Summary

Description

This annual narrative report for Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge summarizes refuge activities during the 2002 fiscal year. The report begins with and introduction to the refuge and a summary of the years highlights and climatic conditions. Information about monitoring and studies including surveys and census, and studies and investigations is provided next. Habitat restoration and management projects are also covered; activities include wetland restoration: onrefuge and wetland restoration: off refuge, upland restoration: onrefuge and upland restoration: offrefuge, deepwaterriverine restoration: onrefuge and deepwaterriverine: offrefuge, manage water levels, manage moist soil units, grazemowhay, farming, forest cutting, fire management and pest plant control. Fish and wildlife management is discussed next with emphasis on bird banding, disease monitoring, reintroductions, nest structures, and predator and exotic control. Coordination activities, such as interagency coordination, tribal coordination, private land activities, oil and gas activities, and cooperativefriends organizations. The resource protection section provides information about law enforcement, permits and economic use management, wildfire preparedness, contaminant investigation and cleanup, manage water rights, manage cultural resources and land acquisition support. Information about public education and recreation is given including provide visitor services, and outreach. Finally, refuge planning and administration is discussed.