Presidents Message

by Tim Armstrong

A recent study of the refuge system reported in Refuge Update in the fall of 2008 identified several challenges for the Refuge System. The study, which was conducted by an independent consulting firm, was based on more than 250 interviews with US Fish and Wildlife Service staff, stakeholders in Congress, government agencies, and nonprofit partners. To those familiar with the challenges faced by the Refuge System, these findings may not be surprising, but they reinforce perceptions that are held by many.

First, the bad news. The study found that:
* The purchasing power of the Refuge System declined by 11% between 2003 and 2008.
* The Refuge System's law enforcement program was ineffective in protecting its resources and its visitors.
* The USFWS did not meet its strategic goal of expanding the Refuge System, and that the rate that land added to the system had declined "significantly" between 2003 and 2008.

The good news is that the study found that:
* The Refuge System excelled in building partnerships. Partnerships with Friends and other volunteer organizations and state fish and wildlife agencies were found to be "highly effective." In 2005, the study estimated that partnerships contributed over $50 million to the Refuge System, with more than $30 million in cash contributions.
* The Refuge System's wildlife-dependent recreation programs were effective.
* The System had maintained its infrastructure and equipment.
* The Comprehensive Conservation Planning process was effective.
* The Refuge System had reduced the risk of wildfire and improved habitat.
To address its weaknesses, the study recommended that the Refuge System:
* Double the number of law enforcement officers from 200 to 400.
* Hire more biologists to improve its ability to conserve, manage, and restore habitat.
* Develop a better system of managing its water.
* Improve information sharing among refuges to better share "best practices."
Some of these challenges have been identified previously, but the Refuge System is working to address several of the deficiencies and recommendations found in the report. Hopefully, partners like us can help the Refuge System meet these challenges!

 

Results of 51st Monte Vista NWR Christmas Bird Count

By Lisa Clements

the San Luis Valley of south-central Colorado. Seven people (three teams) spent a total of 16.5 party hours and covered over 192 miles on the count. Two feeder watchers participated. Weather conditions during the day were chilly with partly clear skies with light and variable winds. Temperatures ranged from a brisk -4o F to 28o F. Coverage of the count circle was not completely thorough as the mountain roads were covered by drifted snow; the rest of the count circle was fairly thorough.
This year's numbers were low. A total of 39 species were documented and 3071 individuals. Sixty-three species is still the record. Numbers were down due to the snow in the count circle and incomplete coverage. Best birds were Short-eared owl, Northern shrike, and during the count week; Merlin, Long-eared owl, and Sharp-shinned hawk.
We sent our information to the National Audubon to be included in the National Christmas Bird Count. The website (http://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc/) is easy to access and you can see how we have done in years past as far as the numbers go.
Thank you to all of you who helped with this year's count, see you later this year in December 2009! I encourage all you backyard feeder watchers to participate. Please!
The following is a summary list of species and individual numbers of each that were documented during the 2008 event.

Results