on the refuge. All farmers participated in a crop rotation system as specified in the Cropland Management Plan. Crops on the refuge were corn, oats, winter wheat and hay. The refuge works on a share basis, with our share to be left in the field for wildlife.

The refuge planted 18 acres of buckwheat by force account this year.

5. Grasslands

1984 was a year to watch the grass grow. This year was the first year after a four year program to establish "prairie" grass, such as big bluestem, Indian grass, little bluestem, and switchgrass.

These native grasses are being planted for dense neating cover,

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instead of the more traditional cool-season grasses. There are several reasons for going native, such as economics, little or no maintenance after establishment except burning. These grasses are also long-lived.

It takes about three years to get the grasses established here at Erie. We believe that it will take a year or two for waterfowl to select nest sites in the best nesting cover. We will make an all out effort to census these fields for nesting waterfowl in 1985.

Eighteen acres of native grasses were scheduled to be planted in 1984. The fields were plowed and prepared but time ran out before the grass could be planted. Native or prairie grasses are warm-season growing grasses and must be planted in the late June or early July time frame in order for them to not be in competition with cool-season species. Their growing season is very short if planted after the mid-July period. The young grasses would be susceptible to frost kill if we had an early frost. Buckwheat was planted for a cover crop and wildlife food in the eighteen acre parcel. We will try again in 1985 to establish grasslands.

Approximately 100 acres of old grasslands were brush-hogged during the year to control brush encroachment.

There was no grazing or prescribed burning done during the year on the grasslands.

8. Haying

All haying done on the refuge was completed under our cropland rotation system. The refuge is left a share of standing hay in each field for nesting, instead of requiring a late cutting.

This system benefits both the farmer and the refuge by permitting the farmer to have a crop with nutritive value as opposed to a late cutting with reduced food value. Nesting species benefit because there is little or no disturbance in the refuge share area for two years. The largest benefit is, however, that these lands will re­main open and brush free with no cost to the refuge, making the refuge a more diverse habitat in which to live as opposed to a monotypic brushland area.

9. Fire Management

No wildfires occurred on the refuge this year.

No prescription fires were used on the refuge in 1984. The refuge maintains cooperative Fire Agreements with the Pennsylvania Depart­ment of Environmental Resources and the Randolph Volunteer Fire Department.

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•Hf

10. Pest Control

Herbicides were used on the croplands of the refuge to reduce grasses and broadleaf pest plants. These Environmental Protection Agency approved herbicides were used to enhance corn or oat crops and were applied by the cooperative farmer. Application rates and dates were formulated by the refuge staff and the Pennsylvania Cooperative Extension Agents for the County. The proposed herbi­cides were then sent to thd regional office for approval.

The cooperative farmers all used Atrazine at the rate of 1.5 quarts per acre to control grassy weeds, such as quackgrass and foxtail, when planting corn. MCPA Amine is commonly used to control broadleaf weeds such as bindweed, curly dock, mustard and ragweed when establish­ing an oats nurse crop for grass and clover plantings. In addition, several other herbicides for weed control were submitted for approval. Pest weeds will sometimes build up an immunity to Atrazine after several years of application. The other herbicides, such as Bladex and Princep, will give the cooperative farmer an alternative if Atrazine does not work.

Alachlor with Lasso was approved for application this year but will not be used in the 1985 season. The reason for the change is that it causes cancer in mice. Special training and protective clothing will be needed in order to use this herbicide in the future.

12. Wilderness and Special Areas

There are 2,456 acres of land on the Erie Refuge set aside for Public Use Natural Areas and Research Natural Areas.

G. WILDLIFE

1. Wildlife Diversity'

Erie Refuge has a very diverse wildlife population due to the many habitat types present.

2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species

Bald eagle use on the refuge is increasing over past years. These birds were observed on the refuge year round. One, two and sometimes three eagles were seen together on the southern portion of the Sugar Lake Unit. During the fall waterfowl census, these birds were seen frequently around Meyers Pond which was drawn down. The pond held thousands of small carp, and a large number were exposed and readily available for feeding eagles.

3. Waterfowl

The fall of 1984 was extremely mild with about 1,100 Canada geese still on the refuge in late December. In previous years only 150 to

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600 birds wintered on the refuge. The lack of snow and mild tempera­tures combined with vast quantities of waste grains left in the fields 'surrounding the refuge tended to keep these geese from traveling fur­ther south during migration.

The 1984 census showed a marked increase in the number of breeding pairs of Canada geese on the refuge. Fifty-four nests or broods were counted this year. Last year's figure of 46 was an all time high. It seems that the goose population at Erie NWR is growing much lik-Gi^the goose populations in most of the eastern states. Canada goose nesting on the refuge was estimated at 65 breeding pairs on the Sugar Lake Unit, and 30 breeding pairs on the Seneca Unit.

Waterfowl production to flight stage during 1984 was estimated as follows:

Estimates were based on six surviving birds per clutch.

Peak fall migrant numbers were about 1,100 Canada geese. These birds found the refuge to their liking and stayed. Mallards numbered about 2,200 birds at peak populations. These birds migrated in late November when ice covered most of the impoundments.

Black duck populations were double last year's count. Blue-winged teal and wood duck migrated early as usual with only a few birds remaining around November first.

Tundra swans were seen during fall migration flying over the refuge. Large numbers of these birds were seen in flight, with a few utilizing the refuge for a rest stop when going south.

A wood duck nesting box program has been in operation for many years at Erie. The boxes are cleaned annually during the January to mid-March period when ice conditions are safe. Data for the 1984 nesting season has not been collected at the time of this narrative.

Assistant Manager Lons did a temperature comparison on the three types of wood duck boxes we have on the refuge. He compared tempera­tures of wood, metal and plastic bucket boxes. Data indicated the metal and plastic had higher ambient temperatures inside, which might cause reduced hatching success. This information gives us something to think about and work with to improve hatching success.

Canada Geese Mallard Black Duck Wood Duck Blue-winged Teal

Hooded Merganser

570 300

60 625 125 130

Marsh and Water Birds

We had a good population of pied-billed and horned grebes stopping on the refuge during the fall migration. One horned grebe was brought to the refuge by a local citizen. The bird landed in the man's front yard for no apparent reason. At the same time State Game Protector Will Wingo received four calls regarding grebes landing in unusual places. All of the birds were in good condition and were returned to open water areas. This is most unusual be­havior fQr birds that should not be here in late December.

Will you help me find some water? JM 12/84

Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species

The American Woodcock has been the most prevalent species in this group until the population started to decrease. The population has been decreasing since 1980.

In 1984, the YCC program did some cutting of brush to enhance or improve the habitat for woodcock singing grounds. Plans are in progress to address woodcock habitat management in a Forest Management Plan.

During one of the fall waterfowl censuses in the Lake Creek bottoms large numbers of common snipe were observed in migration.

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Several of our pools were drained during fall migration creating excellent feeding areas for killdeer, gellowlegs and other peeps. 'Assistant Manager Lons conducted a woodcock singing grounds survey for the Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit.

6. Raptors

No population changes occurred in the raptor group except bald eagles, as noted in the Endangered Species Section.

Finding an occasional owl in our wood duck box check sure our day and keeps the adrenaline flowing.

7. Other Migratory Birds

The refuge maintains about 150 bluebird houses. The houses were cleaned out in the spring. However, no checks were done during the nesting season. On October 11, about 100 bluebirds were seen in migration on McFadden Road on the refuge.

8. Game Mammals

The refuge's vjhite-tailed deer population prior to hunting season was at a slightly higher level than in 1983. An estimated 200-250 deer were inhabiting the Sugar Lake Unit. Many deer travel on and off the refuge during their normal daily activities because of the refuge's relatively small size, shape, and location. The deer herd is healthy and is not limited by winter food supplies. Road kills and hunting are the primary limiting factors. Five known car/deer encounters occurred on the refuge.

On October 17, a yearling black bear was seen on the Canada goose banding site. The bear was feeding on corn set out for the geese. This was the first bear seen on the refuge in a good many years. Although plaster casts of suspected bear tracks were made three years ago this sighting confirmed our suspicions that bear do use the refuge.

The muskrat population on the refuge was at a moderate level during the year. Trappers harvested 785 muskrats this season. The beaver population remains stable if not increasing. Several new floodings were created and several old ones became inactive. Thirty-five beaver were planned to be harvested during the trapping season. The harvest figure was increased on some of the trapping units to take problem beaver which were flooding township roads and plugging culvert pipes.

The 1984-85 trapping season fur harvest data is as follows:

Species ft Harvested

Muskrat 785 Raccoon 43 Red fox 1 Gray fox 2 Mink 8 Opossum 29 Skunk 0 Beaver 31

for

brightens

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10. Other Resident Wildlife

'Ruffed grouse are the most common upland game bird on the refuge. However, the refuge population was down significantly from the previous year when grouse were at the peak of their population cycle.

Stocked ring-necked pheasant are common fall and early winter inhabitants of the refuge. * These pen reared birds do not winter over webi^or reproduce in the wild to any significant degree. The Pennsylvania Game Commission has a pheasant propagation farm which is adjacent to the Seneca Unit. Heavy hunting pressure on the Seneca Unit exists from mostly Erie, Cleveland and Pittsburgh people hunting birds which escape from the propagation area. Most of the pheasants on the Sugar Lake Unit are stocked by the State on lands adjacent to the refuge or are escapees from a neighboring private shooting preserve.

Eastern wild turkey are common on both units of the refuge. Several small flocks spend a portion of their time on the refuge throughout the year.

11. Fisheries Resources

The Pennsylvania Fish Commission stocked trout in the refuge's public fishing section of Woodcock Creek prior to and during the trout fishing season. Trout were also stocked in the Woodcock Creek public fishing area by the Allegheny National Fish Hatchery prior to the opening of trout season.

15. Animal Control

Beaver are the primary species on the refuge which require additional control other than what is normally achieved through hunting and trapping programs'. Beaver are continuously plugging refuge water control structures and township road culverts from spring right up to freeze-up in early winter.

This year we had numerous calls from refuge neighbors regarding raccoons. Pennsylvania has had a outbreak of rabies which would frighten anyone with good judgment. Assistant Manager Wood was called five times during the month of September to put down raccoons that were acting funny. The coons were shot, handled with rubber gloves, and buried deep in accordance with the wishes of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Tests from raccoons tested in this area indicated that canine distemper was running through the raccoon population.

16. Marking and Banding

The refuge had a preseason quota of 50 wood ducks of each age and sex. The trap site was located at Reitz Pond where we have trapped

since 1980. Banding was started late because of personnel trans­

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fers and the inability to draw many birds to the site. Three methods of capture were tried; they were: rocket net, swim-in trap and the 'Montezuma trap. As it turned out we had problems attracting wood ducks and no problem attracting mallards.

The total catch for the 1984 preseason banding program is as follows:

Species AHY-M AHY-F HY-M HY-F TOTAL

Wood Duck 1 1 2 4 Mallard 1 35 36 72 Blue-winged Teal 2 1 2 3 8 Black Duck 2 2 Black/Mallard Hybrid 1 1

After telephone consultation with the regional office and the Pennsylvania Game Commission, waterfowl banding was terminated because the objective was to band local wood ducks as opposed to mallards/migrant wood ducks.

The refuge also cooperated with the Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit at Cornell University in neck banding Canada geese. The study is being done to try to find out how the migratory patterns of the Atlantic Flyway Canada goose is changing. Again, all of our luck was bad. The geese were reluctant to feed on our banding site because of vast amounts of waste grain in fields near the refuge and mild temperatures. A total of 38 Canada geese were banded and neck-collared.

H. PUBLIC USE

General

During 1984, 39,228 visitors enjoyed the recreational and interpre­tative activities at the Erie National Wildlife Refuge.

November was the busiest month of the year with 7,724 visitors. The least number of visitors to the refuge was during the month of March when only 506 visitors participated in refuge activities.

Sixteen news releases were sent to the news media during the year. Spot announcements were prepared for radio stations and three stations cooperated in airing our announcements. Unless we have a major news story, spot announcements seem to fit in with local radio programming better than general news releases.

Three major area television stations covered refuge events during 1984. WICU TV, Erie, PA, covered the ceremony at Refuge Headquarters to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Duck Stamp. Congressman Thomas Ridge (PA 21st Congressional District) participated in the ceremony.

19

WSEE TV, Erie, PA, aired a story about the importance of duck stamps in purchasing refuges for the use of birdwatchers, photographers, 'and other nature lovers. WSEE presented two separate programs on duck stamps with the film they shot on the refuge. They also did a program about our Youth Conservation Corp. The camera crew filmed our YCC enrollees constructing a 60-foot wooden fishing pier at Pool K. Enrollees were asked to tell the audience how they expected the summer's work experience to influence their career choices.

The WPSX-^TV crew, University Park, PA, spent three days filming refuge wildlife for an outdoor special that will be released to all Pennsylvania Public Television stations in late February 1985.

We emphasized why wetlands are important to wildlife in all our programs to promote the 50th Anniversary of the Duck Stamp. Various promotional activities were used to get our ideas across to the public. We began our celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Duck Stamp with a ceremony at refuge Headquarters that included Congressman Thomas Ridge and 33 invited guests. Congressman Ridge purchased the first duck stamp to be sold in our area.

Briefing Congressman Ridge (center) and Congressional Aid Rossi (right) DM 7/84

Three thousand duck stamp "bill stuffers" were distributed to area businesses and Pennbank to be included in their mailings to customers.

Displays featuring the 9-panel "Duck Stamp Story," and the top ten entries in the 50th Anniversary Duck Stamp contest were set up for the following events:

20

Farm-City Day - June 30, 1984 Northwestern Rural Electric Meeting - August 4, 1984 Crawford County Fair - August 20-25, 1984 The 125th Anniversary Celebration of the Discovery of Oil - August 24-September 1, 1984

Guys Mills Harvest Home Festival - September 15, 1984 Pymatuning Waterfowl Expo - September 29 & 30, 1984

Outdoor Recreation Planner•Marvin and Secretary Brugler talked about wi>ldlife, wetlands, duck stamps and refuge programs with approximately 30,000 visitors who attended the events.

Kathy Worley took time out from her "milk promotion" duties to check out our "duck stamp" promotion at Farm-City Day. JM 6/84

21

Eighty-eight duck stamps were sold at the Pymatuning Waterfowl Expo. JM 9/84

Programs featuring the movie, "Wildlife, Wetlands and You - the Duck Stamp Story," were presented to: the Black Ash Sportsmen's Club, the Pymatuning Greenwing Watchers and at the Congressional Duck Stamp Ceremony.

Articles discussing the "Duck Stamp Story" appeared in area news­papers. Three ra^io stations aired duck stamp spot announcements.

We sold 122 duck stamps belonging to the refuge and we also sold thirty stamps for the Guys Mills Post Office. Approximately one-half of the stamps we sold were for non-hunting purposes. Some people purchased two stamps because it was the 50th Anniversary Year, planning to put their extra stamp on the appreciation certificate in a frame.

2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students

Forty-four Randolph Kindergarten students attended outdoor class­rooms at the refuge on January 11 and June 4. An "Adopt a Tree" program was used to emphasize colors, > shapes and differences in the environment.

Students from the University of Pittsburgh studied refuge management practices as part of their ecology curriculum. This class included

one student from Krakow, Poland and another student from Kaula

Lumpua, Malaysia.

A wetlands workshop for PennDot Environmental Managers was held on September 20. Sixteen managers participated in this course.

Thirty-four Meadville East End fourth graders participated in an outdoor classroom on October 17. Their outdoor classroom followed study during school about animals and their relationships to their habitat.

Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers

ORP Marvin spent the week of July 9-13 on an environmental education detail at the Tinicum Environmental Center. She reviewed the In-Service course proposals and the guidelines used in setting up the Tinicum teacher training program, and participated in the actual Teacher's Workshop. Ground work for a workshop at Erie will be started in 1985.

Successful Teacher's Workshop JM 7/84

Interpretative Foot Trails

Two hundred seventy-six students were led on interpretive walks on the Tsuga Nature Trail. One group of students included hearing impaired and socially and emotionally disturbed students. Our theme for conducted walks this year was "Environmental Awareness."

We continued to make improvements on the Tsuga Nature Trail. More chips were added to low spots on the trail and some weeds and woody

23

growth that drooped over the trail were trimmed. Some other sections of the trail will need to have woody vegetation trimmed by the 1985 YCC's.

Interpretative Exhibits/Demonstrations

During National Wildlife Week approximately 600 people viewed the Refuge exhibit, "Water, We Can't Live Without It," which was on display at the Meadville First National Bank. Exhibits using the same theme*-were also on display in our visitor center lobby and at our contact stations during National Wildlife Week.

An exhibit, "Homes for Wood Ducks" was set-up in January for the Avtex Management Club and also for the Lake Erie Group of the Sierra Club in February.

Our exhibit, "Birds of the Erie National Wildlife Refuge" was featured during the February meeting of the Presgue Isle Audubon Club. Hoping to spot some of the birds in our exhibit, several members of the club visited the refuge on a spring birding trip.

Displays in our visitor center lobby and at our contact stations were also changed each season to provide current public use infor­mation.

Expo frames were purchased for our visitor center lobby and exhibiloop materials were placed on our contact station panels. Expo frames can be set-up in a variety of configurations. Posters, photo enlargements and plastic letters can be easily attached and removed from the exhibiloop materials.

Displays are easy to change on Exhibiloop materials. JM

24

7. Other Interpretative Programs

'Films, slide talks, graphics and "hands-on" activities were used to present various wildlife topics to on-site and off-site groups.

Two programs were presented concerning the establishment of warm-season prairie grasses on the refuge. Some other program topics included: Beaver and Beaver Trapping at Erie, Croplands Management, Visiting National Wildlife' Refuges, and Saving a Place for Wildlife.

Scout leaders were assisted with activities designed to help the members of their troops earn wildlife or conservation type patches.

Outdoor Recreation Planner Marvin assisted teachers in Crawford County schools in planning their Wildlife Week activities. The slide shows, "Save a Place for Wildlife" and "Water, We Can't Live Without It," were presented to 510 students. Displays, word games and puzzles from the National Wildlife Week kits were used by teachers with another 300 students. Four high school classes (100 students) acted out the role play, "The Wild River Dam Dilemma." To top off Wildlife Week activities at the Saegertown Schools, ORP Marvin was asked to talk with college bound Junior and Senior Biology students about careers in the Fish and Wildlife Service.

Outdoor Recreation Planner Marvin assisted with the Eco-Meet sponsored by the Army Corp of Engineers at Woodcock Dam. Six county schools participated in this competition.

Meetings of the Crawford County Tourist Association (CCTA) were attended throughout the year. ORP Marvin updated their staff on public use activities at the refuge. Refuge activities are listed in the Crawford County Tourist Association "Calendar of Events" which is published with CCTA funds. The CCTA staff also distributes refuge leaflets to visitors to Crawford County.

The Crawford County section of the Lake Erie Group of the Sierra Club held bi-monthly meetings in the refuge visitor center. Eagles and gypsy moths were a couple of the topics for their programs. During the Sierra Club Christmas Dinner, the Erie Refuge staff was recognized with a "Merit Certificate" for the refuge's work in conserving local resources.

Seven meetings of the Black Ash Sportsmen's Club and three meetings of Crawford County Sportsmen's Council were attended by the Refuge Manager. Movies and updates on refuge management were the programs for these meetings.

Deputy meetings for the Pennsylvania Fish Commission and the Pennsylvania Game Commission were held in our visitor center. Refuge regulations and other law enforcement matters were discussed at these meetings.

25

8. Hunting

•Erie Refuge has been open to controlled hunting since 1966. There have been no major changes or complaints associated with the refuge hunting program. Three hunting units are designated on the Sugar Lake Unit. These hunting units are distinguished according to species available for hunting and time periods for hunting are specified. (See hunting map leaflet in the information packet)

Turkey hunting is not permitted on the Sugar Lake Unit of the refuge. During spring gobbler season, April 21 through May 12, many hunters tried to call the birds off the refuge. Three gobblers were called off and legally harvested.

Waterfowl season was split again this year. The first season was from October 13 to October 20 and the second season was from October 29 to December 21. Only a few birds were taken on the opening day of waterfowl season. After the first few shots were fired most of the waterfowl had moved to the "closed areas." Some late shooting of Canada geese did occur. One individual was cited for late shoot­ing.

Squirrel and ruffed grouse season opened October 20. Squirrel popu­lations appeared to be good but grouse populations appeared to be low. Hunting pressure on both species was moderate.

Rabbit and ring-necked pheasant season opened on November 3. Hunter turnout on the Seneca Unit next to the Pennsylvania Came Commission pheasant farm was not as high as last year. Hunter pressure on rabbits and pheasants was lower on the entire refuge. Our staff attributes decline in hunters in the field to the unseasonably warm temperatures during hunting season.

Raccoon and fox hunting season opened November 7. Hunting of raccoon and fox was limited to the north half of the Sugar Lake Unit. Thirteen raccoon hunting permits and ten fox hunting permits were issued. Ten raccoon were harvested and one fox was also har­vested. No enforcement problems occurred.

Deer hunting is the most popular hunting activity on the refuge and in northwestern Pennsylvania. Hunters were again asked to voluntarily report when they were successful in killing a deer on the refuge. This system worked reasonably well, however, we did jog the hunter's memory with a short news release to remind them we needed information on successful hunts.

Antlered deer season opened on November 26. There was no snow cover until Wednesday of the second week of the season and then the snow really came down with 15 inches recorded by Friday. A heavy fog hung over the area for both days of doe season. Weather conditions were not ideal for hunting during either antlered or antlerless deer season.

26

Twenty bucks and nine does were reported harvested on the Sugar Lake Unit.

Archery hunters harvested three deer during the season that opened October 6. No deer were reported harvested during the flintlock season which lasted four days from December 26-29.

Hunting on the Seneca Unit continues to operate under standard State and Federal regulations. We have not formulated a controlled hunting program because of incomplete acquisition, unmarked boundaries, and funding and manpower limitations.

9. Fishing

Heavy ice fishing use occurred on Pool K during January and February. Fishermen reported having very good success.

Trout season opened April 14. High water on opening day created less than ideal conditions for the trout fishermen who put their lines in at the Woodcock Creek public fishing area.

Bass season opened June 16 and the fishermen reported good fishing at Pool K and Pool 9 with several 20" plus bass caught during July.

10. Trapping

The Pennsylvania Game Commission extended beaver trapping season to include an extra week from March 4-10. January's adverse weather conditions limited the harvest during the regular season. Refuge trappers harvested 31 beaver during the entire season.

Bids for the fall trapping season were opened October 30. Fifteen trappers submitted bids and all ten trapping units were awarded. The lowest bid was $40.00 and the highest bid was $203.60. Total revenue amounted to $1,126.59. Trapping season for skunks, opossums, foxes, weasels and raccoons opened on November 7, Mink and muskrat season opened on November 22, and beaver season opened on December 26.

11. Wildlife Observations

The Tsuga Nature Trail and numerous township gravel roads which criss­cross the refuge provide good wildlife viewing opportunities. Bald eagles began using the refuge during the month of February and were sighted until the end of December. An adult was quite visible in a tree in the pool across from the Headquarters entrance road. Sighting the bird activated the "grapevine!' and bird watchers and photographers arrived to watch and take pictures.

Spot lighting deer from a vehicle at night continues to be a popular pastime in northwestern Pennsylvania and the refuge permits this activity from the township roads. This activity begins in September

and ends during December. Night-lighters account for a high percentage

27

of our bona fide wildlife observers. State law does not permit this activity after midnight. The refuge staff feels that permitting

'this activity reduces the potential poaching problems on the refuge because of the large number of people traveling the roads.

12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation

New cross-country ski trail markers were placed on both the Tsuga and Deer Run Ski Trails. Cross-country skiers enjoyed excellent skiing conditions on the refuge trails during January, February and March. Mild weather on the weekend of March 24-25 ended the skiing season.

14. Picnicking

Four picnic tables are located in a maple grove at the beginning of the Headquarters entrance road. The tables are used by school groups who are involved in outdoor classrooms and by birdwatchers and other small groups visiting the refuge.

17. Law Enforcement

A fisherman was apprehended by Assistant Manager Lons and Waterways Patrolman Mantzell with bass caught out of season. The violator paid a fine of $35.00 to the Pennsylvania Fish Commission.

An individual was cited for late shooting of Canada geese as they flew overhead. The violator paid a fine of $50.00.

The tires on a hunter's car were slashed while his car was parked in a refuge parking lot. The hunter saw another car leaving the parking lot but it got out of sight before he could obtain the license plate number.

Pennsylvania Game" Protector Will Wingo apprehended two hunters for killing an antlerless deer in antlered deer season, concealing the deer, and leaving the area. Each person paid a fine of $200.

Twenty-four refuge employees participated in the Refuge Law Enforce­ment Training session held April 16-20. Highlights of the classes were the waterfowl enforcement practical exercises with emphasis on patrol and apprehension and a demonstration of the use of night equipment. Personnel from the Pennsylvania Fish Commission, Pennsylvania Game Commission and the refuge staff acted out parts in the practical exercises. Instructors Swendsen, Badger, Hart, Dodge, Davenport, Stover, Lisenbee, Patterson, Gorham and U.S. Attorney Don Lewis presented a very informative and interesting training session.

29

I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

1. -New Construction

A fishing pier for the handicapped was constructed at Pool K. The project was done by our Youth Conservation Corp. See section E(2).

A contract was awarded to a local contractor to install french drains and concrete floors in the•office garage and equipment storage build­ing. contractor did an excellent job on the project.

An unused bay door inside the equipment storage building was installed on the northeast wall. This provides the building with two functional bay door entrances from the outside providing greater access for the storage of heavy equipment.

Local contractor pouring garage floor and ramp. JM 10/78

2. Rehabilitation

A contract was awarded to Hunter Construction Company to rehabilitate the dikes at Cooper's Marsh and Meyers Pond. The dikes had to be re-sloped to a 3 to 1 slope. New clay was added to seal the dikes, then they were reseeded and mulched. This seems like a routine operation, however, there were fish in one of the ponds, so we had to determine what species were in the pond to avoid a problem with the public. We received help in determining the fish population from Fred Griffiths of Fisheries Assistance.

A nesting island was constructed in Cooper's Marsh in conjunction with resloping of the dike. A surplus of construction money made it

30

possible to initiate a change order for Hunter Construction to build the nesting island.

Eagle food available as a result of dike rehab work. JM 10/84

The finished project at Meyers Pond. JM 10/84

Completed project at Cooper's Marsh. JM 10/84

We used the YCC program to rehabilitate other dikes which needed brush and tree removal on the back of the dike slopes.

YCC enrdllees brushing dike slopes. EM 8/84

A contract was awarded to vinyl side Quarters 9. The siding will make the house more energy efficient and require less maintenance.

Siding of Quarters 9. JM 10/84

The roof on Quarters 9 needs to be replaced. The roof is scheduled for replacement in the spring of 1985. In the meantime, the refuge maintenance staff has been spot patching the leaks in the roof.

34

Maintenance Worker Robert Battin spot patching roof of Quarters 9. . JM 10/84

With the arrival of the Assistant Manager in September, the old refuge office was converted back to a residence. The YCC enrollees were enlisted to scrape and paint the trim on the house. The maintenance staff did some plumbing and repaired the water system. The floor covering was also installed in the living room and the bathrooms.

The entire inside of the house was painted by Assistant Manager Wood and his wife, Barbara. An electrician was brought in to check all the wiring and work on the built-in stove. The heating system was worked on and inspected. Smoke alarms were installed. The house still needs some work on the interior woodwork and the ceilings need to be repaired and painted. Quarters 11 had been empty, with the heat and utilities shutoff, for a period of three years.

Major Maintenance

No major maintenance occurred this year, however, with one of our maintenance staff out on sick leave for about five months, the routine maintenance of vehicles, equipment and buildings became a major project.

The refuge maintenance building, completed in 1983, had a few major problems that had to be corrected under the warranty work of the contractor. The Z molding where the sheets of texture 111 joined allowed water to enter which caused the panels to lift and buckle.

35

After several months of procrastination, the contractor put batten board over the joints and sealed them with caulking in hopes that

'would solve the problem. It seems to have worked, however, he did not receive approval from the regional office engineers to correct the problem in this manner. The contractor was notified that if the problem reoccurred he would have to re-side the building at his expense in the spring of 1985. Several other warranty deficiencies were noted: the overhead garage door rails had to be reinforced to support the weight of the heavy hay doors, some minor electrical problems^were corrected, a fuse-a-matic was installed on the oil burner, heavy duty cables were added to the overhead doors, and an exhaust hose that was utilized to work on the refuge vehicles was provided by the contractor.

4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement

The major equipment purchase/replacement for 1984 was the requisition of a Chevy 4x4 pickup, which will be received in 1985.

Other purchases included an Abodia Slide Cabinet, Eastman Kodak Audio Viewer/Projector, EMC Dual Power/Mag Tire Changer, Sears Craftsman Power Miter Saw and a Porter Cable Belt Sander. Also, the office Saxon 755 copier was replaced with a Canon NP-155, which is just terrific.

7. Energy Conservation

The refuge headquarters wood furnace was finally put on line in 1984. The system was installed improperly when the headquarters was built. As of the winter of 1984, we now have a first rate system that should show a significant energy saving.

J. OTHER ITEMS

1. Cooperative Programs

The refuge collected weather data at our maintenance shop in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. Corps' personnel called daily to obtain the data which they used in the operation of Woodcock flood control reservoir.

The refuge served as a beaver tagging station in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

The refuge also operated a weather station in cooperation with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources, Forestry Division, during the fire danger season. DER personnel phoned daily for tempera­tures, humidity, wind speed, direction and stick readings. This information is then used to determine the "Fire Danger Rating." This data is also used by the refuge in our prescribed burning program.

36

Twenty gypsy moth traps were placed throughout the refuge in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. Con­tents of the traps were turned over to the Forest Service at Morgantown, West Virginia, for analysis. Forest Service personnel reported that we collected 1,044 male moths this year which is 514 more male moths than we collected in 1983.

Credits

Refuge Manager Mountain prepared Sections A, C, D, E-2-5 & 8. Assistant Manager Wood prepared Sections F, G, and I. Outdoor Recrea­tion Planner Marvin prepared Sections E-6, H and J. Secretary Brugler prepared Sections B, E-l, 1-4 and also typed and assembled the report.

ERIE

National Wildlife Refuge

PEXNSYLVAXIA

WELCOME

MANAGEMENT

Erie Refuge was established in 1959. The land was purchased with funds provided from the sale of Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps. Its major objec­tive is to provide waterfowl, primarily ducks, with nesting, feeding, brooding, and resting habitat. Secondary objectives are to provide habitat capable of supporting a diversity of other wildlife species and enhance opportunities for wildlife-oriented public recreation and environmental education.

Erie National Wildlife Refuge, one of over 400 national wildlife refuges in the United States, is a haven for migratory birds. The refuge is not on the shores of Lake Erie, but lies in Crawford County, 35 miles south of the city of Erie and Lake Erie. The refuge is a namesake of the Erie Indians, an extinct tribe that resided near the lake.

The refuge consists of two separate land units. Sugar Lake Unit, the more intensely managed portion, lies 10 miles east of Meadville on the outskirts of Guys Mills village. It contains 4,967 acres lying in a narrow valley which includes Woodcock Creek draining to the north and Lake Creek draining to the south. Beaver ponds, pools, and marshland along the creeks are bounded by forested slopes interspersed with croplands, grasslands and wet meadows.

The Seneca Unit is about 10 miles north of Sugar Lake Unit, or four miles southeast of Cambridge Springs. It consists of 3,027 acres situated in a forested valley where Muddy Creek and Dead Creekaprovide most of the wetland habitat. This unit has no developed public use program as land acquisition is incomplete.

/ t

Over 2,500 acres of wetland, including beaver floodings, marshes, swamps, man-made impoundments, creeks and wet meadows, provide desirable waterfowl habitat. Water control structures on refuge impoundments permit the manipulation of water levels to encourage the growth of waterfowl food and cover plants such as smartweeds and bulrushes. Future plans call for more than doubling the amount of manageable habitat now available.

Grasslands are being developed near wetlands to provide dense nesting cover

for ground-nesting waterfowl and other birds. Improved

nesting cover pro­vides more natural

protection from predators and can

be just as important to waterfowl produc­tion as quality marsh

habitat.

A cooperative farming program

permits farmers to cultivate crops

on refuge lands. Farmers agree to

raise certain crops such as oats, grass,

clover and corn. In return for using the

land, farmers leave the refuge a share of the

crops. These refuge shares are usually left

in the field as supplemental

food for wildlife.

WILDLIFE

BIRDS

Waterfowl migrations occur in March to early April and again from September to November. The peak migrating waterfowl population on any given day has been 4,500 ducks and 1,200 Canada geese. Bird enthusiasts may readily see Canada geese, wood ducks, mallards, blue-winged teal, hooded mergansers and black ducks. Some less numerous migrants are pintail, green-winged teal, American wigeon, scaup, bufflehead, golden-eye and ring-necked ducks.

Over 200 bird species have been observed in the diverse habitat types found on Erie Refuge. Of these, 132 species are song­birds. The refuge provides nesting habitat for about 90 bird species. A detailed refuge bird leaflet may be obtained from the refuge office.

Wood ducks are the most prolific waterfowl nesters on the refuge. Their annual production is significantly increased by the placement of nesting boxes on refuge wetlands. Hooded mergansers, mallards, black ducks, blue-winged teal and Canada geese are other common resident nesting waterfowl.

Bald eagles and ospreys occasionally visit the refuge in search of food. Common nesting raptors are red-tailed hawks and American kestrels.

During summer, shorebirds such as sand­pipers and yellowlegs appear in small groups feeding on mudflats. The most noticeable marsh birds are great blue herons, which nest in rookeries on the refuge.

MAMMALS

Some 33 species of mammals are present on the refuge. The most commonly seen are white-tailed deer, beaver, muskrat and woodchucks. A detailed refuge mammal leaflet is available at the refuge office.

FISH

Common warm water fish occurring in refuge waters include black crappie, yellow perch, largemouth bass, bluegills, sunfish and bullheads. Common cold water species include trout and white suckers in Woodcock Creek.

PUBLIC USE

Erie Refuge is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Visitors can view displays, obtain information leaflets and talk with personnel at the refuge headquarters/visitor center building Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. till 4:30 p.m. Headquarters is located off Rt. 198, 3/4-mile east of Guys Mills and 10 miles east of Meadville.

The Tsuga Nature Trail near headquarters is open seven days a week. This two-loop trail follows a 1.2 or 1.6 mile route through a wide variety of habitat types. The trail and gravel roads throughout the refuge provide excellent opportunities for wildlife observation. During the winter months, skiing and snowshoeing on refuge trails are encouraged.

Educational groups are always welcome to use the refuge for environmental study. Such use should be arranged in advance with refuge staff.

Hunting and fishing opportunities are available in designated areas in accordance with State and refuge regulations.

All refuge visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars, cameras and field guides to more fully enjoy Erie's wildlife.

ERIE NATIONAL

WILDLIFE

REFCCE

^yiJO TITUSVILLE tiTiG MILES

PUBLIC BOAT \o LAUNCHING AREA

For further information contact:

Refuge Manager Erie National Wildlife Refuge R.D. #1 Wood Duck Lane Guys Mills, PA 16327 Telephone: (814) 789-3585

As the Nation's principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has responsibility for most of our nationally owned public lands and natural resources. This includes fostering the wisest use of our land and water resources, protecting our fish and wildlife, preserving the environ­mental and cultural values of our national parks and historical places, and providing for the enjoyment of life through outdoor recreation. The Department assesses our energy and mineral resources and works to assure that their development is in the best interests of all our people. The Department also has a major responsibility for American Indian reservation communities and for people who live in island territories under U. S. administration.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

RL 52520-1 March 1982

National

Refuge

§ HUNTING MAP I AND REGULATIONS

wrjarjerAmrA

ERIE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

HUNTING MAP REGULATIONS ON BACK SIDE OF MAP

a\t

ERIE CO. CRAWFORD CO.

REFUGE AREA

R VIRV"

il. Oi City

Stoneboro©"

Sharon

J, ercer VICINITY MAP

SCALE- l" : 20 MILES APPROX

Gilberts Corners

[3

LEGEND•

AREA A Open to all Hunting

AREA B Closed to Hunting Except Firearms Deer Season and Night Hunting Raccoon

AREA C Open to Hunting Except Migratory Birds, Fox and Raccoon

Water Impoundments jr

Refuge Headquarters

• Parking Areas

1/2 0 I I 1/2

SCALE IN MILES

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

See Back Cover for Special Refug>-Regulations

Refuge Signs — Know Their Meaning

NATOHAi WllOUH lEFUGt

U*Al/rVOei2JD •<Tf r e*o©©rT»o

PUBLIC HURTIftG AREA

-AREA

UTONO THIS MOM

CLOSED

SffUGE BOUNDARY SIGN - ENTRY PERMISSION ONLY

ARE4 OPEN TO HUNTING AT SPECIFIC TIMES

See Special

Regulations

SANCTUARY AREA -OH LIMITS TO The public unless otherwise SP^CIEIEO

REFUGE HUNTING REGULATIONS OPEN TO HUNTING

SMALL GAME Ruffed Grouse & Squirrels Cottontail Rabbit & Woodchuck Ring-necked pheasant & quail Raccoon (night hunting) Fox, skunk & opossum

AREA A yes yes yes yes yes

AREA B no no no yes no

AREA C yes yes yes no no

MIGRATORY BIRDS Mourning dove Woodcock & Common Snipe Canada goose, ducks & coot Crow

yes yes yes yes

no no no no

no no no no

BIG GAME Deer (Archery Season) Deer (Firearm Seasons)

yes yes

no yes

yes yes

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

B Species not listed above are protected and may not be killed

B Hunting is only permitted on the refuge from September 1 through February 28 subiect to State and Federal regulations.

0 Target practice or shooting at random is not permitted. »

El The use of alcoholic beverages is not permitted on the refuge when visiting tor the purpose of hunting.

£i All vehicle travel is prohibited except on roads and parking areas designated for such use.

H Construction or use of permanent blinds, platforms or scaffolds is prohibited.

9 Overnight camping is prohibited.

9 Boats without motors are permitted for waterfowl hunting. Boats and decoys must be removed from refuge at end of each day's hunt

ii Field possession of migratory game birds is prohibited in areas of refuge closed to migratory game bird hunting.

B All fox and raccoon hunters must have a Special Use Permit in possession when hunting on the refuge.

B Deer hunters must notify refuge headquaters within 48 hours after harvesting a deer,

B Report all injuries and accidents to Refuge Headquarters. R.D. #1, Wood Duck Lane. Guy Mills. Pennsylvania 16327 or phone (814) 789-3585

QUALITY HUNTING DEPENDS ON YOU PLEASE RESPECT ALL REGULATIONS

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

FISHING REGULATIONS

Fishing shall be done in accordance with all applicable State regulations subject to the following special con­ditions .

1 .

2 .

3.

4.

5.

6.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS Bank fishing is permitted on all public fishing areas.

Boats are allowed in Area TO, and boats without motors are permitted in Area 5 from the second Saturday in June to September 15 only.

Bank fishing in Areas 5 and 7 is permitted year around Areas 5 and 7 may be opened (conditions permitting) to ice fishing, as posted by signs at the areas.

Refuge areas are open for fishing sunrise to sunset.

The taking of frogs is prohibited.

Minnows and turtles may be trapped by special use permit only.

ERIE

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

PENNSYLVANIA

PLEASE KEEP YOUR REFUGE CLEAN

HELP BY WING YOUR LITTER HOE

PUBLIC FISHING MAS AND WP

REGULATIONS ON BACK SIDE OF MAP 1. Woodcock Creek at north end - from northern refuge

boundary, upstream or south past LR-20114 about one-tenth of a mile.

2. Woodcock Overlook Pond - west side of Hanks Road.

3. Woodcock Creek south - downstream from Hanks Road about 150 feet.

4. Lake Creek at Route 27 - from Route 27 road enbankment.

5. Pool 9 dike area - bank fishing on the dike and below the dike along Lake Creek for about 400 feet. Boats without motors and ice fishing upstream from the dike about 3000 feet.

*

6. Meyers Small Ponds - between Meyers Pond and Pool 9 entrance road.

7. Pool K - bank fishing on dike as posted.

8. Reitz Pond dike and Small Ponds - bank fishing on about 1000 feet of south and southeastern shores and in small ponds east of Reitz.

9. Lake Creek at Route 173 - from Route 173 road enbankment.

10. Lake Creek above Sugar Lake - about 300 feet of creek with boat access from Sugar Lake.

The refuge is administered and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of Interior. Headquarters are located off Rt. 198, 3/4-mile east of Guys Mills and 10-miles east of Meadville. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For additional information contact:

Refuge Manager Erie National Wildlife Refuge RD 1, Wood Duck Lane Guys Mills, PA 16327 Telephone (814) 789-3585

WELCOME

TSUGA SKL TRAIL - TWO LOOPS OF

1.2 MILES AND 1,6 MILES.

TSUGA IS LATIN FOR HEMOCK,

STATE TREE OF PENNSYLVANIA.

DEER RUN TRAIL - 3 MILES.

WATCH FOR WILDLIFE SIGNS IN THE

SNOW ALONG THE TRAIL.

SKI TRAIL REGULATIONS

-SNOWMOBILES, TRAIL BIKES AND OTHER

OFF-ROAD VEHICLES ARE PROHIBITED,

-USE OF THE TRAIL IS PERMITTED DURING

DAYLIGHT HOURS ONLY.

-PETS MUST BE LEASHED. HORSES ARE PROHIBITED.

-CAMP FIRES ARE PROHIBITED.

-SKIERS MUST REMAIN ON THE DESIGNATED

TRAILS.

SKI TRAIL GUIDE ERIE

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

PENNSYLVANIA

WTIOXAL

WILDLIFE

REFF CE TSUGA AND DER RUN a<I TRAILS

Cambridge Springs

LOCATION MAP

TO SAEGERTOWN 8 MILES

POOL 9 OVERLOOKS

P PARKING

TRAILS

REFUGE BOUNDARY

TO MEADVILLE 8 MILES Ss

O TITUSVILLE 6 MILES

TO COCHRANTON 6 MILES

[SUGAI . ^ LAKE'

[ S X\

» PUBLIC BOAT \^o LAUNCHING AREA