Summary

Description

This annual narrative report for Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge including the Sandstone Unit and Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge summarizes activities during the 1993 calendar year. The report begins with a summary of the years highlights and climatic conditions. Land acquisition is also covered. The report includes a planning section which discusses the master plan, the management plan, public participation, compliance with environmental and cultural resource mandates, 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, water rights, wilderness areas, Farmers Home Administration Easements, and private lands. The wildlife section of the report discusses wildlife diversity, endangered species, threatened species, waterfowl, marsh birds, waterbirds, shorebirds, raptors, game mammals, fisheries resources, and wildlife propagation and stocking. The public uses of the Refuge described in this report include outdoor classrooms, interpretive exhibits, hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife observation, camping, and law enforcement. The equipment and facilities section of the report provides information about new construction, rehabilitation, major maintenance, equipment utilization and replacement, computer systems, and energy conservation. Cooperative programs, other economic uses of the Refuge, and items of interest are provided at the end.