Annual Report

2002

A RKANSAS C OOPERATIVE

F ISH AND W ILDLIFE

R ESEARCH U NIT

ARKANSAS COOPERATIVE

FISH AND WILDLIFE RESEARCH UNIT

ANNUAL REPORT

2002

Arkansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Department of Biological Sciences

University Of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 72701

The Unit is a Cooperative Program of the:

US Geological Survey Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

University of Arkansas Wildlife Management Institute

Cover photo credit: Bull elk near Buffalo River, AR. Photo courtesy of M. Cartwright, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 1 MISSION STATEMENT 2 PERSONNEL AND COOPERATORS 3 Coordinating Committee Members 3 Unit Staff 4 Graduate Students 5 Technicians 5 RESEARCH AND FACULTY COLLABORATORS 6 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS 6 ACTIVE AND COMPLETED PROJECTS 7 NEW PROJECTS 24 HONORS AND AWARDS 27 COURSES TAUGHT 27 TRAINING AND WORKSHOPS 27 PUBLICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL PAPERS PRESENTED 28 Scientific Publications 28 Technical and Semi-Technical 29 Theses and Dissertations 29 Papers Presented 29 Committees/Task Forces/Recovery Teams 30 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 31

INTRODUCTION

The Arkansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit first opened its doors in August 1988 as one of four units initiated that year, and one of 43 coop units across the country associated with Land Grant universities, state game and fish agencies, Wildlife Management Institute, and the U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division. The purpose of these units is to train graduate students in scientific methods of fish and wildlife management, conduct fish and wildlife research, and provide technical assistance. Over the past 14 years the Arkansas Coop Unit has gone through a number of changes. The federal cooperator changed from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to the National Biological Survey to National Biological Service and finally to U.S. Geological Survey. The University department changed from Zoology to Biological Sciences and combined with Botany and Microbiology. We have seen seven Departmental Chairs (Amlaner, Geren, Kaplan, Talburt, Rhoads, Roufa, and Davis), and four Assistant Unit Leaders move on to other coop or university positions (Annette, Martin, Griffith, Kwak) and one Unit Leader retire (Johnson). Past research efforts have been broadly funded by state agencies (Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, Mississippi Museum of Science), federal agencies (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Geological Survey, National Park Service), and non-government organizations (Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Arkansas Audubon Society Trust, Sigma Xi). These funded projects have resulted in many scientific articles. Unit leaders have taught 6 classes in fisheries and wildlife, and produced 7 workshops to natural resource agencies. In 1999, the Unit was reformed under a new Unit Leader, David Krementz, and soon thereafter 2 new Assistant Unit Leaders were hired, Dan Magoulick (fisheries) and Bill Thompson (wildlife). With the full support of all cooperators, this new team has begun a new era at the Arkansas Coop Unit. The opportunities that exist in Arkansas for the Unit at this time are many and exciting. With the cooperation of all parties, the new Arkansas Coop Unit will excel in producing quality graduate students, solid research and supportive technical assistance.

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MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Arkansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit is to conduct programs of research, graduate education, and technical assistance that address the needs of the State of Arkansas, the region, and the nation. Research programs will pursue both basic and applied scientific questions that are relevant to the management of fish, wildlife, and their habitats. Research topics will be pursued according to Cooperator priorities, availability of collaborative expertise from Cooperators, and funding opportunities.

The educational mission of the Unit shall focus on graduate and post-graduate students. Activities will include teaching of formal graduate-level classes, chairing and serving on advisory committees, mentoring the professional development of students, and participation by Unit scientists in academic programs of the University of Arkansas. Students should be educated to prepare for advancement in broad areas of natural resource management and to serve as future leaders of resource management in the State of Arkansas. Educational programs of the Unit will be consistent with the professional standards and hiring practices of the Cooperators, similar agencies elsewhere, and relevant professional societies involved with natural resource management.

Technical assistance will be provided to Unit Cooperators in the areas of scientific expertise of the Unit. This can include assistance with interpretation of data, preparation and review of experimental designs, identification of specific research voids or needs, and rendering professional judgment. Such activities will generally serve to link the scientists’ previously established expertise to specific needs of the Cooperators or other related agencies.

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PERSONNEL AND COOPERATORS

COORDINATING COMMITTEE MEMBERS US GEOLOGICAL SURVEY AR GAME AND FISH COMMISSION Dr. Mike Van Den Avyle Hugh Durham, Director USGS AR Game and Fish Commission 1875 Century Blvd. 2 Natural Resources Drive Atlanta, GA 30345 Little Rock, AR 72205 Telephone: (404) 679-7091 Telephone: (501) 223-6305 Fax: (404) 679-7081 Fax: (501) 223-6448 Email: mike_vandenavyle@usgs.gov Email: hcdurham@agfc.state.ar.us UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE

Dr. Collis R. Geren, Dean Graduate Donald F. McKenzie School (Official Representative on Southeast Field Representative Coordinating Committee) Wildlife Management Institute Dr. Don Bobbitt, Interim Dean Arts & 2396 Cocklebur Rd. Sciences Ward, AR 72176 Dr. Dan Davis, Interim Chair Telephone: (501) 941-7994 Department of Biological Sciences Fax: (501) 941-7995 University of Arkansas Email: wmidm@ipa.net Fayetteville, AR 72701 Telephone: (479) 575-5077 Fax: (479) 575-8434 Email: ddavis@uark.edu

Booming Prairie-chickens at Lips Ranch, Chase Co., Kansas. Photo taken by Rob Doster

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UNIT STAFF UNIT LEADER Dr. David G. Krementz Telephone: (479) 575-7560 Fax: (479) 575-3330 Email: krementz@uark.edu ASSISTANT UNIT LEADER – FISHERIES Dr. Dan D. Magoulick Telephone: (479) 575-5449 Fax: (479) 575-3330 Email: danmag@uark.edu ASSISTANT UNIT LEADER – WILDLIFE Dr. William L. Thompson Telephone: (479) 575-4266 Fax: (479) 575-3330 Email: thompson@uark.edu OFFICE MANAGER Diane Moler Telephone: (479) 575-6709 Fax: (479) 575-3330 Email: dmoler@uark.edu RESEARCH SPECIALIST Glenn Piercey Telephone: (479) 575-4506 Fax: (479) 575-3330 Email: gpiercey@uark.edu

Arkansas Coop Unit – March 2002

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GRADUATE STUDENTS

Amy Clifton (M.S., Wildlife – Krementz) Bret Collier (Ph.D., Wildlife – Krementz) Matthew Dekar (M.S., Fisheries – Magoulick) Rob Doster (Ph.D, Wildlife – Krementz) Shawn Hodges (M.S., Fisheries – Magoulick) Andrew James (M.S., Wildlife – Krementz) Sarah Lehnen (M.S., Wildlife – Krementz) Frank Loncarich (M.S., Wildlife – Krementz) Jason Luscier (M.S., Wildlife – Thompson) Nick Myatt (M.S., Wildlife – Krementz) Mike Rabalais (M.S., Fisheries – Magoulick) Nora Schubert (M.S., Wildlife – Krementz) Mandy Scott (M.S., Fisheries – Magoulick) Benny Thatcher (M.S. Wildlife – Krementz) Mitch Wine (Ph.D. Fisheries – Magoulick)

UNDERGRADUATE ASSISTANT

Andrea Marston

TECHNICIANS

Pamela Newton, B.S. - Private Lands Nicole Bohlman, B.S. - Shorebirds Annika Samuelsen, D.C.S. - Private Lands Alex Brumec, B.S. - Shorebirds Mark Pollock, B.A. - Private Lands Vivian Genovese, B.S. - Shorebirds David Feldman, M.S. - Fish Migration Bryan Boston, B.S. - Shorebirds Rodney Wittenberg, M.S. - Fish Migration John Denton - Canada Geese Elizabeth Brothers, B.S. - Grassland Birds Nora Schrubert, B.S. - Grassland Birds Cora Morris, A.A. - Grassland Birds Terry Liddick, B.S. - Prairie Chicken Alicia Korpach, B.S. - Prairie Chicken, American Woodcock Joshua Carlson, B.S. - Prairie Chicken Gavin Bieber, M.S. - Henslow’s Sparrow Lauren Miller, B.A. - Henslow’s Sparrow Jessica Griffiths, B.S. - Henslow’s Sparrow (volunteer)

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RESEARCH AND FACULTY COLLABORATORS

Dr. Steven Beaupre – Department of Biological Sciences – University of Arkansas Dr. Art Brown – Department of Biological Sciences – University of Arkansas Dr. Dave Evans – Department of Biological Sciences – University of Arkansas Dr. Johnnie Gentry – Director of Museum – University of Arkansas Dr. G. O. Graening – The Nature Conservancy – Fayetteville, Arkansas Dr. Jim Peterson – Water Resources Division - USGS Dr. Abby Powell – Alaska Cooperative Fish Wildlife Research Unit, Univ of Alaska Dr. Larkin Powell – School of Natural Resource Sciences – University of Nebraska Dr. Kim Smith – Department of Biological Sciences – University of Arkansas Dr. Fred Stephen – Department of Entomology – University of Arkansas Dr. John Van Brahana – Department of Geosciences – University of Arkansas Dr. Robert Weih – School of Forest Resources, University of Arkansas – Monticello Dr. Don White, Jr - School of Forest Resources, University of Arkansas-Monticello F. Broermann – U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Alaska Michael E. Cartwright - Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Calico Rock, AR Jim Hines - Patuxent Wildlife Research Center – USGS Sam Lail – Buffalo National River, National Park Service Dave Luukkonen – Michigan Department of Natural Resources David Mott – Buffalo National River, National Park Service

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

13 scientific and technical/semi-technical reports published 19 papers, posters, and workshops presented at scientific meetings by Unit staff and students 1 Unit M.S. student graduated

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ACTIVE/COMPLETED PROJECTS Wildlife Ecology and Management

White-tailed deer at a feeder in eastern Arkansas. Photo taken by Steve Baker.

Impacts of Harvest Management on the Age and Sex Structure of White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Populations in Arkansas

Funding Source: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Project Duration: 1 July 2000 to 31 September 2004 Principal Investigator: DAVID G. KREMENTZ Graduate Research Assistant: BRET A. COLLIER (Ph.D. Student) Research Objectives: 1. Determine impact of harvest management strategies (e.g. antler point restrictions) on

sex and age structure of white-tailed deer harvest in Arkansas. 2. Determine if harvest management strategies influence white-tailed deer harvests

differently dependent upon spatial scale. 3. Investigate the human dimension of statewide white-tailed deer management

practices. Management Implications: 1. Establish management recommendations based on the impact of harvest management

strategies in Arkansas. 2. Verify the effectiveness of harvest management strategies and determine if harvest

differences between states under those strategies and those states that are not. 3. Gather baseline information on how AGFC can assist private landowners managing

white-tailed deer. 4. Estimate at which spatial scale harvest management strategies influence deer

demography.

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Project Summary:

We are investigating the impact of a statewide antler restriction on the age structure and sex ratio of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) harvested in Arkansas between 1984-2003. Our objectives are 1) to determine which factors have the most influence on white-tailed deer population demography pre- and post the establishment of a statewide antler restriction, 2) determine whether influence of the antler restriction is scale dependent and 3) to gather demographic information on white-tailed deer hunters in Arkansas. During fall 2000 and fall 2001, we surveyed registered white-tailed deer hunting camps in Arkansas to gather information on harvest and habitat management practices currently in use across Arkansas. During summer 2001 and summer 2002, we surveyed Arkansas hunting license purchasers to gather information regarding white-tailed deer hunter demographics, harvest preferences, opinions, and concerns. Using decision analysis theory, we are modeling the impact of the statewide antler restriction on white-tailed deer at different spatial scales in Arkansas. Decision analysis allows us to link available harvest data with key biological processes underlying the population dynamics of white-tailed deer in Arkansas. We will assess relations among many factors influencing white-tailed deer harvest structure and underlying population dynamics.

Wildlife Ecology and Management

Andrew James and Mike Checkett recording resident Canada goose banding data in the Arkansas River Valley, Arkansas

Population Status and Distribution of Resident Canada Geese in the Western Arkansas River Valley, Arkansas

Funding Source: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission; U. S. Geological

Survey, Biological Resources Division; U. S. Geological Survey, Arkansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Arkansas Audubon Society Trust

Project Duration: July 2001 to June 2003 Principal Investigator: DAVID G. KREMENTZ Graduate Research Assistant: R. ANDREW JAMES (M.S. Student)

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Research Objectives: 1. Determine method to estimate population of giant Canada geese in Arkansas. 2. Determine feasibility of estimating survival rates for giant Canada geese that nest in

Arkansas. 3. Evaluate the potential vulnerability of giant Canada geese to hunting. Management Implications: 1. Standardize methods for managing resident Canada goose populations. 2. Supply quantifiable documentation needed to support changes in existing Canada

goose hunting regulations. Project Summary:

In 1981, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission began the reintroduction of giant Canada geese into the Western Arkansas River Valley, Arkansas. This population has steadily increased in numbers and dispersed throughout the state of Arkansas. Although much time and money were spent reintroducing the geese to Arkansas, little research has been conducted to assess distribution and quantify the population status. The goals of this research were: (1) to determine a method to estimate the population size of giant Canada geese in the Western Arkansas River Valley, Arkansas, and throughout the state; (2) to determine the feasibility of measuring survival rates for giant Canada geese that nest in the Western Arkansas River Valley, Arkansas; and (3) to evaluate the potential vulnerability of giant Canada geese from river, rural, and urban flocks in the Western Arkansas River Valley, Arkansas to hunting.

Over the past 2 years, we banded and collared 2,500 geese in the Western Arkansas River Valley, Arkansas. We used resightings of these neck-collared geese: 1) to estimate population numbers in the study area, 2) to track goose movements, and 3) to determine the vulnerability of geese from different areas of the river valley to hunting pressure. We obtained banding and recovery data for Arkansas from the Bird Banding Laboratory, Laurel, MD to estimate survival rates of Arkansas geese as well as survival rates of resident geese from surrounding states.

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Wildlife Ecology and Management

Bottomland hardwood reforestation tract at Line transect survey of grassland birds on Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge, Wetland Reserve Program land in Woodruff Co., Louisiana. Arkansas

The Importance of Lower Mississippi River Alluvial Valley Reforestation and Wetland

Restoration Sites to Wintering Migratory Birds

Funding Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service USGS – BRD Project Duration: September 1999 to June 2004 Principal Investigator: DAVID G. KREMENTZ Graduate Research Assistant: ROBERT H. DOSTER (Ph.D. Student) Research Objectives: 1. Determine the species composition and population density of migrant birds wintering

in and utilizing early- successional vegetation sites in the Lower Mississippi River Alluvial Valley.

2. Characterize the vegetation in early-successional fields and relate these vegetative characters to bird species richness and abundance.

3. Focus on three uncommon wintering grassland bird species (Short-eared Owl, Sedge Wren and Le Conte’s Sparrow) by determining more specific wintering habitat requirements for purposes of conservation management.

4. Determine the breeding origin of selected bird species wintering in the Lower Mississippi River Alluvial Valley, through analysis of stable isotopes incorporated in feathers, for use in conservation planning between breeding and wintering sites.

Management Implications: 1. Compare treatments (management practices) between study sites and determine

which management regime is most beneficial to the greatest number of species and to those species that are in particular need of conservation attention.

2. Formulate management recommendations based on research objectives for the purpose of a region-wide conservation strategy aimed at providing optimal wintering habitat for the greatest number of short-distance migrant bird species.

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Project Summary: Significant efforts to restore bottomland hardwood forests and associated wetlands have been undertaken throughout the Lower Mississippi River Alluvial Valley (LMAV) in recent years. These restoration activities have resulted in large acreages of early-successional habitats throughout the region. Early-successional habitats are utilized by a number of grassland bird species as winter refugia. Considering that grassland birds, as a whole, are experiencing population declines and in view of the fact that little research has been done on their winter ecology, we are investigating the role that these restored habitats within the LMAV play for this group of birds. In total, 69 sites throughout the LMAV of Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi were surveyed in winter 2000, 2001 and 2002 for bird species richness, abundance and distribution. Associated measurements of vegetation structure were also collected for all sites. In addition, species-specific habitat measurements were made for three species of concern within the region: Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus), Sedge Wren (Cistothorus platensis) and Le Conte’s Sparrow (Ammodramus leconteii). Analysis of the resulting population data for all sites and bird species, the relationship of vegetation structure and landscape parameters, and the specific winter habitat preferences of species of concern are ongoing. Wildlife Ecology and Management

Henslow’s Sparrow with radio-transmitter

Impacts of Prescribed Burns on Henslow’s Sparrow (Ammodramus Henslowii) Winter Home Range and Survival in Coastal Pine Savanna Habitats

Funding Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arkansas Audubon

Society Trust, Sigma Xi. Project Duration: September 2001 to September 2002 Principal Investigator: DAVID G. KREMENTZ Graduate Research Assistant: BENNY S. THATCHER (M.S. Student)

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Research Objectives: 1. To investigate the effects of cool and warm season prescribed fires on survival and

movements of wintering Henslow’s Sparrows 2. To estimate home range sizes of wintering Henslow’s Sparrows Management Implications: 1. To adjust prescribed fire burning regimes on Mississippi Sandhill Crane National

Wildlife Refuge and similar coastal habitats.

Project Summary:

Large numbers of Henslow’s Sparrows winter within the fire-dependent savannas of the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge (MSCNWR), Jackson County, MS. The MSCNWR is managed with both prescribed growing season and dormant season fires, but the effects of this fire management regime on wintering Henslow’s Sparrow populations is not well known. Our primary objectives are to determine the effects of prescribed fire seasonality and frequency on wintering Henslow’s Sparrow movement patterns, home range sizes, and survival rates. Fieldwork was conducted within wet pine savanna habitats at the MSCNWR. During January and February of 2001 and 2002, Henslow’s Sparrows (n=96) were target mist-netted, fitted with radio transmitters, and monitored daily. The Animal Movement Analyst Extension to ArcView GIS, SAS, and the program MARK are being used to compare movement rates, home range and core-use areas, and survival rates of Henslow’s Sparrows by season of burn and by time since burn (1 or 2 growing seasons, 4 treatments total). Preliminary results indicate no differences in home range or core-use sizes among the 4 treatments. Analysis of the movement and survival data is ongoing.

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Wildlife Ecology and Management

Frankie Loncarich holding a male Greater Prairie-Chicken caught

on a booming ground at Lips Ranch, Chase Co., Kansas

Survival and Movement of Greater Prairie-Chickens at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Chase County, Kansas

Funding Source: Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Project Duration: August 2000 to September 2003 Principal Investigator: DAVID G. KREMENTZ Graduate Research Assistant: FRANKIE L. LONCARICH (M.S. Student) Research Objectives: 1. Estimate greater prairie chicken survival rates and compare survival rates across

treatments and landscapes. 2. Compare survival rates among birds of different age classes and reproductive success. 3. Document movements of greater prairie chickens and determine if movements are

treatment or landscape dependant. 4. Compare movements among birds of different age classes and reproductive success. Management Implications: 1. Baseline data on greater prairie chicken ecology in a unique burning/grazing regime. 2. Range management recommendations that benefit greater prairie chicken populations. 3. Results useful for setting future greater prairie chicken hunting seasons and harvest

limits. Project Summary:

The Flint Hills region of Kansas is the largest remaining area of tallgrass prairie in the world and is one of the last strongholds of the greater prairie chicken (Tympanuchus

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cupido). Burning regimes and recent changes in grazing practices may have caused declines in greater prairie chicken populations there. Little research of greater prairie chicken ecology in the Flint Hills has been conducted since the changes in grazing practices. Our study objectives were to document and compare movements and survival rates of greater prairie chickens between different burning and grazing treatments in the Flint Hills.

Our study sites were the 4400 ha Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve (TAPR) and the 3700 ha Lips Ranch both located in Chase Co., Kansas. Both ranches are annually burned in early April, however during 2001 and 2002, a large pasture was left unburned on TAPR and significant portions of the Lips Ranch went unburned during 2002. Each ranch was under an early intensive grazing regime, however stocking rates have been reduced by 10-15% on TAPR.

During 2001 and 2002, we marked 35 greater prairie chickens with radio transmitters and recorded daily movements from March-June. We will use movement data to compare greater prairie chicken home ranges and daily movements between burning and grazing regimes, and pre- and post burn/introduction of cattle. We will analyze survival data using Program MARK to determine which variable(s) are influencing survival rates. Our results will be compared to results from studies before the change in grazing practices

The results of our study will facilitate a better understanding of greater prairie chicken ecology under an altered burning and grazing regime in the Flint Hills. This should lead to range management recommendations that benefit greater prairie chickens and a suite of other grassland species. Wildlife Ecology and Management

Amy Clifton locating Greater Prairie-Chickens at Lips Ranch, Chase Co., Kansas

Greater Prairie-Chicken Populations in Chase County, Kansas Funding Source: Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Project Duration: August 2000 to September 2003 Principle Investigator: DR. DAVID KREMENTZ Graduate Research Assistant: AMY CLIFTON (M.S. Student)

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Research Objectives: 1. The objective of this project is to provide a reliable population estimate for Greater

Prairie-Chickens that could be used to detect population trends since traditional survey methods are faulty.

Management Implications: 1. Habitat management effects could be monitored by accurately measuring population

trends of Greater Prairie-Chickens. Project Summary:

The Greater Prairie Chicken (GPCH) has experienced a loss of habitat over the last century and subsequently its range has changed. Once observed in prairie grassland habitats of most of the central states, populations expanded during the initial introduction of farming but as land conversion expanded GPCH populations have declined. This grouse prefers tall grass prairies with occasional oak woodland, oak-savannah and oak riparian areas like that found in the Flint Hills of Kansas where previously a stable community had been thought to reside, however, new evidence shows that this species may have experienced a sharp decline over the past ten years in Chase County, Kansas. We want to find a more accurate technique than traditional lek survey methods so that population trends may be detected.

In the spring, male prairie chickens display on leks that females visit from March through May to choose a mate. Leks are a commonly used location for trapping males and females for banding and radio-collaring. We captured and radio-collared twenty-seven males and seven female prairie-chickens on spring leks in 2002 and performed a total of thirty lek surveys. We used mark-resight techniques to produce a population estimate that is more accurate than traditional survey methods.

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Wildlife Ecology and Management

Banding pectoralsandpipers at Overflow National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas.

Turnover Rates of Pectoral Sandpipers during Fall Migration

in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley

Funding Source: US Fish and Wildlife Service, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

Project Duration: July 2001 to June 2003 Principle Investigator: DAVID G. KREMENTZ Graduate Research Assistant: SARAH E. LEHNEN (M.S. Student) Research Objectives: 1. Estimate turnover rates of pectoral sandpipers (Calidris melanotos) during fall

migration in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley.

Management Implications: 1. Turnover rate estimates will be used to estimate shorebird use days during the fall

migration in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley. 2. These estimates will be valuable in managing fall shorebird habitats in the Lower

Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Project Summary:

We attached radio transmitters to 39 pectoral sandpipers (Calidris melanotos) during the fall of 2001at 3 sites in Arkansas. Nineteen transmitters were attached to birds at Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge (Bald Knob), 7 at the Small Farm Outreach and Water Management Center of the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (Small Farm), and 13 at Overflow National Wildlife Refuge (Overflow). Our objective was to determine the average turnover rate of shorebirds moving through the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley during fall migration using the pectoral sandpiper as an example of a typical migrant. The birds were tagged and tracked between August 1 and September 28 of 2001.

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The mean length of time monitored for birds with transmitters was 4.3 (3.23 SE), 1.2 (0.3 SE), and 4.2 (2.83 SE) days for Bald Knob, Small Farm, and Overflow, respectively. Small Farm, an aquacultural facility, was believed to have a shorter period of monitored stay due to the brief duration of available habitat at the site. This is a possible illustration of the differences between habitat managed for shorebirds and aquacultural facilities. We will attempt to further investigate this matter in the 2002 field season.

We plan to attach 75 transmitters to pectoral sandpipers during the fall of 2002. In addition to the same 3 sites used in 2001, we will add Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge in Mississippi. We will also use aerial tracking to locate the birds after they leave the banding areas and set up an automated tracking unit at Catahoula Lake in Louisiana to record any birds with transmitters using that stopover site. During the fall of 2002, we will also color mark least sandpipers (Calidris minutilla) and use mark resight data to estimate the turnover rate for this species. Wildlife Ecology and Management

Jason Luscier and Nora Schubert rope-drag a grassland pasture in search of ground-nesting birds at the Wedington Unit of Ozark National Forest, Arkansas.

Short-term Responses of Grassland Bird Populations to Native Grass Conversion

and Mowing in Northwest Arkansas Funding Source: AR Game and Fish Commission; USGS-BRD, CFWRU Project Duration: August 2001 to May 2004 Principal Investigator: WILLIAM L. THOMPSON Graduate Research Assistant: JASON D. LUSCIER (M.S. Student) Research Objectives: 1. Evaluate short-term effects of native grass conversion activities (early-spring burning,

mowing, disking, and herbicide application) and spring/summer mowing on species richness and nest success of grassland bird populations in the Wedington Unit of Ozark National Forest in Northwest Arkansas

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Management Implications: 1. Provides insights into short-term effects of grassland restoration and spring/summer

mowing on grassland bird species and communities, which may be implemented in larger-scale conservation strategies (e.g., Partners in Flight) and may lead to improved management of these species.

Project Summary:

Many grassland bird species have suffered serious declines over the past several decades, primarily due to habitat loss and degradation. A better understanding of effects of land management practices on grassland birds may lead to improved management of these species. Therefore, we are evaluating short-term effects of native grass conversion activities (early-spring burning, mowing, disking, and herbicide application) and spring/summer mowing on species richness and nest success of grassland bird populations in the Wedington Unit of Ozark National Forest in Northwest Arkansas during 2002-2003. Native grass conversion activities were suspended due to litigation during Spring 2002, although burning was conducted on 1 pasture prior to suspension. Consequently, we estimated species richness and nest success in 5 pastures during April – July 2002: a reference pasture with no treatment, an early-mowed pasture (mowed 5/19/02), a mid-mowed pasture (mowed 6/01/02), a late-mowed pasture (mowed 7/10/02), and an early-burned pasture (burned 4/09/02). Preliminary analyses indicated that maximum species richness after 15 May (i.e., resident breeders only) was lowest in the early-burned pasture (22 [SE = 4]) and highest in the early-mowed pasture (40 [SE = 10). Maximum species richness was intermediate in the mid-mowed (28 [SE = 4]), late-mowed (29 [SE = 5]), and reference (30 [SE = 5]) pastures. Naive estimates of nest success ranged from 6% (1/17) in the mid-mowed pasture to 67% (6/9) in the reference pasture. Field sparrow (Spizella pusilla) was the most commonly detected nesting species (47% of 54 nests). Next year’s research will include reference, native-grass conversion (if available), and mowed pastures, with cattle-grazed pastures added if feasible.

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Fisheries

Shawn Hodges and Dan Magoulick electrofishing on the Buffalo River, AR.

Funding Source: National Park Service Project Duration: June 2001 to June 2003 Principal Investigator: DANIEL D. MAGOULICK Graduate Research Assistant: SHAWN HODGES (M.S. Student)

MATT DEKAR (M.S. Student) MITCH WINE (Ph.D. Student)

Factors Affecting Migration and Recruitment in Headwater Fish Assemblages of

Buffalo National River, AR Objectives: 1. Document the seasonal fluctuations in fish community species composition, relative

abundance, and migration patterns at the macrohabitat, reach, and watershed scale. 2. Document larval drift densities and rates as components of fish community

recruitment in the upstream, middle, and downstream reaches of Bear Creek.

Management Implications:

1. Information gained by this study will aid in interpreting the extent to which the Buffalo River depends upon Bear Creek and other tributaries to provide a fish species pool and as a potential spawning and nursery location.

2. Results will aid in interpreting the effects of barriers to fish movement, such as dams or stream drying.

3. Provide insight into the dynamics of fish reproduction and recruitment in intermittent and perennially interrupted streams.

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Project Summary:

In July 1997, Searcy County Regional Water District (SCRWD) submitted a permit application to the Department of the Army Corps of Engineers for the construction of a dam in the headwaters of Bear Creek, a tributary to the Buffalo National River. In mid 1999, the Corps of Engineers denied the permit, but has recently overturned the ruling, suggesting that fish will be minimally impacted by a dam on Bear Creek. The Corps of Engineers’ decision is based in part on the fact that Bear Creek becomes intermittent at some points during typical summers and the idea that fish in small, intermittent streams move little. However, the relationship between Buffalo River’s fish community and the fish communities in the perennial and intermittent portions of Bear Creek are unknown. Likewise, the extent of dispersal and its impact on recruitment and fish assemblage structure within these stream systems is currently unknown.

Fisheries

Mandy Scott and Mike Rabalais barge shocking at Cove Creek, AR

The Influence of Stream flow and Habitat Variability on the Fish Assemblage Structure of Arkansas Ozark Streams

Funding Source: National Park Service Project Duration: June 2001 to June 2003 Principal Investigator: DANIEL D. MAGOULICK Graduate Research Assistant: MANDY SCOTT (M.S. Student) Objectives: 1. Determine the relationship between land clearing in the Arkansas Ozarks (on multiple

spatial scales) and streamflow parameters in this region. 2. Examine differences in flood-resistance/resilience traits of fish between assemblages

occurring in streams with differently variable flow and habitat complexity.

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3. Determine the responses to high streamflow velocities of select species from these assemblages.

4. Develop and test a predictive model that describes fish assemblage structure in Arkansas Ozark streams according to each stream’s flow regime and degree of habitat complexity.

Management implications: 1. Development of a predictive model that relates fish assemblage structure to land use

and hydrology. 2. Ability to predict impacts of changes in land use on stream fish assemblages.

Project Summary:

Many biotic and abiotic factors have been found to influence fish assemblage structure in lotic systems. Abiotic factors are probably more influential in less stable systems because environmental variability keeps the fish populations from reaching a stable state where biotic interactions would be in control (Resh et al. 1988). Many Ozark Mountain streams fall into the unstable category because of their highly variable flow regimes, so it is likely that abiotic factors are shaping the fish assemblages in this region (Horwitz 1978). Streams can have highly variable flow regimes for many reasons, one of which is land use in the watershed. Clearing of land has led to higher peak flows (Verry et al. 1983), and increased overall discharge (Stednick 1996) in watersheds around the United States. Because much of the forested land in the Arkansas Ozarks is currently being cleared for agriculture, the impact on the hydrology and fish communities of these basins is an issue that should be addressed.

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Fisheries

Crayfish competition experiment on the West Fork of the Spring River, AR

Interaction between the Introduced Crayfish, Orconectes neglectus, and native crayfish in the Spring River Drainage Basin

Funding Source: Causey Grant-in-Aid of Research- Department of

Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas. Awarded to Michael Rabalais.

Project Duration: 1 July 2002 to 31 July 2004 Principal Investigator: DANIEL D. MAGOULICK Graduate Research Assistant: MICHEAL R. RABALAIS (M.S. Student) Research Objectives:

1. Test the hypothesis that environmental changes do not prevent O. eupunctus from

surviving and growing in their former range. 2. Determine the extent of resource (habitat) partitioning between O. eupunctus and O.

neglectus. 3. Test the hypothesis that introduced O. neglectus outcompete native O. eupunctus. Management Implications: 1. Information from this study will help determine current impacts and predict future

impacts of the invading crayfish species on native species. 2. Understanding mechanisms of displacement and effects of introduced crayfish on

native species will allow managers to develop informed strategies regarding the need for mitigation and potential success of mitigation efforts.

3. Information gained here will be especially important in making decisions regarding the conservation of three species that are potentially at risk from this invasion, Orconectes eupunctus, (locally rare and uncommon and globally imperiled) Orconectes marchandi (both locally and globally imperiled), and Cambarus hubbsi.

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Project Summary: We recently found that the crayfish Orconectes neglectus has been introduced into the Spring River drainage of southern Missouri and northern Arkansas and appears to have the potential to negatively impact the native communities. We found that; 1) O. neglectus was introduced into portions of the South Fork Spring River between 1984 and 1998; 2) O. neglectus may be negatively impacting the native crayfish community, especially O. eupunctus, which is rare locally and globally and listed as special concern, as well as C. hubbsi; and 3) O. neglectus has the potential to spread in the Spring River drainage affecting other species including the imperiled O. marchandi. Field and laboratory research needs to be conducted to determine species displacement, mechanisms involved, and effects on ecosystem structure and function.

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NEW PROJECTS

Wildlife Ecology and Management

Bull elk near Buffalo River, AR. Photo courtesy of M. Cartwright, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

The Ecology of Bull Elk in Arkansas

Funding Source: AR Game and Fish Commission, Rocky Mountain Elk

Foundation, University of Arkansas-Monticello, National Park Service

Project Duration: January 2003 to December 2006 Principal Investigators: DON WHITE, JR., School of Forest Resources, University

of Arkansas-Monticello, Monticello, AR, MICHAEL E. CARTWRIGHT, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Calico Rock, AR, WILLIAM L. THOMPSON, USGS Arkansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, ROBERT C. WEIH, JR., School of Forest Resources, University of Arkansas-Monticello, Monticello, AR, and SAM LAIL, Buffalo National River, National Park Service, Harrison, AR

Research Objectives: 1. Develop a landcover map for the Buffalo River watershed 2. Evaluate the feasibility of various bull elk capture techniques 3. Estimate age-class specific movement and dispersal patterns and rates, seasonal home

range sizes, and habitat use of bull elk 4. Estimate age-class specific survival rates and causes of mortality of bull elk

Assess the health and physical condition of bull elk 5. Develop a GIS model to predict the location of bull elk in the Buffalo River

watershed

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Management Implications: 1. Results will be used to develop management recommendations for maximizing bull

elk condition, productivity and survival in the Buffalo River area Project Summary:

The Arkansas elk herd in the Buffalo River area of the northwestern portion of the state has experienced a large decrease in number of bulls per 100 cows and a coincidental decline in the number of calves per 100 cows since 1999 based on aerial survey data. In addition, fewer >1.5 year-old bulls have been sighted and harvested than expected during this period. This has prompted concern among game managers responsible for this population. However, little is known regarding survival rates or causes of non-hunting mortality for bull elk in Arkansas. Possible causes of higher mortality rates for adult bulls include illegal harvest, increased probability of legal harvest during longer hunting seasons, and increased physical stress during rutting behavior. Alternatively, there may be high mortality in calves and yearlings leading to low adult recruitment. Because this information is vital to proper management of this herd, we will collect data on age-class specific movement and dispersal patterns and rates, seasonal home range sizes, survival rates, and causes of bull elk mortality. Wildlife Ecology and Management

White-tailed deer in an Arkansas forest. Photo courtesy of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Evaluation of a Mark-resight Technique for Estimating

White-tailed Deer Abundance in Arkansas Funding Source: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Project Duration: November 2002 to June 2005 Principal Investigator: WILLIAM L. THOMPSON

DAVID G. KREMENTZ

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Research Objectives: 1. Evaluate a mark-resight method for estimating deer numbers for possible use by

AGFC to intensively monitor deer population trends within select areas of Arkansas. 2. Estimate survival rates, movement rates, habitat use, and home range size of white-

tailed deer near Camden, Arkansas. Management Implications: 1. Provides a reliable means to monitor local and statewide deer populations, which

would be important information for managing white-tailed deer in Arkansas. Project Summary:

Management of the white-tailed deer population by the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission (AGFC) requires information about demographics, habitat use, movements and estimates of population abundance. Population abundance estimates of deer are not easily acquired because of; the secretive nature of deer, the wide range of habitat types found throughout Arkansas, reliance on ad hoc methods, and little free time to conduct surveys by AGFC field personnel. Most state agencies in the Southeast rely on roadside spotlight counts as an index for monitoring deer populations. However, these counts underestimate deer abundance by some unknown amount, which varies across habitats and time. Further, these counts cannot be properly extrapolated beyond surveyed areas adjacent to roads. Thus, reliability of counts obtained via spotlight surveys for monitoring deer populations is questionable at best. Therefore, we will evaluate the usefulness and feasibility of a mark-resight method for estimating white-tailed deer abundance within a private hunting club near Camden, Arkansas. We will use a combination of diurnal and nocturnal roadside surveys, camera counts, club-member and researcher surveys to resight marked deer. If this technique is successful, it could be applied to randomly chosen areas within different regions (strata) in Arkansas; the resulting estimates could be used to generate a statewide estimate of deer abundance for a given year. In addition to evaluating the mark-resight survey method, we will coincidentally collect information that can be used to estimate survival rates, movement rates, habitat use, and home range size of deer within the study area.

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HONORS AND AWARDS Matthew P. Dekar – Scott D. Shull Award- Department of Biology, University of Arkansas. R. Andrew James – The American Ornithologists’ Union Student Award David G. Krementz, STAR Award- Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Units David G. Krementz, Best Conference Paper Wildlife Session - Nongame- Southeastern Section The Wildlife Society Michael R. Rabalais - Causey Grant-in-Aid of Research- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas. Mandy K. Scott - Bill Lambing Memorial Scholarship - Southern Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers. Benny S. Thatcher - The American Ornithologists’ Union Student Award COURSES TAUGHT Thompson, W.L., Ecological Research Design Thompson, W.L., Design and Analysis of Vertebrate Population Studies Magoulick, D.D., Fish Ecology Krementz, D.G., D.D. Magoulick and W.L. Thompson, Fish & Wildlife Seminar TRAINING AND WORKSHOPS Thompson, W.L., Provided statistical assistance to wildlife biologists with the U.S. Forest Service regarding design of a large-scale project investigating responses of woodpecker populations to prescribed fire on 10 National Forests in the western US. Boise, ID. Jan. 2002. Thompson, W.L., Provided statistical assistance to a U.S. Forest Service research wildlife biologist regarding proper analyses of long-term data sets of woodpecker habitat use in areas exposed to large-scale wildfires. Boise, ID. Jan. 2002. Thompson, W.L., Co-taught a statistical workshop for biologists from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and USGS-BRD (Alaska Science Center). Anchorage, AK. Co-instructors were Doug Johnson and Terry Shaffer, BRD - Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center. March 2002. Thompson W.L. and D.G. Krementz. White River Ecosystem Management and Research Proposal Development Team Meeting. Stuttgart, AR. Thompson W.L. presented on the basics of good decision making and participated in the 'Lower White River Basin Workshop,' which discussed potential impacts of proposed navigation and irrigation projects on the White River ecosystem in Arkansas. Co-sponsored by USGS and USFWS. June 2002.

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Krementz, D.G., D.D. Magoulick and W.L. Thompson, Recent Advances in Monitoring Fish and Wildlife Species. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Workshop, Conway, AR. Aug. 2002. Krementz, D.G. and W.L. Thompson. IAFWA Central Hardwoods BCR All-Bird Workshop, Eureka Springs, AR. Feb. 2002. PUBLICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL PAPERS PRESENTED Scientific Publications Thompson, W.L. 2002. Towards reliable bird surveys: accounting for individuals present but not detected. Auk 119:18-25. Thompson, W. L. 2003. Hankin and Reeves’ approach to estimating fish abundance in small streams: limitations and alternatives. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 132:(In Press). Thompson, W. L., and D. C. Lee. 2002. A two-stage information-theoretic approach to modeling landscape-level attributes and maximum recruitment of chinook salmon in the Columbia River Basin. Natural Resource Modeling 15:(In Press). Rieman, B., J. T. Peterson, J. Clayton, P. Howell, R. Thurow, W. L. Thompson, and D. Lee. 2001. Evaluation of potential effects of federal land management alternatives on trends of salmonids and their habitats in the interior Columbia River basin. Forest Ecology and Management 153:43-62. Lang, J. D., L. A. Powell, D. G. Krementz, and M. J. Conroy. 2002. Wood thrush movements, habitat use, and effects of forest management for red-cockaded woodpeckers. Auk 119:109-124. Welch, J. R., D. G. Krementz, and J. B. Berdeen. 2001. Management of Fields for Nocturnal Use by Wintering American Woodcock. Georgia Journal of Science 59:101-107. Magoulick, D.D. and L.C. Lewis. 2002. Blue catfish predation on exotic zebra mussels: effects on predator and prey. Freshwater Biology 47:1-11. Magoulick, D.D. and R. Kobza. 2002. The role of refugia for fish during drought: A review. Freshwater Biology (In Press) Flinders, C.A. and D.D. Magoulick. 2002. Effects of stream permanence on crayfish community structure. American Midland Naturalist (In Press) Herner-Thogmartin, J.H., K.G. Smith, and M.E. Cartwright. 2001. Perceived Damage by Elk in the Arkansas Ozarks. Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science 55: 51 –56.

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Pender, D.R. and T.J. Kwak. 2002. Factors Influencing Brown Trout Reproductive Success in Ozark Tailwater Rivers. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 131: 696-717. Technical and Semi-Technical Magoulick, D.D. and R.J. DiStefano. 2001. Potential impact of the introduced crayfish Orconectes neglectus on native crayfish in the Spring River drainage. June 2001. Final Report prepared for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Columbia, Missouri. Magoulick, D.D. 2002. Factors affecting fish migration and recruitment in headwater fish assemblages of Buffalo National River. Project Accomplishment Report FY2001, Buffalo National River, Midwest Region, National Park Service. Theses and Dissertations Shaeffer, Brad. MS. 2002. Ecology of a population of Eastern Wild Turkey in the Ouachita Mountain region of Arkansas. Papers Presented Magoulick, D.D. and C.A. Flinders. Do intermittent streams function as refugia for crayfish? North American Benthological Society, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. May 2002. Flinders, C.A. and D.D. Magoulick. Scale-dependent community relationships: determining the relative importance of spatial scale in a lotic crayfish community. North American Benthological Society, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. May 2002. Magoulick, D.D., C.A. Flinders and R.J. DiStefano. Environmental factors affecting distribution and habitat selection of stream-dwelling crayfish. Special session on Ecology and Conservation of Crayfish, North American Benthological Society. LaCrosse, Wisconsin. June 2001. Flinders, C.A. and D.D. Magoulick. Community structure of lotic crayfish at multiple spatial scales. Ecological Society of America. Madison, Wisconsin. August 2001. Magoulick, D.D. Assessment of electrofishing removal sampling in small streams. Southern Division American Fisheries Society, Little Rock, Arkansas. February 2002. Scott, M.K., S.W. Hodges and D.D. Magoulick. Relationship between land use and stream fish assemblage structure at multiple spatial scales in two ecoregions of Arkansas. Southern Division American Fisheries Society, Little Rock, Arkansas. February 2002.

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Magoulick, D.D. Stream drying and fish assemblages in the Ozark Mountains: Spatial-temporal variation and source-sink dynamics. International Symposium on the Role of Drought in Aquatic Systems. Albury, Australia. February 2001. Thompson, W. L. Comparison of three plot selection methods for estimating change in temporally variable, spatially clustered populations. 8th Annual Conference of The Wildlife Society. Reno, Nevada. September 2001. Collier, B. A. and D.G. Krementz. 2002. White-Tailed Deer Management Strategies of Registered Hunt Camps in Arkansas. Abstract in 25th Annual Meeting Southeast Deer Study Group, Mobile, Alabama. Collier, B. A. 2001. White-Tailed Deer Management in Arkansas. Effects of Scale on Harvest Structure. Arkansas State University, Arkansas. November, 2001. Collier, B. A. 2001. White-Tailed Deer Management Strategies of Registered Hunt Camps in Arkansas. Abstract in 2nd Annual Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Research Symposium, Little Rock, Arkansas. Collier, B. A., and L. Duncan. 2001 Use of Cluster-sampling Methodology to Survey Deer Hunt Club Members in Arkansas. Abstract in 24th Annual Meeting Southeast Deer Study Group Piercey, G. L. and D.G. Krementz. 2002. Tracing Migration Routes of the American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) Using Multiple Stable Isotopes. Isotopes and Avian Research Session, The 3rd International Conference on Applications of Stable Isotope Techniques to Ecological Studies. Flagstaff, AZ. May 2002. Committees/Task Forces/Recovery Teams

Krementz, D.G., Mississippi Flyway Technical Section webless game bird working group Krementz, D.G., IAFWA American woodcock task force Krementz, D.G., LMAV JV migratory bird science team Krementz, D.G., LMAV JV Shorebird working group Krementz, D.G., LMAV JV Monitoring and inventory working group Krementz, D.G., LMAV JV Waterfowl working group Krementz, D.G., UGCP JV Secretive marsh bird working group Krementz, D.G., Research Grade Evaluation Panel Magoulick, D.D., Research Grade Evaluation Panel Magoulick, D.D., Arkansas Zebra Mussel Task Force Magoulick, D.D., Associate Editor, North American Journal of Fisheries Management Thompson, W.L. Arkansas Project Advisory Committee - Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Thompson, W.L. Arkansas Oak Decline Consortium

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Thompson, W.L. Research Subcommittee of the Arkansas Quail Committee Committees/Task Forces/Recovery Teams Thompson, W.L. Organizer of a half-day symposium, Sampling Rare or Elusive Species: Challenges and Choices, for the Ninth Annual Conference of The Wildlife Society. September, 2002. Bismarck, North Dakota. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Thompson, W. L. consulted with Dr. S. Beaupre of UA on survival analyses of timber rattlesnake data. Krementz, D. G. consulted with F. Broermann of USFWS on abundance, species richness and phenology analyses of fall migrating shorebird data.