• Biologist's Bulletin December, 2000
• 2001 drumming count season forecast 6/11/01
• Winnie North Project Comments 12/12/01
• Border Lakes Plan 1/10/02
• A magazine letter to the editor regarding Woodcock habitat 2/21/01

HABITAT HAPPENINGS IN THE STATE OF MINNESOTA

The ultimate goal of the Partners In Conservation Program was achieved in the last several months with the hiring of three biologists. In June, Michigan biologist Mark Banker took the position in Pennsylvania, his home state. He will now cover the Mid-Atlantic States.

Paul Karczmarczik was brought on in September to cover the Northeastern US and will be based in Massachusetts. Paul is originally from the northeast, but has spent the last few years working in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.

Two new biologists started Dec. 1 in the Upper Midwest. C. Adam Bump took over Mark BankerÕs old position, covering Michigan's Lower Peninsula, Ohio and Indiana. Adam was previously the Wildlife Resource Specialist for Michigan United Conservation Clubs. Gary Zimmer was hired to provide biological expertise for Wisconsin, MichiganÕs Upper Peninsula, Illinois and Iowa. Gary was previously a biologist for the U.S. Forest Service in Wisconsin. His expertise in Forest Service policy and procedures will be invaluable RGS strives to address resource management issues on National Forests.

We are now fully equipped and able to be a powerful force in wildlife habitat advocacy across the Eastern U.S. We couldnÕt have done it without member contributions and support.

Congratulations!

Education is the key to changing attitudes towards hunting and wildlife habitat management. RGS strives to teach youths how to hunt safely and successfully, while filling them in on the basic biology and habitat needs of their quarry. We also educate landowners on the importance of young forests and on proper forest management practices.

This summer over 50 kids learned gun safety and sportsmanship at Upland Bird Camps at the Deep Portage Conservation Reserve and Eagle Bluff Learning Center. RGS chapters around the state provided scholarships for 31 participants. They also learned about game bird biology and habitat requirements.

On behalf of the Minnesota Deer Hunter's Association, I taught deer biology at Deep Portage's Forkhorn Camp. The overlap of habitat requirements for deer and grouse allowed me to spread a similar forest management message to another 80-100 youths.

Several RGS chapters held Youth Days this summer, including Warroad, International Falls and Grand Rapids. These events reached over 400 kids and taught participants about everything from dog handling to marksmanship. Partnerships with other conservation organizations like MDHA, Minnesota Waterfowl Association and Delta Waterfowl helped make these events rousing successes. Through participation in these events, local chapter volunteers are helping shape the next generation of sporting men and women, assuring continuation of our hunting traditions.

Over 46% of MinnesotaÕs forests are privately owned, yet very few of them are actively managed. We encouraged active forest management and ruffed grouse and woodcock management at landowner seminars held by Blandin and Potlatch Corporation as well as at WisconsinÕs Coverts Program.

Media presentations on the basics of managing land for wildlife in newspapers (St. Paul Pioneer Press, Duluth Tribune, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, Grand Rapids Herald Review) and on the radio (KAXE, KELY) helped inform landowners about forest management options.

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Forest Plan revision efforts on the Chippewa and Superior National forests are on hold awaiting the outcome of the new overarching Forest Planning Rule, the Roadless Area Conservation Rule and the Road Management Rule and Policy. ItÕs not too late for you to contact Forest Service Planners to let them know that you favor increasing or maintaining current levels of aspen on your National Forests.

Remember: every square mile of aspen can support 109 more grouse than a square mile of northern hardwoods, and 115 more grouse than a square mile of pine! If you donÕt want to see aspen stands converted to other cover types, e-mail the Forest Supervisor by visiting the following Web Pages:

Chippewa NF www.fs.fed.us/r9/chippewa

Superior NF www.snf.toofarnorth.org

I know it sounds like something out of a bad B movie, but genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are making their way into Minnesota's forests. Researchers have developed a hybrid poplar tree that grows so fast it can be harvested in 12 years! It sounds good at first, but in reality this could be ecological trouble!

Hybrid poplar is often managed like row crops, in monoculture stands with no understory. In this manner, they have little or no wildlife value. So far they have been planted in old crop fields, but there is talk of planting them in "unproductive" brushlands, so these areas will become "useful".

As any hunter knows, brushlands are an important early-successional habitat for many species, including woodcock, sharp-tailed grouse, moose, songbirds and deer. In fact, RGS has invested MAPS money into brushland maintenance. We recently wrote a grant for the MDNR to receive $31,000 from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, L.L. Bean, RGS and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa to maintain thousands of acres of brushlands in NE Minnesota through mowing, shearing and burning. The DNR has submitted this grant for a RIM match, bringing the total to $62,000. After all this, it would be unfortunate to see brushlands converted into tree farms.

Another scenario that bears attention is the possible conversion of natural forest stands into hybrid popple farms. Forest managers could conceivably harvest an aspen stand, herbicide the regenerating sprouts and plant hybrids. The results would be disastrous for species that require the dense growth that naturally regenerating aspen stands provide.

We will be closely monitoring this situation as it develops. Mutant popple -coming soon to a forest near you!

The Ruffed Grouse Society, in conjunction with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the US Forest Service, Minnesota DNR, Wisconsin DNR, The Minnesota Chapter of The Wildlife Society and the Department of Wildlife Ecology at UW-Madison is putting on a conference on the importance of early-successional communities this spring. The event, titled, "The role of young forests in the conservation of biological diversity in the Great Lakes region" will be held at the DECC in Duluth on Thursday March 29, 2001.

Speakers will address the importance of young forests to a variety of species, including woodcock, deer, lynx, goshawks and songbirds. We will also look into the role of Great Lakes forests in the context of the entire Eastern Deciduous Forest. For more information, contact me.

The Minnesota DNRÕs Forest Stewardship Program recently enrolled its millionth acre and is holding a conference to commemorate the event. Non-industrial private landowners signing up for this program get no-cost technical advice on forest management from DNR foresters, who help them design a long-term management plan for their land. If the plan calls for timber harvesting, they will assist with harvesting operations for a percentage of the value of the timber sold.

The Million Acres In Minnesota Conference and Celebration will be held March 2 & 3 at the DECC in Duluth. Members of the Duluth/Superior Chapter will be manning an informational booth at the event and I will be a presenter, speaking on forest management for ruffed grouse. Contact Stephanie Kessler at 218-346-7248 if you are interested in attending the event.

Do members of your RGS Chapter want to get more involved in ruffed grouse habitat issues? Do you want to get together outside of the banquet season to perform hands-on habitat management? Maybe you would like to be better informed on issues concerning forest management on public lands. If so, contact me at 218-697-2820. I would like to discuss how we can help each other and improve grouse habitat at the same time.

The Grand Rapids RGS Chapter has hosted the National Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock Hunt (NGWH) every October for the past 19 years. Originally, the Hunt was intended to be an opportunity for appreciative upland bird hunters to gather in mutual enjoyment of northern MinnesotaÕs many sporting opportunities. However, the late Gordon Gullion, pre-eminent ruffed grouse expert, quickly recognized the HuntÕs value for gathering research data to broaden our understanding of grouse biology.

The NGWH format provides us with a relatively large sample of bird, collected at the same time, place and in the same manner each year. This minimizes variability in the sample, allowing biologists to make scientifically defensible conclusions from data collected from the sample.

The results of a study, published in the December 1998 issue of Science magazine, suggested that red grouse populations in Scotland cycled due to periodic infestations of the intestinal roundworm Trichostrongylus tenuis. Several people speculated that the same parasite might play a role in ruffed grouse cycles. To investigate this possibility, MichiganÕs RGS biologist Mark Banker collected 25 intestinal tracts from each sex and age group of grouse harvested at the NGWH in 1999. This was near the peak of the local grouse population, when we would expect the parasite to be most prevalent. With the assistance of Dr. Michael Hamas of the University of Central Michigan, we found no specimens of T. tenuis, or any other parasite, in the samples collected. Therefore we can state with some certainty that parasitic roundworms do not play a role in ruffed grouse cycles.

We have recently initiated an in-depth analysis of the 19 years worth of data collected at the NGWH. We can already make assumptions on any yearÕs reproductive success rate based on the proportion of young birds in the harvest and can see how hunter success rates relate to DNR spring drumming surveys. But, we hope to see if this data analysis will help us unravel the mysteries of the grouse 10-year cycle, discover the role of color phase in survival, or make predictions about woodcock population trends.

The scientific value of the National Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock Hunt cannot be overstated. We now have one of the most complete, continuous records of population characteristics for any North American Wildlife Species. Grand Rapids Chapter volunteers and NGWH participants can take pride in their contribution to furthering our knowledge of the King of Game Birds, the ruffed grouse.

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Ruffed Grouse Survey Results- June 11, 2001

The DNR has released its report on grouse and hare populations from spring 2001 surveys. As expected, the numbers have drastically declined and are down 40% statewide (average 0.9 drums/stop). The Northwest Zone, which declined 35% last year, dropped only 13% this year (1.3 d/s). The Northcentral Zone dropped 42% to 1.1 d/s. The Northeast zone is down 45% to 0.6 d/s. The Central Hardwoods Zone is down 46% to 0.7 d/s. The Southeast Zone is stable at 0.4 d/s.

This decline was expected as part of the normal grouse cycle. The mechanism behind the cycle is not completely understood, but is most likely an interaction of climate, predator/prey relationships, and perhaps aspen biological control mechanisms. Last winter started with the fourth coldest December on record and inadequate snow cover for grouse to roost. This exposes them to the cold as well as to predators. Due to a crash in rodent populations in Canada, we saw numerous northern owls (snowy, boreal, great gray and hawk owls) move into northern Minnesota. While these primarily eat rodents, they will take a grouse if they can. More significantly, goshawk numbers (measured by sightings at Hawk Ridge Sanctuary in Duluth) were up 55% over the previous winter. Grouse are preferred prey for goshawks. Mid-winter conditions were ideal for grouse, with lots of deep powdery snow. However, a warm period at the end of March created a very hard crust on the snow that prevented snow roosting, followed by cold weather and high winds. As perhaps the final blow, we saw 16 consecutive days of below normal temperatures, rain and even snow during the brooding and hatching period in late May. So besides suffering high winter mortality, the survivors may have low productivity this spring. The cold spring may also negatively affect woodcock production.

Grouse hunters this fall will have to be selective to be successful. Surviving birds will be experienced and there will be relatively fewer young birds around. Concentrate on seeking prime habitat as few birds will be found in marginal stuff. With patience, and continued maintenance of young forest habitats, grouse numbers will begin to recover in 2-3 years, just as they always have. We cannot prevent the cycle, but good habitat should result in populations not dropping as far and bird numbers should recover faster.

Rick Horton

Forest Wildlife Biologist, RGS

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Winnie North Project Comments

Attached are the Ruffed Grouse Society's comments on the Winnie Watershed North Vegetation Management Project located on the Blackduck District of the Chippewa National Forest.  Our main concerns include:

• The District is not managing its forests according to the existing Forest Plan, but rather by internal direction regarding goshawk management and Range Of Variation estimates.
• The goshawk guidelines arbitrarily focus on the bird's needs for older forests and ignore concurrent needs for seedling/sapling forests as prey production areas.
• The District is reducing acreage in the seedling/sapling forest and increasing older forests despite data that clearly suggest that young forest dependent wildlife species are declining and old forest species are stable to increasing.  This is not in accordance with the Forest Plan.
• The District is continuing to attempt conversions of aspen to other forest types utilizing non-traditional forestry methods that favor other species over aspens.  This is being done in locations that the Forest Plan specifies as aspen management areas.

The Ruffed Grouse Society has made the Regional Office of the Forest Service in Milwaukee aware of these concerns and has mailed them a copy of these comments.

 

Rick Horton
Forest Wildlife Biologist
Ruffed Grouse Society

Winnie North EA Comments

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Subject: Border Lakes Plan
Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2002 16:08:21 -0500
From: "Rick Horton" <rgshort@uslink.net>

The DNR has issued the forest management plan for the Border Lakes Subsection for public review. This subsection follows the state's northeaster border with Canada and includes the Voyageurs National Park, the BWCAW and the Superior National Forest. The plan is only for DNR lands - 264,700 acres or 12% of the area.
The plan is available online at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/subsection/border_lakes/ or can be ordered from Gaylord Paulson at 651-205-4571 or gaylord.paulson@dnr.state.mn.us.
Read Shawn Perich's article in the Jan. 11 issue of Outdoor News for a good synopsis of the implications of the plan as written. In short, the DNR plans to convert 1,000 acres of aspen to conifers per year for the next 7 years! The long-term goal is to reduce aspen forests by 1/3 by 2051. This would be disastrous for game wildlife in the area.
The Ruffed grouse Society is drafting comments on this plan at the moment, but the DNR also needs to hear from sportsmen. Decisions made today will drastically impact future hunting opportunities. Comments do not need to be lengthy, simply make your voice heard. RGS will be commenting on the following topics:

• Loss of Aspen - We feel that aspen forests should be maintained on the
  landscape for their benefit to wildlife and the economy of northern
  Minnesota. Aspen forests can sustain 3-5 times more grouse than any
  other forest type. Over 21% of the aspen forests in the Great Lakes
  States has been converted to other forest types in the past 40 years.
  
• Old Forest - Managing 29% of the forest, and 21% of the aspen, as
  Extended Rotation Forest (ERF) is too much. There is plenty of old
  forest in the Border Lakes region in the BWCAW, VNP and Superior
  National Forest. Rather than adding to the old forest, the DNR should
  balance those unmanaged lands by properly managing state lands. ERF
  should be set at the recommended 10% for all forest types.
  
• Historic conditions - While the FRC NE Landscape Committee has stated
  an ecological goal to manage for historical conditions, it has yet to
  analyze whether that is economically feasible or socially acceptable or
  not. In addition, there is still disagreement on the accuracy of
  studies recreating historic conditions. We ask that the DNR not set
  historic conditions as management goals until all analyses on
  sustainability of the NE Landscape are completed.
  
• Riparian Areas - Broad-brush approaches to riparian area management are
  not appropriate and could be detrimental to important species. The
  declining American woodcock heavily utilizes brushy young forests with
  moist soils, such as would be found in regenerating deciduous forests
  along lakes and streams. We ask that the DNR not mandate ERF
  management or management towards old growth conifers in all riparian
  areas. Instead, let local managers make on-site decisions regarding
  riparian management in accordance with the Voluntary Site-level
  Guidelines.

Your own comments can be submitted on the above website or mailed to Gaylord Paulson, DNR Division of Forestry, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4044, FAXed to 651-296-5954, or e-mailed to gaylord.paulson@dnr.state.mn.us. Comments must be received by January 31, 2002!
If you love to grouse hunt and want Minnesota to continue to have world class hunting opportunities, then you should let resource managers know how you feel. The world is run by those who show up!
Rick Horton
Forest Wildlife Biologist
Ruffed Grouse Society

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The following is a magazine letter to the editor regarding Woodcock habitat.

February 21, 2001
Ralph Stewart, Editor in Chief
Shooting Sportsman
P.O. Box 1357
Camden, ME 04843
Dear Mr. Stewart:

I read Robert Jones' recent columns "My Millenium Vow" and "The Hunter In My Heart" with great interest. I am concerned about the fate of the American woodcock as both a sportsman and a Forest Wildlife Biologist with the Ruffed Grouse Society. I am pleased to see that you acknowledge that the root cause of the decline is habitat loss but was dismayed to see that minimized in Mr. Jones' second column, in favor of the more emotional topic of hunter restraint.

Habitat Loss: The Migratory Shore and Upland Game Bird Subcommittee of the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies convened a Woodcock Task force in 1999 to examine the causes of woodcock declines. The Task Force, composed of some of the premier woodcock researchers in the country, concluded that a lack of young forest habitats in the breeding range is most likely the limiting factor for woodcock populations. Woodcock numbers have declined as old field habitats in the east have progressed through successional stages to become mature forests. In addition, land managers efforts to provide habitat for woodcock are hampered by increasing urban sprawl and public sentiments against active forest management.

Hunting Effects: Woodcock hunting seasons have been shortened and bag limits reduced over the past several years to limit hunter-induced mortality. These efforts have not altered the downward trends in woodcock population indices. The U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Wildlife Management Institute, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Pennsylvania Game Commission and Dartmouth College are currently cooperating on a research project in the northeast to quantify hunting's impacts on woodcock. Over a two year period they tracked 343 radio-equipped woodcock on unhunted sites. One hundred ten died of 'natural' causes (not hunting) - a 68% survival rate. At the same time they tracked 428 bird on sites open to public hunting and found 128 died (24% due to hunting) - a 70% survival rate! This project will soon be expanded into the Great Lakes States.

This evidence strongly suggests that woodcock populations are indeed declining due to habitat loss, not hunter mortality. Therefore, rather than advocating voluntary bag limits or "point and release" programs, Shooting Sportsman should strive to educate hunters on the habitat needs of woodcock. Further, sportsmen and women concerned about woodcock should support and join the Ruffed Grouse Society. Our motto is "Dedicated to improving the environment for ruffed grouse, woodcock and other forest wildlife". We have biologists throughout the east encouraging public land agencies and private forest owners to create ruffed grouse and woodcock habitat. We also work very hard to increase public acceptance of forest management practices.

Only by actively encouraging forest resource managers to create and maintain young forest habitats will woodcock populations recover. Simply not shooting these fascinating and sporting game birds will not save them. If you don't help save habitat, the last woodcock you watch fly away unscathed may be the last one you ever see.

Sincerely,
Rick Horton
Forest Wildlife Biologist

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