Summary

Description

This annual narrative report for Morris Wetland Management District outlines Refuge accomplishments during the 1996 calendar year. The report begins with a summary of the years highlights and weather conditions. Land acquisition is covered. The report includes a planning section which discusses the master plan, compliance with environmental and cultural resource mandates, and research and investigations. Refuge administration is outlined; information about personnel, youth programs, manpower programs, volunteer programs, funding, safety, and technical assistance is given. Habitat management is also covered; subjects include wetlands, forests, croplands, grasslands, grazing, haying, fire management, pest control, and private lands. The wildlife section of the report discusses wildlife diversity, endangered and threatened species, waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, game mammals, fisheries resources, scientific collections, animal control, and disease control. The public uses of the Refuge described in this report include outdoor classrooms, interpretive programs, hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife observation, and law enforcement. The equipment and facilities section of the report provides information about new construction, rehabilitation, major maintenance, equipment replacement, communication systems, computer systems, and energy conservation. Items of interest are provided at the end.