Summary

Description

This annual narrative report for Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge outlines Refuge accomplishments during the 1997 calendar year. The report begins with a summary of the years highlights and weather conditions. The report includes a planning section which discusses management plans and compliance with environmental mandates. Refuge administration is outlined; information about personnel, youth programs, volunteer programs, funding, safety, and technical assistance is given. Habitat management is also covered; subjects include wetlands, grasslands, other habitats, fire management, and pest control. The wildlife section of the report discusses wildlife diversity, endangered and threatened species, waterfowl, marsh birds and waterbirds, shorebirds, raptors, other migratory birds, game mammals, other resident wildlife, scientific collections, animal control, marking and bird banding, and disease prevention and control. The public uses of the Refuge described in this report include outdoor classrooms, interpretive programs, hunting, wildlife observation, and law enforcement. The equipment and facilities section of the report provides information about rehabilitation, major maintenance, equipment utilization and replacement, communications systems, computer systems, and energy conservation. Cooperative programs and other economic uses are discussed. A brief report on Black Coulee, Creedman Coulee, Hewitt Lake, Lake Thibadeau, Grassy Lake, and Mud Lake National Wildlife Refuges, and Bowdoin Wetland Management District is provided. Photographs and Refuge brochures are attached.