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Southwest Region (Arizona ● New Mexico ● Oklahoma ●Texas) http://southwest.fws.gov

Wildlife Refuge Seeks Public Input on Compatibility Determinations for Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge

Compatibility determinations are documents written, signed and dated by the refuge manager and the regional chief of refuges that signify whether proposed or existing uses of national wildlife refuges are compatible with their establishing purposes and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System. All recreational activities and economic or other uses of a refuge by the public or other non-Service entity require compatibility determinations, which must include our analysis of all facilities, structures and improvements associated with the uses. Economic uses must also contribute to achieving refuge purposes and the mission of the Refuge System. Compatibility determinations are not required for such refuge management activities as scientific studies or surveys, historic preservation, law enforcement, or the maintenance of refuge management facilities, structures, or improvements.

After careful consideration the Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge is offering two Compatibility Determinations, Hiking and Camping, for public review and comment. Comments collected during this period will be reviewed and incorporated to the extent practicable. The draft Compatibility Determinations provided to the public for review at Maxwell Post Office, Maxwell and Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Centers and on line at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/maxwell/. The public is encouraged to provide input by writing to: Visitors Services Manager, Northern New Mexico National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Rt 1, Box 399, Las Vegas, NM 87701; or by e-mail [email protected]. *Please put “Public Input – “CD” in the subject line of the email.

Comments will be accepted until December 23, 2019.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Affairs Office PO Box 1306 Albuquerque, NM 87103 505/248-6911 505/248-6915 (Fax)

http://southwest.fws.gov/

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/maxwell/

Draft Compatibility Determination for Hiking on Maxwell NWR 1

COMPATIBILITY DETERMINATION

USE: Hiking (includes walking and the use of mobility aids by individuals with disabilities) REFUGE NAME: Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge (NWR/refuge) ESTABLISHING AND ACQUISITION AUTHORITIES: Acquired with funds under provisions of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act, August 24, 1965, (16 USC 715-715r). REFUGE PURPOSE(S): “…for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds.” [16 USC 715d] “…provide habitat mainly for migrating and wintering waterfowl, plus some nesting areas for both ducks and geese”. USFWS Refuge Land Acquisition Biological Reconnaissance Report, 1962. NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM MISSION: “The mission of the System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans” (National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 105-57). DESCRIPTION OF USE: What is the use? Hiking (for this document, the term hiking also includes walking and the use of mobility aids by individuals with disabilities) provides a means to explore habitats where visitors may participate in priority wildlife-dependent recreation activities. Hiking is an existing secondary recreational use occurring on the refuge in support of wildlife observation, wildlife photography, fishing, environmental education, and interpretation. Each year we may receive up to 300 visitors who explore the refuge by hiking on the three provided trails while many others explore the refuge through hiking off existing trails. The refuge is approximately 3,698 acres in size and approximately 2,000 acres are open to hiking. Where is the use conducted? Hiking occurs on three established hiking trails and is permitted off trail in areas that are open to the public (see attached map). The Prairie Dog, Prairie, and Cottonwood self-guided nature trails provide access to a variety of different areas within the refuge. The self-guided Prairie nature trail is 0.25 miles of maintained accessible trail, which leads across the short grass prairie to a view of waterfowl and wildlife that resides on Lake 14. During fall and spring migrations there is an abundance of waterfowl, eagles, Northern harriers, and osprey’s viewable on the lake. There are also many opportunities to view large ungulates in this area.


All of the Prairie Dog nature trail is accessible. This loop trail provides seating and interpretive signage near the prairie dog colonies. A spotting scope is also available to acquire a closer view of the life of prairie dogs in their native habitat. These colonies are essential to healthy grasslands and interpretive signs are located around the circle explaining the life cycle of prairie dogs and their usage of the grasslands. The Cottonwood nature trail has 0.06 miles of accessible area. The Cottonwood trail provides a view of the agricultural fields and the wildlife that utilize them for forage during the spring and fall months. This small woodlot houses many animals such as owls, deer, woodpeckers and jackrabbits. These accessible trails offer similar experiences and wildlife viewing that would be expected from the 0.25-mile Prairie nature trail hike. All three trails are an easy hike across short grass prairies or through a level cottonwood lot. Accessible portions of trails are paved with compacted crushed volcanic rock. Hiking also occurs on the sides of a 6-mile network of gravel roads and levees, including the auto tour loop. The roads are posted as 25 miles per hour through regulatory signs and radar speed signs. The refuge receives approximately 5,500 visitor a year and there have been no conflicts between existing vehicle traffic and hikers. When is the use conducted? Hiking occurs throughout the year, from sunrise to sunset. How is the use conducted? Volunteers and staff provide information at the visitor center about the hiking trails, wildlife observation, and the rules of the refuge. Informational kiosks can be found at the front entrance to the visitor’s center and the trailhead of Prairie Dog Trail that display hike planning information and regulations that help to protect refuge resources and visitors. The refuge maintains facilities; parking areas, interpretive panels, vault toilets, and spotting scopes for visitors, including the trails that are open to hiking. Refuge staff and volunteers perform the necessary maintenance work to keep these facilities open. It may be necessary to temporarily close some or all of the refuge due to unusual conditions affecting land, water, habitat, wildlife populations, or visitor safety. Why is the use being proposed? Hiking offers an environmentally sustainable means of transportation and facilitates participation in the priority wildlife-dependent recreational uses of the National Wildlife Refuge System (Refuge System). Hiking is an existing, traditional outdoor activity on the refuge. Allowing this activity is consistent with the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act, and helps accomplish refuge goals and promotes understanding, appreciation, and support for its mission.


AVAILABILITY OF RESOURCES: Existing visitor services staff and volunteers would continue to allocate time to: develop publications, plan programs and facilities, monitor impacts, and answer public inquiries. Maintenance workers and volunteers would continue to install signs, trailheads, and maintain and rehabilitate roads and trails. Based on existing refuge expenditures for managing visitor use, additional funds and volunteer support may be needed to maintain trails and roads in optimal condition. Under the current budget, the refuge is able to perform the bare minimum maintenance required to keep most of the facilities used for hiking open to the public year-round. ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF THE USE: Short- and Long-term Impacts: Hiking may cause some short-term adverse impacts to refuge resources. Adverse impacts to wildlife may include disturbance and possible displacement of species when large or loud groups of visitors are on trails or along the auto tour loop. Human disturbance generally results in a temporary displacement without long-term effects to individuals or populations of wildlife. Some species will avoid areas frequented by humans and pets, while others seem unaffected. Sensitive areas like agricultural fields supplying migratory bird forage are closed to hiking and no impacts are anticipated in closed areas. Very little trampling of vegetation occurs due to the majority of hikers staying on designated trails and roads. Humans can be vectors for invasive plants when off-refuge seeds cling to their clothing, footwear, or equipment and are deposited on the refuge. Once established, some invasive plants can out-compete native plants, thereby altering habitats and indirectly impacting wildlife. The threat of invasive plant establishment requires annual monitoring and treatment when necessary. On the trails, some compacting of loose soil may occur. There is a possibility that hikers may drop litter along the trails, but this is remedied by the work of staff and volunteers, whose duties include patrolling trails and removing litter. Hiking may also result in long-term beneficial impacts to the visitor experience and the mission of the Refuge System. This use may increase the hiker’s understanding and appreciation of wildlife and their habitat needs as well as the role of the Refuge System in resource conservation. Cumulative Impacts: Refuge management actions, including prescribed burns, mowing, and agriculture are ongoing and increase the available habitat for migratory birds. In the foreseeable future, road and utility rights-of-way will continue to be maintained and the irrigation district will be removing abandoned irrigation ditches and constructing improvements to their water delivery systems on and around the refuge. Other recreational opportunities for hiking will continue to be available on nearby state-managed lands. Based on observations and knowledge of the areas involved, there are no adverse cumulative impacts expected to result from the continuation of hiking on the refuge. Exploring the refuge by hiking rather than driving motor vehicles may reduce the carbon footprint of the refuge resulting in fewer emissions of gases that can affect climate change. Hiking occurs in conjunction with fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental education and interpretation, each of which will ultimately result in beneficial cumulative impacts by increasing public awareness about conservation issues and the Refuge System. Ultimately, this will benefit the Service’s mission and the refuge purpose.


PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT: Hiking is an existing secondary public use on the refuge. We are reevaluating this use in accordance with the Service’s compatibility policy (603 FW 2). This update supersedes the Hiking Compatibility Determination (CD), which was incorporated into the refuge’s Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) authorized in 2006. A public notice requesting public input on this CD will be posted at the visitor center for 14 days starting on December 9, 2019. The CD and public notice will be posted on the refuge website. The CD will be available upon request at the refuge visitor center. The public is encouraged to provide input by writing to: Visitors Services Manager, Northern New Mexico National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Rt. 1 Box 399, Las Vegas, NM 87701: or by email [email protected]. *Please put “Public Input – CD” in the subject line of the email. DETERMINATION: Use is not compatible X Use is compatible with the following stipulations: STIPULATIONS NECESSARY TO ENSURE COMPATIBILITY: To ensure compatibility with the Refuge System and refuge goals and objectives, hiking may only occur under the following conditions:

1. We allow public hiking from sunrise to sunset. 2. We do not allow harassment or feeding of wildlife. 3. We require that all pets be on a leash in accordance with the refuge pet policy. 4. We may regulate times, areas, and conditions for hiking. This can also include short-

term or long-term closing or opening of areas where we allow hiking due to unusual or critical conditions affecting land, water, habitat, wildlife populations, and the quality of the visitor experience or visitor safety.

5. Over the life of this CD, we will assess the carrying capacity of the hiking program and determine the optimal management that will provide visitors with safe hiking opportunities while maintaining a balance between wildlife disturbance and an outstanding visitor experience.

6. Closed areas will be clearly posted.


JUSTIFICATION: Hiking occurs on the refuge as a secondary use that facilitates the primary wildlife-dependent recreational uses defined by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997. For some visitors, hiking facilitates environmental education, interpretation, wildlife observation, and wildlife photography. Hiking as described above, is consistent with the management direction provided in the CCP and will provide visitors with a chance to experience wildlife first-hand and develop awareness, understanding, and appreciation of fish, wildlife, and wildland resources. Hiking will not conflict with any of the other priority public uses and is, in fact, integral to many of them. Hiking will not adversely impact biological resources or impair the ability of the refuge to provide feeding, nesting, and resting habitat and manage for migratory birds. Therefore, through the compatibility determination process, we have determined that hiking, in accordance with the stipulations provided above, is a compatible use that will not materially interfere with or detract from the fulfillment of the Refuge System mission or the purposes of the refuge.

Signature: Refuge Manager __________________________ (Signature and Date)

Concurrence: Regional Chief ___________________________ (Signature and Date)

Mandatory 10-year Re-Evaluation Date: 2030


Hiking Map Maxwell NWR

Draft Compatibility Determination for Camping on Maxwell NWR 1

COMPATIBILITY DETERMINATION

USE: Camping REFUGE NAME: Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge (NWR/refuge) ESTABLISHING AND ACQUISITION AUTHORITIES: Acquired with funds under provisions of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act, August 24, 1965, (16 USC 715-715r). REFUGE PURPOSE(S): “…for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds.” [16 USC 715d] “…provide habitat mainly for migrating and wintering waterfowl, plus some nesting areas for both ducks and geese”. USFWS Refuge Land Acquisition Biological Reconnaissance Report, 1962. NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM MISSION: “The mission of the System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans” (National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 105-57). DESCRIPTION OF USE: What is the use? Camping is an existing recreational use on the refuge. Although this use is not one of the priority public uses, camping is supportive of wildlife-dependent recreation such as fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental education, and interpretation. Camping can increase the public’s awareness, understanding, and appreciation of fish and wildlife resources. We will continue to provide year-round primitive camping opportunities at the one established campground. Camping supports fishing for anglers and enhances wildlife observation and photography on the refuge. Where is the use conducted? Camping is allowed only at the Lake 13 Campground within the Public Use Area (see attached map) approximately 0.75 miles north of the visitor center. This location is primitive but clearly marked and provides vault toilets and three bear-proof trashcans. When is the use conducted? The refuge offers camping year-round with the majority of use occurring from March through October during fishing season.


How is the use conducted? Refuge staff and volunteers maintain and monitor the eight-site primitive campground. Recreational vehicle (RV), as well as tent camping, is allowed at the campground with a 5-night maximum stay. These sites do not have amenities like potable water, electricity, or sewage hookups. The sites which are approximately 40’ wide by 60–100’ long can accommodate an average size RV. The use of generators is allowed, but campfires are prohibited. There are two accessible toilets adjacent to the parking area at the entrance road to the lake approximately 0.25 miles from the campground. These campsites are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. The refuge will be implementing a free self-serve permit system as well as delineating the individual sites with numbered signs and post and rail fencing. The permit must be displayed on the RV windshield or as directed on the permit and deposited at the on-site kiosk’s campsite registration drop box (permit station). Why is the use being proposed? The refuge is a migratory waterfowl refuge that receives a large variety of birds during migration. The refuge is also known for falcons, hawks, bald eagles, and golden eagles that reside or migrate on refuge, providing a great opportunity for wildlife observation and photography. Camping is directly related to these priority public uses by allowing visitors to spend more time on the refuge without having to travel from an off-site location for multiple-day visits. The refuge is open to fishing 24 hours a day during the open season and camping greatly facilitates this activity. Visitation at Maxwell NWR has averaged over 5,200 visitors per year for the last five years. Cumulatively, the camping opportunities on the refuge provide a chance for over 190 people per year to experience nature in the unique setting that a national wildlife refuge offers. These individuals travel to the refuge to enjoy the outdoors while also gaining an understanding of how the natural world and human activities are intertwined. While not a wildlife-dependent recreational use, camping has been found in the past to be compatible with the purposes of the refuge. AVAILABILITY OF RESOURCES: The refuge presently experiences daily visitation and has existing staff assigned to manage various compatible recreational uses, including camping. The refuge is able to provide recreational camping opportunities for refuge visitors while minimizing the amount of refuge resources necessary to provide, maintain, and monitor the use. Refuge resources are mainly required for answering inquiries, hosting or assisting environmental education or interpretation programs, and monitoring the use. The refuge collects no fees for camping. Funding and staffing needs related to continuing or altering an existing supportive recreational use will be considered and prioritized. We do not anticipate that the minor proposed changes to camping will require a significant amount of additional staff time or funding. Existing refuge funding is sufficient to continue this use at current levels. ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF THE USE: Short- and Long-term Impacts: Camping has the potential to adversely impact the physical and biological environment at and near the campground. Camping may result in disturbance to wildlife, including mule and white-tailed deer, elk, pronghorn, raptors, waterfowl and waterbirds, and passerine birds, especially during prime camping seasons. However, the refuge average of over 190 refuge campers each


year is low and it is likely that wildlife species on the refuge have acclimated to human presence, especially in designated camping areas where the use has occurred for many years. Nevertheless, individuals who wander off trail in areas nearby designated camping facilities may cause soil compaction, trampling of vegetation, plant destruction, illegal trail establishment, trail deterioration, and production of litter or human waste. These on-the-ground conditions may result in adverse impacts to soils, habitat, and water quality; however, the refuge enforces regulations and ensures that campgrounds are patrolled by staff, federal wildlife officers, and state game management officers to help minimize any potential negative impacts. Camping may also result in long-term beneficial impacts to the visitor experience and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System (Refuge System). Camping is supportive of all the wildlife-dependent recreational uses allowed on the refuge, which increase public awareness of the refuge and conservation issues. Furthermore, camping may draw more visitors who participate in other wildlife-dependent recreational uses of the refuge or those available on nearby lands. In this sense, camping may provide short-term benefits to the socioeconomics of the community. This use may also increase the viewers’ understanding and appreciation of wildlife and their habitat needs as well as the role of the Refuge System in resource conservation. Cumulative Impacts: Visitation to the refuge is unlikely to increase because of the minor changes to the camping program. Refuge management actions, including prescribed burns, mowing, and agriculture are ongoing and increase the available habitat for migratory birds. In the foreseeable future, road and utility rights-of-way will continue to be maintained and the irrigation district will be removing abandoned irrigation ditches and constructing improvements to their water delivery systems on and around the refuge. There are no anticipated adverse cumulative impacts resulting from camping. Ultimately, this activity will maintain the available public use opportunities on the refuge, which will result in continued beneficial cumulative impacts on the human environment. The wide variety of public use opportunities available on the refuge increases public awareness about conservation issues and the Refuge System. This benefits the Service’s mission and the refuge purpose. PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT: Camping is an existing secondary public use on the refuge. We are reevaluating this use in accordance with the Service’s compatibility policy (603 FW 2). This update supersedes the Camping Compatibility Determination (CD), which was incorporated into the refuge’s Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) authorized in 2006. A public notice requesting public input on this CD will be posted at the visitor center for 14 days starting on December 9, 2019. The CD and public notice will be posted on the refuge website. The CD will be available upon request at the refuge visitor center. The public is encouraged to provide input by writing to: Visitors Services Manager, Northern New Mexico National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Rt. 1 Box 399, Las Vegas, NM 87701: or by email [email protected]. *Please put “Public Input – CD” in the subject line of the email.


DETERMINATION: Use is not compatible X Use is compatible with the following stipulations: STIPULATIONS NECESSARY TO ENSURE COMPATIBILITY: To ensure compatibility with the Refuge System and refuge goals and objectives, camping can only occur under the following conditions:

1. Campfires are not permitted. 2. Campers may not trench around tents or level off tent sites. 3. All garbage must be packed out or deposited in designated trashcans. 4. We prohibit swimming, wading, and snorkeling on the refuge. 5. Campers may not participate in hiking outside of daylight hours. 6. Pets are permitted at campgrounds if confined or kept on a leash. All livestock

are prohibited. JUSTIFICATION: Camping is a supportive recreational activity secondary to wildlife observation, photography, interpretation, and fishing. In addition, camping at the Lake 13 Campground supports environmental education in certain instances when youth groups request formal lectures. Thus, this recreational use enhances the wildlife experience by giving the camper a better chance to view and interact with wildlife up close. Although similar opportunities exist nearby, the refuge’s campground allows visitors to camp at a central location while participating in other wildlife-dependent recreational pursuits. Regulated camping as described here and consistent with the management direction provided in the CCP will provide the visitor with a chance to experience the refuge in a safe, wholesome, and enjoyable manner. This activity will not conflict with any of the priority public uses, adversely impact biological resources, or impair the ability of the refuges to provide feeding, nesting, and resting habitat and manage for migratory birds. Therefore, through the compatibility determination process, we have determined that camping, in accordance with the stipulations provided here, will not materially interfere with or detract from the fulfillment of the Refuge System mission or the purposes of the refuge.

Signature: Refuge Manager __________________________ (Signature and Date)

Concurrence: Regional Chief ___________________________ (Signature and Date)

Mandatory 10-year Re-Evaluation Date: 2030


Map of Maxwell NWR

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