2014 Annual Meeting Minnesota Chapter of the Wildlife Society February 4‐6, 2014, Bemidji, MN 1 PRESENTATION ABSTRACTS (alphabetical order) Presenting author listed in bold. Plenary abstracts are listed in Conference Program. Large Scale Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Projects on the Upper Mississippi River Sharonne Baylor, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Winona, MN, [email protected]. Session 3 (Tues.) – 2:00‐2:20 The Upper Mississippi River Restoration – Environmental Management Program is a large river habitat restoration and monitoring program administered by the US Army Corps of Engineers in partnership with several Federal, state, and non‐governmental agencies. Since Congress authorized the program in 1986, over fifty Upper Mississippi River habitat restoration and enhancement projects have been constructed affecting over 100,000 acres. These projects are designed to mimic natural river processes, and to restore habitats such as bottomland forests, backwater lakes and marshes, and channel borders. Techniques used to restore habitat include dredging, constructing islands, stabilizing shorelines, water level management, and aeration. Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge) staff are closely involved with planning, design, and construction phases of the projects as over half of the projects are constructed on Refuge lands. This presentation will provide an overview of the Environmental Management Program, and the $18 million Pool 8 Islands Phase III habitat restoration project near Brownsville, Minnesota. Temperature‐induced Changes in Plant Secondary Metabolite Production and Diet Composition in Moose John L. Berini and James D. Forester, University of Minnesota, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, St. Paul, MN, [email protected].. Session 6 (Thur.) – 8:50‐9:10 In Minnesota, moose (Alces alces) were recently listed as a “species of special concern” by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources due in part to the ongoing threat of climate change. While the relationship between increasing temperatures and the decline of moose in Minnesota is well documented, the mechanism is not well understood. Plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) play an important role in defense against herbivory and can impact herbivore survival and reproduction. While several studies suggest that plants increase production of PSMs due to heat stress, this has not been tested in a controlled setting. Here we investigated the effects of increasing temperatures on the
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2014 Annual Meeting Minnesota Chapter of the Wildlife Society
February 4‐6, 2014, Bemidji, MN
1
PRESENTATIONABSTRACTS(alphabeticalorder)Presenting author listed in bold.
Plenary abstracts are listed in Conference Program.
Large Scale Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Projects on the Upper Mississippi River
Sharonne Baylor, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge,
The Upper Mississippi River Restoration – Environmental Management Program is a large river habitat
restoration and monitoring program administered by the US Army Corps of Engineers in partnership
with several Federal, state, and non‐governmental agencies. Since Congress authorized the program in
1986, over fifty Upper Mississippi River habitat restoration and enhancement projects have been
constructed affecting over 100,000 acres. These projects are designed to mimic natural river processes,
and to restore habitats such as bottomland forests, backwater lakes and marshes, and channel borders.
Techniques used to restore habitat include dredging, constructing islands, stabilizing shorelines, water
level management, and aeration. Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge)
staff are closely involved with planning, design, and construction phases of the projects as over half of
the projects are constructed on Refuge lands. This presentation will provide an overview of the
Environmental Management Program, and the $18 million Pool 8 Islands Phase III habitat restoration
project near Brownsville, Minnesota.
Temperature‐induced Changes in Plant Secondary Metabolite Production and Diet Composition in Moose
John L. Berini and James D. Forester, University of Minnesota, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, St. Paul, MN, [email protected]..
Session 6 (Thur.) – 8:50‐9:10
In Minnesota, moose (Alces alces) were recently listed as a “species of special concern” by the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources due in part to the ongoing threat of climate change. While
the relationship between increasing temperatures and the decline of moose in Minnesota is well
documented, the mechanism is not well understood. Plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) play an
important role in defense against herbivory and can impact herbivore survival and reproduction. While
several studies suggest that plants increase production of PSMs due to heat stress, this has not been
tested in a controlled setting. Here we investigated the effects of increasing temperatures on the
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production of PSMs in balsam fir (Abies balsamea) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera) and assessed if
temperature‐induced changes to phytochemistry are correlated with diet composition. Specifically, we
analyzed PSM concentrations in plants reared under three different temperature regimes: ambient,
ambient + 2°C, and ambient + 4°C. To examine how moose diets changed across a similar temperature
range, we used stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen from forage and hair to reconstruct the diets of
moose from areas that span a 5°C temperature gradient. Preliminary results suggest that PSM
production in paper birch increases in response to warmer temperatures; however, moose from warmer
regions ingested proportionally more paper birch compared to moose from colder regions. We discuss
how this pattern could be driven by a combination of forage availability and forage selection.
The Impact of Burning on Small Mammal Communities on Restored Prairie
Brian Bickel, Caitlan Hinton, Eric Yu, Madeline Johnson, Shannon Leipus, Hannah Schradick, Katelyn Schneider, Michael Rose, and Joseph C. Whittaker. Department of Biology, Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, [email protected].
Poster Session 6 (Tues.–Thur.)
Prairie habitats in North America have been reduced to 1% of their original area and as a result, many of
the large‐scale natural processes that maintained prairie habitat and prairie mammal communities no
longer function without management. The impact of fire management on small mammals is not well
known, particularly on restored prairie. We conducted our study on Concordia College’s Long Lake
Biological Field Station in Becker Co., MN. Parts of the Long Lake field station were restored to prairie
habitat in 2010 with portions planted as part of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and others
planted with a seed mix to attract and sustain pollinators. During spring of 2013 portions of the prairie
restorations were burned. Our objective was to examine the impact of fire on the small mammal
community and to gain an understanding of how small mammal populations respond to fire as a
management technique on restored prairie. We conducted small mammal trapping in 2012 and again in
2013, following the burn. We captured a total of 166 individuals (in 1,650 trap nights) representing six
species during 2012 and 226 individuals (in 1,200 trap nights) representing five species during 2013. Our
results show a decrease in captures of small mammals following the burn on both the CRP and pollinator
sites compared to the unburned sites. Further monitoring will see if there is a longer‐term increase in
small mammal density and biodiversity as a result of the burn.
The Superior National Forest’s Canada Lynx DNA Database
Tim Catton, Dan Ryan, Dave Grosshuesch, Superior National Forest, Ely, MN, [email protected].
Steve Loch, Babbitt MN.
Poster Session 6 (Tues.–Thur.)
Snow tracking and other methods used to obtain genetic samples have confirmed presence of Canada
lynx (Lynx canadensis) across northeastern Minnesota since December 2000. Samples (typically scat or
hair) have been collected primarily as part of the Superior National Forest’s (SNF) survey and monitoring
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program and an independent genetic research project. In 2008, the SNF created and continues to
maintain a database of genetically confirmed Canada lynx to document their occurrence and relatedness
in Minnesota. The database contains 973 samples of which 765 (78.6%) have been identified as Canada
lynx. Six‐hundred thirteen samples (83.0%) had sufficient nuclear DNA to determine sex and individual
genotype. There are 180 unique genotypes, 88 females (48.9%), 91 males (50.5%) and 1 undetermined
sex. Lynx detections are distributed over 12 counties in Minnesota with the majority occurring in St.
Louis, Lake and Cook counties where most survey efforts have been focused. Individual lynx have
persisted from 1 year (n=19) to 4 years (n=4). Field observations and DNA analysis have been used to
document reproduction and relatedness of Canada lynx in Minnesota since 2002. Dispersal distances of
196 miles (male) and 46 miles (female) have been recorded with genetic recaptures. DNA analysis has
also detected 12 unique genotypes of F1 Canada lynx‐bobcat hybrids, 4 females (33.3%) and 8 males
(66.7%) in Minnesota.
Implications of Spring Water Levels on the Production of American White Pelicans Nesting at Marsh Lake, Minnesota
Jon J. DiMatteo and Mark E. Clark, North Dakota State University, Department of Biological Sciences, Fargo, ND, [email protected].
John Wollenberg, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Lac qui Parle WMA, Watson, MN.
Session 5 (Thur.) – 10:30‐10:50
We investigated the relationship between spring water levels and production of American white
pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) nesting at Marsh Lake in southwest Minnesota. We counted nest
and chick numbers from aerial photographs of the colony from 2003‐2012 to determine production
rates. Pelicans used five sites for nesting, which varied in elevation and proximity to the mainland. We
compared our counts to USGS streamflow data in the Upper Minnesota River in April (the period when
pelican nest site selection typically occurs). The number and fraction of nests on high elevation sites is
positively related to discharge in the Upper Minnesota River during April. For example, over 95% of the
variation in the number of nests on high elevation sites is explained by a linear regression of mean daily
discharge in the Upper Minnesota River during April (F1,6 = 139.7, p < 0.001). However, chick production
(chicks/nest) was negatively related to discharge in the Upper Minnesota River during April (r2 = 0.84,
F1,4 = 22.3, p = 0.009). Nest monitoring indicated that high elevation sites experienced significantly
higher predator activity (�224, 810 = 157.1, p < 0.001) and lower nest success (approximately 60% versus
80%) than low elevation sites. Changes in the management of streamflow in the Upper Minnesota River
have recently been proposed, and our findings will provide managers with information on how changes
in flow affect American white pelicans nesting in the basin.
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Deer Hunter Attitudes towards Regulatory Change Using Self‐Selected Respondents
Lou Cornicelli and Leslie E. McInenly, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, St. Paul, MN, [email protected].
Marrett D. Grund, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Farmland Research Unit, Madelia, MN.
Session 3 (Tues.) – 4:50‐5:10
We compared demographics and attitudinal support for deer hunting regulations between data
collected from convenience samples (Web‐based, public input meetings) and a stratified random mail
survey. This study supplements a 2009 study that examined regulatory change and how self‐selected
data could be used to inform the decision‐making process. Following the 2009 study, in 2010,
southeastern Minnesota deer hunting regulations were changed to include a regulatory package that
protected young male deer, prohibited tagging male deer as a party, increased season length, and
exempted youth hunters. Immediately following the 2012 deer season, we employed the same
methods used in the 2009 study, to evaluate regulatory changes and determine if they should be
continued. We observed consistency in respondent characteristics by survey method among study
years. We generally saw increased support for regulatory changes, particularly among Web and mail
survey respondents. Results indicate that self‐selected respondents were not representative of the
population, but that attitudinal differences were minor. Although results suggest that the self‐selected
respondents were more involved deer hunters and more opinionated on the issues, we propose that
data from self‐selected respondents may be cautiously be used to augment the decision‐making
process. This information, however, must be used carefully, because convenience samples cannot be
generalized to the target population.
Risk of Parelaphostrongylus tenuis in Moose in Northern Minnesota based on Spacial and Temporal Abundance of Gastropod Intermediate Hosts
Tim Cyr and Ron A. Moen, Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota‐Duluth, Duluth, MN, [email protected].
Steve K. Windels, Voyageurs National Park, International Falls, MN.
Poster Session 6 (Tues.–Thur.)
Parelaphostrongylus tenuis, a parasitic nematode that can be lethal to moose, has been documented in
moose in Northeastern Minnesota and has been implicated in declines in other moose populations.
Terrestrial gastropods are the intermediate hosts for P. tenuis, and describing spatial and temporal
changes in gastropod abundance will increase understanding about the risk of P. tenuis infection by
moose at the individual and population levels. We used cardboard traps and hand searches to estimate
terrestrial gastropod species composition and abundance in representative vegetation communities in
VNP and Northeastern Minnesota. We identified 25 taxa of gastropods, 22 of which were terrestrial
snails. Three of the 25 identified gastropod taxa are known vectors of P. tenuis, including Deroceras
laeve, the most common species found. Gastropods were more abundant in upland forests (60
gastropods/m2) compared to wetter lowlands (20 gastropods/m2). Gastropods were more abundant in
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September than June and July and ceased to be present in November. We used location data from GPS‐
collared moose in the park in 2010 to estimate the relative exposure of individual moose to gastropods
that could be infected with P. tenuis larvae. Boreal hardwood forest and northern spruce‐fir forest
ecotypes had high abundance of known P. tenuis vectors and the highest use by moose in summer, and
therefore may pose the largest risk to moose to ingest gastropods infected with P. tenuis. Our method
can be extended to estimate relative risk of P. tenuis infection to moose in other parts of moose range
where the parasite is present.
Phosphorus Phytoremediation using Fern, Duckweed, Water Dock, and Cattail Species in Constructed Floating Mats
Jennifer DuBay, Natural Resources Department, University of Minnesota Crookston, Crookston, MN, [email protected].
Katy Smith, Math Science and Technology Department, University of Minnesota Crookston, Crookston, MN.
Poster Session 6 (Tues.–Thur.)
Recently, nutrient influxes in watersheds have negatively impact water quality through several
mechanisms including increasing the speed of eutrophication in lakes around the world. In rural
Minnesota this is mostly due to increased runoff from agricultural and other fertilized lands. These loses
not only negatively impact water quality, but also decrease soil quality resulting in increased need to
fertilize these lands which creates a linear flow of nutrients from land to water bodies. In freshwater
systems, phosphorus is generally the nutrients that when added, results in increased primarily
productivity leading to eutrophication and untimely decreased species diversity at all ecological levels.
The objective of this ongoing study is to test selected plants (Pteris vittata, Pityrogramma calomelanos,
Lemna trisulca, Lemna minor, Rumex orbiculotus, Rumex verticillatus, and Typha glauca) for their ability
to accumulate phosphorous from surface waters into the plant tissue. This was addressed utilizing a
laboratory study followed by a field study in a eutrophic pond. Arsenic and phosphorous are very similar
chemically, and thus we are testing the hypotheses that arsenic hyper‐accumulating species will also
take up large amounts of phosphorous. Our experiment was set up as a randomized complete block
design in the laboratory and the field. Data analysis is ongoing but preliminary results indicate there are
significant differences in plant species ability to remove phosphorus from surface water. Results from
this study could inform water managers as to how to remove phosphorus from surface waters.
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Grazing as a Resource Tool: Lessons Learned in the Oxcart Unit of Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, in northwestern Minnesota.
Laurie Fairchild and Jessica Dowler. Rydell and Glacial Ridge NWRs, Erskine, MN, [email protected].
Session 3 (Tues.) – 3:10‐3:30
Grazing has long been a tool used by resource managers to manage prairie. The majority of these
efforts use cattle as the herbivore of choice, thought to most closely mimic the impact of bison which
historically lived as part of tallgrass prairie systems. Grazing programs can vary widely in many of the
other parameters both enabling and driving management goals. These include known physical factors
(e.g. unit size) as well as factors which may depend on fluctuating inputs (e.g. carrying capacity). In
addition, establishing and conducting a grazing program requires both process (e.g. rancher selection)
and biological (e.g. cattle and invasives) considerations. The Oxcart Unit is 2100 acres of tallgrass prairie
and restored wetland which is managed using patch burn‐graze methodology and located within Glacial
Ridge National Wildlife Refuge. Successful management is defined as maintaining or increasing
biological diversity within the prairie system. This presentation discusses process decisions such as fence
installation and maintenance, what to do with a dead cow, and public use access to fenced in acres. We
will also present examples of unexpected biological considerations as the grazing program has
progressed and how we dealt with them.
Update on Minnesota’s Sulfate Standard Revision for Wild Rice Waters
Ann Geisen, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Shallow Lakes Program, Brainerd, MN, [email protected].
Session 3 (Tues.) – 4:10‐4:30
Wild rice provides important habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife, particularly in the northern part of
the state. The 2011 Minnesota Legislature directed the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (PCA) to
review the state’s sulfate standard for wild rice waters, to implement a study to gather additional
information about the effects of sulfate on wild rice, and to form an advisory committee to provide
input on the studies and the rule revision process. The results of the study’s research projects and the
rule revision process will determine if the sulfate standard is changed and what wild rice waters are
protected by the sulfate standard. These results will impact wild rice waters and wildlife habitat. DNR
Wildlife has a representative on the Advisory Committee. This presentation/poster will provide an
update to wildlife professionals on the study results, the rule revision process, the next steps, and the
potential outcomes for wild rice waters.
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Forest Bat Inventory and Monitoring on the Superior National Forest
David D. Grandmaison. Superior National Forest, Duluth, MN, [email protected].
Kari Kirschbaum and Tim Catton. Superior National Forest, Ely, MN.
Session 1 (Tues.) – 1:40‐2:00
The Superior National Forest (SNF) initiated a pilot project during the summer of 2013 to document
forest bat occupancy and collect demographic data to complement an acoustic monitoring program
started in 2009. Prior to this effort, few data existed to inform impact analyses and aid in the
development of mitigation strategies to protect these species. This effort included mist‐netting, radio‐
telemetry, habitat characterization, and acoustic surveys at roost structures. We captured and
processed 34 bats over nine nights of mist‐netting at eight locations on the Kawishiwi District. Northern
long‐eared bats (Myotis septentrionalis) comprised 38.2% (n = 13) of total captures and little brown bats
(M. lucifugus) accounted for 61.8% (n = 21). The bats were found to be in good condition and tissue
damage resulting from WNS exposure was not detected. Radio‐transmitters were attached to five bats.
Three maternity roosts were identified in cracks and crevices of live aspen (Populus sp.). Four additional
roosts were identified in dead aspen and white pine (Pinus strobus). Canopy closure in the surrounding
stands tended to be high (62 – 98%) though all roost trees had some level of exposure to sunlight during
the day. Overall stand composition was variable. Combined with ongoing acoustic survey efforts, active
bat monitoring will improve our understanding of bat ecology on the SNF, help establish data‐driven
mitigation measures to maintain and restore bat habitat, and serve as a means for monitoring the
impacts of WNS.
Field Foraging by a Reintroduced Population of Trumpeter Swans during the Breeding Season in Northwest Minnesota
Christine Herwig and Bruce Lenning. Nongame Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Bemidji, MN, [email protected].
Josh Norenberg. Division of Fish & Wildlife, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Bemidji, MN
Session 5 (Thur.) – 11:10‐11:30
Trumpeter swans were historically a prevalent species in Minnesota but were extirpated by market
hunting by the 1880s. Reintroduction efforts began in Minnesota in 1987 with an initial restoration goal
of 15 breeding pairs. Population estimates in Minnesota currently exceed 6,000 swans. As the
population has grown, increasing numbers of swans have been observed feeding in agricultural fields. In
response to concerns about potential crop damage, we conducted an observational study in northwest
Minnesota (10 May – 10 July 2013). We documented numbers of swans in fields, types of crops birds
were using, and the spatial extent of field feeding in our study area. We collected 91 observations of
birds in 60 distinct fields. Individuals, pairs, and flocks up to 86 birds (median = 3 swans) were observed
in fields. The majority of observations (n = 79 of 91) were in fields planted to corn the previous year.
Swans were only observed eating waste grain. When vegetation where swans were foraging was
examined, only a few tramped plants were observed and very little evidence of grazing or damage to
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stems was found. Number of observations and total birds in fields peaked during late May then
declined; few swans were observed in fields after July 1. Information gathered in this study provides
baseline data on the type and extent of agricultural fields used by trumpeter swans during the breeding
season and will aid in developing guidelines for wildlife managers to address trumpeter swan crop
depredation complaints.
A Comparison of Methods for Surveying Vegetation Diversity in Restored Prairies
Greg Hoch, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Madelia, MN, [email protected].
Rebecca Esser, USFWS, Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District, Detroit Lakes MN.
Session 3 (Tues.) – 3:30‐3:50
Despite our best efforts, many of our restorations continue to have lower diversity than native prairie.
One issue is that different survey methods yield different results. While no particular method is right or
wrong, different methods may be best suited to different questions/hypotheses. We surveyed 22
restored prairies in the Red River Valley and south‐central Minnesota. We used six different techniques
including a random walk which is a more qualitative assessment, as well as transects and plots which are
more quantitative. Transects and plots allow us to determine relative cover of species while random
walks only allow us to determine species richness. In general, the plots and transects only sampled 55‐
60% of the species identified in the random walk. However, each method captured similar numbers of
species at each site. A group of USFWS, USGS, TNC, and DNR researchers are currently examining these
data in the context of future prairie plan monitoring activities.
Time‐lapse Photography: A New Way to Document and Promote Wetland Restoration and Management in Minnesota
Emily Hutchins, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Wetland Habitat Team, Mentor, MN, [email protected].
Session 3 (Tues.) – 2:20‐2:40
Time‐lapse photography is a technique used to document changes in objects or events that occur slowly or over long periods of time. Photos from multiple years can be shown in a short video presentation. Time‐lapse photography presents an opportunity to document and promote shallow lake management and wetland restoration in an innovative way the public can see and understand. Recording these activities via time‐lapse photography documents a site before, during, and after management or restoration and quickly shows the hydrologic and vegetative changes that occur over a period of two to three years. The goal of this project was to establish time‐lapse cameras at a diverse set of wetland restoration and shallow lake management projects occurring throughout Minnesota to serve as a new information and education tool. Additionally, the project serves as an assessment tool for wetland managers and researchers. Seven sites portraying a range of wetland types and management activities were selected from across the state, including a private wetland restoration, management of a shallow lake through water‐level drawdown, and cattail management on public land. Cameras were installed in 2013 and set to take one photo per hour of daylight. Photos were downloaded monthly. Cameras will
9 MNTWS 2014 Conference Abstracts
remain installed for 2‐3 years. A sample video will be shown, and the finished product will be posted to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website, as well as other venues, for public viewing.
Evaluating Effects of Invasive Cattail Management on Bird Communities in Northwestern Minnesota: An Adaptive Approach
Emily Hutchins, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Wetland Habitat Team, Mentor, MN, [email protected].
David P. Rave, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Wetland Habitat Team, Bemidji, MN.
David F. Bennett, Jessica Dowler, and Laurie Fairchild, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, Erskine, MN.
Vanessa R. Lane and Daniel Svedarsky. University of Minnesota Crookston, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Crookston, MN.
Session 3 (Tues.) – 1:20‐1:40
Cattails (Typha spp.) are an important component of many wetland ecosystems. Cattails have also
caused ecological problems throughout the world. Narrow‐leaved (Typha angustifolia) and hybrid
cattail (Typha X glauca) (hereafter, exotic cattails) have colonized wetlands throughout Minnesota. The
establishment of exotic cattails has been aided by agricultural and drainage practices, which have
resulted in more disturbed, nutrient‐enriched soils, and deeper wetlands than historically occurred.
Exotic cattails are believed to decrease the value of wetlands to wildlife. The Minnesota Department of
Natural Resource’s Wetland Team, University of Minnesota, Crookston, and staff at the US Fish and
Wildlife Service Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge (GRNWR) are cooperating on a project to evaluate
the control of exotic cattails within restored wetland basins of GRNWR. In spring of 2013, we conducted
the pilot year of a study to evaluate bird, amphibian, and wetland vegetation response to various cattail
treatments (mowing, discing, burning, herbicide, and a combination of treatments). Here, we report on
bird surveys. We conducted a fifty‐meter radius point count on each treatment or control wetland 3
times between May 15 and June 30, recording all birds seen or heard. We recorded 53 species of birds.
We will evaluate an adaptive approach to managing cattails in an attempt to determine the treatment
or group of treatments that most effectively controls cattails as determined by the response of birds,
amphibians, and wetland vegetation. We will then communicate our findings to Minnesota land
managers.
Seasonal Diet Composition of Gray Wolves (Canis lupus) in Northeastern Minnesota
Yvette Chenaux Ibrahim and Ron Moen. University of Minnesota‐Duluth, Duluth, MN, [email protected].
Seth Moore, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Grand Portage, MN.
Session 1 (Tues.) – 2:20‐2:40
Diet composition of gray wolves in northeastern Minnesota was determined through scat analysis.
White‐tailed deer, moose, and beaver are primary prey species for wolves in northeastern Minnesota.
10 MNTWS 2014 Conference Abstracts
Deer fawns are an important food source in summer, but the extent of predation on moose calves is
unknown. We systematically collected wolf scats along fixed routes in the Grand Portage Indian
Reservation in 2011, 2012, and 2013. Sample sizes exceeded sixty scats per sampling interval. Scats
were collected opportunistically across the Arrowhead region of Minnesota in 2012 and 2013 and will be
collected until spring 2014. Scats were sterilized to prevent zoonotic disease and parasite transmission
and then were washed so that only bone and hair remained. We identified hairs to determine prey
species composition. Age differentiation of ungulate species was possible from May to September.
Frequency of occurrence of prey items was totaled and converted to percent biomass consumed using
correction factors based on prey body mass. Percent biomass consumed from October to April was 48%
deer, 40% moose, 10% beaver, and 2% black bear. From May to September, diets shifted to 48% adult
moose and 19% juvenile ungulates comprised of 10% deer fawn and 9% moose calf. The remaining
composition was 19% adult deer, 6% beaver, 5% bear, and 3% small mammal. We will estimate the
effect of correction factors for prey species body mass with sensitivity analysis to address model
assumptions. This work will be used to model total potential predation rates using known wolf densities
in northeastern Minnesota.
Space Use Behavior and Habitat Selection by American Marten in Minnesota
Michael J. Joyce and Ron A. Moen. University of Minnesota‐Duluth, Duluth, MN, [email protected].
John D. Erb. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Grand Rapids, MN.
Session 1 (Tues.) – 1:00‐1:20
Track counts and anecdotal reports indicate that the American marten (Martes americana) population in
Minnesota has declined over the past 10 years. Previous work has demonstrated that marten
populations respond negatively to habitat alterations that reduce forest age, structural complexity, or
forest cover at low thresholds, but few studies have described marten habitat selection in Minnesota or
the south‐central portion of the marten range. We deployed radiocollars on 170 marten from 2008‐
2012 and used location data to describe space use behavior and habitat selection at landscape and
stand scales. The majority of adult marten were residents in established home ranges, while juvenile
marten were more likely to disperse from their capture site or establish multiple temporary home
ranges throughout the year. Males used larger home ranges than females, and home range sizes were
similar to those reported elsewhere. We evaluated habitat selection at both population and individual
levels. Population‐level selection considers habitat use by the average marten, while individual‐level
selection compares each individual marten’s habitat use to habitat availability. At the population level,
marten used habitat types in proportion to their availability at both landscape and stand scales.
However, most individual marten used habitat types disproportionately, but there was a high degree of
variability as to which forest cover types were preferred. Our results suggest that multiple forest types
can provide suitable habitat for marten, although additional work is needed to determine whether
individual differences in cover type use affects access to prey species and other critical resources.
11 MNTWS 2014 Conference Abstracts
Effect of sampling interval on estimates of habitat use by moose in northeastern Minnesota
Michael J. Joyce and Ron A. Moen. University of Minnesota‐Duluth, Duluth, MN, [email protected].
Session 6 (Thur.) – 9:50‐10:10
Characterizing habitat use by species of management interest or conservation concern is necessary to
understand how animals interact with their environment to acquire critical resources necessary for
survival and reproduction. Most studies on habitat selection rely on location data collected from free‐
ranging animals fitted with GPS or radiocollars to compare habitat use to availability and rank the
relative importance of different habitat types. Two common levels of habitat analysis include selection
of a home range from the landscape, in which the proportion of the home range in different cover types
is used to define habitat use, and selection of habitat types within a home range, where the home range
is used to estimate availability and locations are used to define habitat use. However, animal location
data represents a subset of an animal’s habitat decisions and home range boundaries include unused
portions of the landscape that may bias estimates of habitat use or availability. We assessed the effect
of sampling frequency on cover type composition of locations and home ranges of moose (Alces alces)
fitted with GPS collars. We deployed GPS collars on 75 moose from 2011‐2013. Locations were
collected every 20 minutes for 410 ± 27 days. We sub‐sampled location data to reflect sampling
frequencies typical of VHF and more conventional GPS data sets, calculated home ranges using
Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP) and kernel methods, and compared estimates of habitat use among
methods and sampling frequencies.
Movements of Painted Turtles between Three Sloughs in Clay County, Minnesota
Angela M. Kooren, Ashley M. Eder, Jamie L. Naasz, Julia R. Goroski, Kara K. Nygaard, Elizabeth A. Miller, Jaime L. Kallstrom, Janna M. Gilbertson, Jordana K. Anderson, Staci M. Dreyer, Scott T. Buchholz, Nikholai W. O’hara, Lily D. Holt, Harrison L. Pantera, Sanjaya I. Mendis, and Donna M. Bruns Stockrahm, Minnesota State University Moorhead, Biosciences Department, Moorhead, MN, [email protected].
Poster Session 6 (Tues.–Thur.)
In a long‐term study (2001‐2013), nearly 900 painted turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii) have been live‐
trapped in Clay County, Minnesota, to study growth rates, survival, population characteristics, and
movements. Captured turtles were weighed, sexed, measured, marked by scute notches (and PIT tags
starting in 2006), and released on the shoreline of the slough of capture. From 2001‐2010, we live‐
trapped 2 sloughs that were <1 km apart and roughly 3 ha and 6 ha in size. From 2011‐2013, a third
slough (<0.4 ha) was trapped approximately halfway between the 2 original sloughs where cattle grazing
had been excluded and shoreline vegetation was intact. The purpose was to determine if marked turtles
from the original sloughs, especially the 3‐ha slough with surrounding recent cattle grazing and/or
plowing were moving into this undisturbed middle slough. From 2011‐2013, we had over 600 captures
of turtles. Of these, 22 PIT‐tagged turtles (13 males, 6 females, and 3 unknown sex) moved between the
3 sloughs for a total of 82 captures. For 18 (82%) of the turtles, the 6‐ha slough had at least 1 of the
captures, and for 21 (95%), the middle slough did. Only 6 (27%) turtles were captured at least once in
12 MNTWS 2014 Conference Abstracts
the 3‐ha slough with the disturbed surrounding area. In contrast, 17 (77%) of the turtles moved back‐
and‐forth between the middle slough and the 6‐ha slough where vegetative cover was dense and
continuous between the sloughs. The lack of vegetative cover from the cattle grazing/plowing appears
to be a deterrent for turtle dispersal.
Habitat Use, Territory Size, and Predatory Role of Gray Wolves (Canis lupus) in Voyageurs National Park
Brian W. Kot, Conservation Department, Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, MN, [email protected].
Steve K. Windels and Bryce T. Olson, Voyageurs National Park, International Falls, MN.
Ron A. Moen, Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota, Duluth, MN.
Session 1 (Tues.) – 2:00‐2:20
The complex, lake‐dominated ecosystem of Voyageurs National Park has played a historically important
conservation role for gray wolves (Canis lupus) in Minnesota. Gray wolves are an integral component of
boreal forest ecosystems, capable of structuring prey populations or altering prey behavior enough to
trigger trophic cascades. To improve understanding of habitat use and foraging ecology of wolves in the
park, we deployed GPS/satellite collars on wolves (n=10) and then monitored their macroscale
movements and behavioral patterns across the landscape. Collars programmed to collect GPS positions
every 2‐6 hours provided data to calculate wolf home ranges, territory sizes, and habitat use. New
ground‐based investigations in winter 2013‐2014 will allow us to characterize kill site habitats, and
determine species, sex and age class of prey. Based on recent GPS radiotelemetry projects involving
moose (Alces alces), we expect that wolves in the park consume more white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus
virginianus) than moose, beaver (Castor canadensis) and smaller prey. Initial results provide evidence
that the distribution of park wolves has remained consistent, with 2‐4 packs occupying the Kabetogama
Peninsula and 2‐5 packs in the southeast region. Preliminary findings related to habitat use and
movement behavior will be discussed.
What do we know about Golden‐winged Warblers in Minnesota?
Gunnar R. Kramer, Sean M. Peterson, and David E. Andersen. Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology; University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, [email protected].
Henry M. Streby, Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA
Session 5 (Thur.) – 9:10‐9:30
Golden‐winged Warblers (Vermivora chrysoptera) are migratory songbirds that breed in a suite of early‐
successional and disturbed forest habitats across the northern and eastern U.S. and adjacent southern
Canada. Golden‐winged Warblers have experienced one of the most dramatic declines of any North
American songbird and have been identified as a species of greatest conservation need in Minnesota
13 MNTWS 2014 Conference Abstracts
where ~45% of the global population breeds annually. From 2010‐2012, we studied the breeding
ecology of Golden‐winged Warblers in northern Minnesota and southern Manitoba using radio‐
telemetry to determine factors influencing Golden‐winged Warbler full season productivity (i.e., nests
success including renesting, and fledgling survival to independence from adult care) on a regional scale.
Despite being commonly described as an early‐successional specialist, we found Golden‐winged
Warblers regularly nesting and raising fledglings in mature forests. Golden‐winged Warbler pairs split
their broods and females travelled farther from the nest with their broods than males. Nest success and
fledgling survival were related to land‐cover type and land cover configuration. However, land‐cover
types associated with high nest success were different than those associated with high fledgling survival.
Our findings provide insight into aspects of Golden‐winged Warbler ecology that are critical for
developing effective management strategies for this species in Minnesota. We also summarize planned
research investigating the migratory connectivity, future breeding range, and assessment of how other
species that use regenerating forest cover types are influenced by management to promote Golden‐
winged Warblers.
Species Diversity and Population Dynamics of Small Mammals on Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota
Lynda R. LaFond and Elizabeth H. Rave. Department of Biology, Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN, [email protected].
Session 1 (Tues.) – 1:20‐1:40
We determined small mammal species diversity in several differently managed habitats (restored
prairie, old field, idle hay field, and forested trail) on Grand Forks Air Force Base, ND, during summer
2013. After 2,698 trap nights, four species were captured: meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus),
hudsonius). Meadow voles and Peromyscus spp. were found at all four sites, whereas southern red‐
backed voles were found only on the forested trail and the single meadow jumping mouse was found
only on the old field. Relative density (number of individuals per 100 trap nights) of meadow voles was
highest in the restored prairie (6.44) and lowest on the forested trail (0.17). Peromyscus spp. were more
evenly distributed among all sites (0.33 – 2.33). Determining species diversity in a variety of managed
habitats on Grand Forks Air Force Base contributes to better management of natural resources and
provides baseline data for future small mammal studies on the base.
14 MNTWS 2014 Conference Abstracts
Adaptive Management Research on Cattail Control and Amphibians in Shallow Wetlands at Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge in Northwestern Minnesota: Pilot Study Results
Vanessa R. Lane and Daniel Svedarsky, University of Minnesota Crookston, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Crookston, MN, [email protected].
David F. Bennett, Jessica Dowler, and Laurie Fairchild, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, Erskine, MN.
Emily Hutchins, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Wetland Habitat Team, Mentor, MN.
David Rave, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Bemidji, MN.
Session 3 (Tues.) – 1:00‐1:20
Prairie wetlands provide a number of ecological functions which can be degraded or eliminated due to
the presence of invasive species. Establishment of narrow‐leafed and hybrid cattail (Typha angustifolia
and T. angustifolia x glauca) in shallow, emergent wetlands destabilizes local aquatic plant and animal
diversity, reduces open water, and degrades habitat for many native plant and wildlife species. In 2012‐
2013, we established an adaptive management program to compare the effectiveness of several cattail
removal techniques (mowing, grazing, fire, and chemicals), and measured plant and amphibian
community responses to these techniques in shallow, emergent wetlands choked with cattails at Glacial
Ridge National Wildlife Refuge in the tallgrass prairie region of northwestern Minnesota. We surveyed
amphibians using 20 minute dip‐net surveys per wetland. We used a combination of two 25‐m line
intercepts and 10 ¼‐m2 quadrats to survey wetland vegetation. We captured six species of amphibian
frog, 10 toads (Bufo spp.), and 4 treefrogs (Hyla spp.). We encountered 87 plant species during our
vegetation surveys, the majority of which were grasses, sedges, rushes, and bulrushes. Most wetlands
contained > 50% live and dead cattail cover and little to no overhead open water. We will discuss a
number of logistical challenges encountered with treatment implementation, as well as future plans for
the 2014 field season.
Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program
Jessica Lee and Kelly Lynch Pharis, MN DNR, CPL Grant Program, St. Paul, MN, [email protected].
Session 3 (Tues.) – 4:30‐4:50
The Conservation Partners Legacy Grant (CPL) Program began with the approval of the Legacy
Amendment and is funded through the Outdoor Heritage Fund recommended to the legislature by the
Lessard‐Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. The CPL Program provides competitive matching grants from
$5,000‐$400,000 to nonprofits and governments for habitat projects that restore, protect, or enhance
forests, prairies, or wetlands for fish, game and wildlife in Minnesota. Work can be done on lands under
public ownership, lands under a permanent conservation easement and in public waters. In addition to
the Traditional Grant Cycle, a new Expedited Conservation Project (ECP) Grant Cycle was recently
created for commonly funded, standard projects. The ECP Grant Cycle funds projects from $5,000‐
15 MNTWS 2014 Conference Abstracts
$50,000 and the application cycle is open continuously, with funding awarded 5 times throughout the
year. CPL is a great way to get funds for on‐the‐ground habitat projects.
Identification of Peromyscus in Minnesota: A Comparison of Body Measurements and Molecular Analysis of Salivary Amylase
Shannon Leipus, Hannah Schradick, Eric Yu, Caitlan Hinton, Brian Bickel, Madeline Johnson, Katelyn Schneider, Michael Rose, and Joseph C. Whittaker. Department of Biology, Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, [email protected].
Poster Session 6 (Tues.–Thur.)
Two of the most common and abundant small mammals in North America are the white‐footed mouse
(Peromyscus leucopus) and deer mouse (P. maniculatus). These two species have been identified as
significant seed dispersers, predators of pest insects, prey items of avian and mammalian predators, and
disease vectors and reservoirs. Recent studies have also identified possible ecological replacement of P.
maniculatus by P. leucopus across a large geographic area. While well‐studied, these two species are
extremely difficult to tell apart in the field. Morphological measurements are typically used for
identification, but are inconsistent. Reliable, non‐lethal, identification is possible through different
allozymes for salivary amylase. We collected saliva and used cellulose acetate electrophoresis for
identification from a variety of sites throughout primarily northwestern Minnesota between 2004 and
2013. We tested 615 Peromyscus from a variety of habitats in northwestern Minnesota and compared
the amylase results with morphological data. Our objective was to definitively identify Peromyscus to
species in a region with high habitat overlap and to examine how well morphological predictors
compared to the amylase identification. We found that 33% of the captured mice could not be
definitively identified by measurements because of extensive overlap. Additionally, we found 15 to 25%
of identifications based on morphology incorrect when compared to results from electrophoresis. In
sum, the cumulative error when trapping Peromyscus results in up to 48% of the mice we captured
being unidentifiable or incorrectly assigned to species.
Influence of Temperature on Summer Bed Site Selection by Moose
Nicholas McCann, Minnesota Zoological Garden, Apple Valley, MN, [email protected].
Ron Moen, Natural Resources Research Institute, Duluth, MN.
Steve Windels, Voyageurs National Park, International Falls, MN.
Session 6 (Thur.) – 8:30‐8:50
Moose (Alces alces) are intolerant of high temperatures and maintain thermal balance by increasing
respiration rates and by moving to areas where they can cool themselves efficiently. Bed site
characteristics should be important to moose because they can spend nearly half of each summer day
bedded. We hypothesized that bed sites selected by moose when temperatures are high should include
conditions whereby they can reduce their heat‐loads. To identify bed site characteristics used by moose
in northern Minnesota, we visited 155 bed sites used by 25 moose during summer. At each bed site, we
16 MNTWS 2014 Conference Abstracts
recorded ground temperature for the duration of summer and data on vegetation and soil
characteristics. Moose selected greater canopy closure during the day than at night, indicating that
shade is important for moose. Forested areas with wet substrates that would improve evaporative
cooling by wetting moose fur and skin were selected on warmer days. Openings were selected on nights
that were clear of cloud cover, when radiative cooling is greatest. Conditions moose selected during the
day corresponded with lowland forests that moose selected, and areas that would help moose to reduce
their heat‐loads. Information from this study should be useful for for managing forests for conditions
that moose select during summer. This is particularly important in northern Minnesota where increasing
temperatures may be the ultimate cause of recent moose population declines.
Moose Visitation Rates and Space Use of Key Habitats in Northern Minnesota
Amanda M. McGraw and Ron Moen, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN, [email protected].
Session 6 (Thur.) – 9:30‐9:50
Home range estimates have been a fundamental factor in evaluating habitat use by animals since before
radiotelemetry was developed in the 1960’s. A paradox that emerges from home range calculations is
that an animal will spend very little time at any single location in their home range. Kernel methods
improve the analysis of space use, but alternative approaches should be explored given the scale at
which movement data collection is now possible. GPS radiocollars were attached to 64 moose across
northern Minnesota in 2011. Locations were recorded every 20 minutes, while activity levels were
recorded at 5 minute intervals for 2 years. With this data set, it becomes possible to evaluate with high
precision how animals move across the landscape. We used the Time Local Convex Hull (t‐locoh)
method to model spatio‐temporal patterns from movement data. The t‐locoh method incorporates fine
scale location and activity data with time. This method enabled us to determine visitation rates and
extent of use of key foraging and resting habitats. This type of data also enables visual assignment of
core areas based on clustering of locations as well as movement patterns associated with certain life
history events.
Continuing Population Control of Urban Canada Geese in Moorhead, Minnesota
Jamie L. Naasz, Ashley M. Eder, Angela M. Kooren, Julia R. Goroski , Kayla C. Kenney, Ryan M. Rothstein, Kara K. Nygaard, Elizabeth A. Miller, Jaime L. Kallstrom, Janna M. Gilbertson, Emily A. Jorgenson, Amie R. Nowacki, Ashlyn A. Kuklock, Kris M. Wittman, and Donna M. Bruns Stockrahm. Minnesota State University Moorhead, Biosciences Department, Moorhead, MN, [email protected].
Poster Session 6 (Tues.–Thur.)
Urban Canada geese (Branta canadensis) are becoming too numerous in many places, including the
Fargo (ND)/Moorhead (MN) area. Since 2010, we have monitored nests and oiled eggs on land owned
by American Crystal Sugar (ACS) in Moorhead which has year‐round open water in holding ponds and
minimal numbers of predators, providing optimal breeding habitat. In the spring of 2010‐2013, we
17 MNTWS 2014 Conference Abstracts
quantified goose numbers (March‐April), monitored nests (April‐May), and oiled (April) all but 1‐2 eggs
in each nest as part of a long‐term management plan to curb goose numbers. For 2010‐2012, number of
nests declined from 123 to 64 to 28. However, in 2013, nest numbers jumped to 52. Mean clutch size
(5.9, 5.8, 5.1, 5.8) and range (1‐12, 3‐14, 1‐13, 2‐10) have remained fairly stable over the 4‐year period.
Counts of geese decreased since 2010 with maximum counts approaching 440, 250, 300, and 274 for
each year, respectively. Comparing nest numbers with numbers of geese on the premises indicate many
of the geese using the habitat are not necessarily nesting there. Concurrently, but separate from our
study, any remaining adult geese and/or hatchlings still present on the property by late June of each
year were rounded up and removed. The combination of egg oiling and goose removal has reduced
goose numbers, but long‐term effects are not yet known. Possibly, the vacated habitat on ACS grounds
will be re‐populated with other resident geese in the Fargo/Moorhead area. Nest monitoring is
expected to continue through spring 2014.
Lead Fragmentation and Deposition in Shotgun Slug Harvested White‐tailed Deer
The typical wetland restoration project conducted on public or private lands usually involves plugging or filling drainage ditches and/or breaking tile lines to restore natural hydrological cycles to drained wetland basins. However, some managers have noticed that not only are these degraded basins drained by ditches or tile, the physical integrity of the basin has been further compromised by many inches and in some cases several feet of washed‐in sediment from the surrounding uplands. Native seed banks are buried, excess nutrients (N & P) are present, and soil characteristics at the surface are changed (organic matter, density, etc.). Thus, to fully restore these drained wetlands, many restoration projects have involved sediment removal in wetlands but these efforts have not always been well documented or monitored. The practice is costly and there are considerable uncertainties about if and when it is an appropriate tool to use to restore drained wetland basins. One thing managers want to know is whether or not removing the sediment will minimize or delay colonization by invasive plants such as reed canary grass and hybrid cattail. In an attempt to resolve these questions, the Service has turned to adaptive management (AM). As of December 2013, 95 wetland basins are part of the Wetland Sediment Project, with basins located in 4 Minnesota Wetland Management Districts (WMD), and in the Minnesota Private Lands Office (MNPLO) work area in central Minnesota. This presentation will summarize results of the AM project to date and provide several examples of sedimentation and post‐restoration plant response.
Detectable Zones of Simulated Grassland Birds: Implications for Bird Surveys
Elizabeth A. Rigby, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, [email protected].
Douglas H. Johnson, USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, St. Paul, MN.
Session 5 (Thur.) – 9:30‐9:50
Factors affecting detection of bird songs have been investigated via field simulation in forest habitats,
but have not been assessed previously in grasslands. We built a portable speaker apparatus for
broadcasting recorded bird songs in grasslands and assessed song detections by experienced and
23 MNTWS 2014 Conference Abstracts
inexperienced observers. We used logistic regression analyses with mixed models to evaluate covariates
of detection, using correct detection of a broadcast song as the binary response variable. Distance from
the sound source and wind speed and direction were the major factors affecting detection. The greatest
probability of detection was close to the sound source and downwind of the sound source, which
resulted in roughly teardrop‐shaped zones where songs could be detected. Detection zones were
constricted at higher wind speeds. When wind speed exceeded 4 m/s, detection upwind of the sound
source was ≤ 25% for distances ≥ 60 m. At low wind speed (≤ 1 m/s), upwind detection exceeded 40%
for distances ≤ 120 m. The asymmetry of detection zones suggests there may be substantial differences
in perceptibility of birds depending on their orientation regarding the observer and the wind, even if
they are equidistant from the observer and have equal availability. Wind effects should be considered in
bird survey design and survey points should be placed so as to avoid drastic differences in land cover
type surveyed under differing wind conditions.
Interpreting a Scientific Topic for an Internet Audience: An Example Using Secondary Lead Poisoning in Bald Eagles
Cindy Samples, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Winona, MN, [email protected].
Maggie O’Connell, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Midwest Regional Office, Bloomington, MN.
Session 2 (Tues.) – 3:50‐4:10
Wildlife Management is built on a foundation of scientific principles and evidence. Conveying to a
general audience why wildlife is important, what emerging wildlife management issues are critical, and
why wildlife managers do the things they do is a separate skill and requires a fundamentally different
communication approach to be effective. We will present an example of how a current wildlife
management issue, secondary lead poisoning in bald eagles, can be effectively interpreted to reach a
broad, non‐scientific internet audience. Effective communication of this type of material requires the
application of principles that are fundamental to natural resource interpretation. Key principles include
defining the purpose, theme, goals and objectives; identifying opportunities and audiences; and
recognizing the need for both intellectual and emotional connections. We will demonstrate how these
principles can be effectively applied to our example of secondary lead poisoning in bald eagles.
Small Game Hunters Intentions to Support a Ban on Lead Shot in Minnesota’s Farmland Zone: How Beliefs Relate to Attitudes
Susan A. Schroeder and David C. Fulton. Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, [email protected].
Session 2 (Tues.) – 3:30‐3:50
Shot from hunting adds toxic lead to environments worldwide. Existing lead shot regulations and
proposals for additional regulation have occurred with little understanding of hunter beliefs and
attitudes toward non‐toxic shot regulations. Using data from a mail survey of Minnesota small game
24 MNTWS 2014 Conference Abstracts
hunters, this study applies established theory to examine how beliefs, attitudes and norms influence the
behavioral intentions of small game hunters to support or oppose a ban on lead shot in Minnesota’s
farmland zone. Using the Theory of Reasoned Action, we found that attitudes were significantly related
to behavioral intentions, while norms were not. Then, we employed structure coefficients and
commonality analysis to enhance explanation from a regression of attitudes about a ban on behavioral
beliefs. Results suggest the positive beliefs that a ban on lead shot in Minnesota’s Farmland Zone would
benefit the quality of the environment and protect wildlife from lead poisoning, and the negative belief
that a ban would be unnecessary government regulation had the greatest influence on attitudes about
ban. Examining structure coefficients and commonality analysis, we found that the belief that a ban
would be unnecessary government regulation was most strongly related to attitudes among individuals
who intended to oppose a ban. The beliefs that a ban would benefit the quality of the environment and
protect wildlife from lead poisoning were most strongly related to attitudes among individuals
supportive of a ban.
Cause‐Specific Mortality of Moose Calves in Northeastern Minnesota: Results from the First Summer
William J. Severud, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology; University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, [email protected].
Glenn D. DelGiudice, Forest Wildlife Populations and Research Group, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Forest Lake, MN.
Session 6 (Thur.) – 10:30‐10:50
Adult survival is an important driver of large herbivore population dynamics; however, low and variable
recruitment also can have a strong influence on population trajectory. The northeastern Minnesota
moose (Alces alces) population has been exhibiting a downward trend since 2006. Neonate and seasonal
survival rates and specific causes of mortality of calves are largely unknown. The greatest hazard relative
to survival occurs within the first 3‐4 months of life for ungulates. We tracked 73 adult female moose
fitted with global positioning system (GPS) collars (50 confirmed pregnant at capture by serum
progesterone concentrations, 6 unknown, 17 not pregnant) beginning 1 May 2013, looking for long
distance pre‐calving movements followed by localization. We confirmed presence of calves with a
helicopter capture crew. Forty‐nine neonates from 31 dams (58% twinning rate) were fitted with
expandable GPS collars during May 2013 and are being tracked intensely throughout their first year. We
are investigating survival rates and specific causes of calf mortalities on site. Thirty‐six mortalities have
occurred (with 4 slipped collars), leaving 9 calves “on air” to date. Natural and capture‐induced
abandonment by dams, predation by bears and wolves, drowning, and injury inflicted by the dam all are
preliminary causes of death. Identifying specific causes of calf mortality and understanding their
relations to various landscape and other extrinsic factors should yield insight into mechanisms
contributing to the declining moose population in northeastern Minnesota and serve as a basis for an
ecologically‐sound management response.
25 MNTWS 2014 Conference Abstracts
Breeding Waterfowl Habitat Use in the Great Lakes Region
Hannah M. Specht and Todd W. Arnold, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology; University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, [email protected].
Chris Trosen, St. Croix Wetland Management District, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Nate Williams, Great Lakes Regional Office, Ducks Unlimited Inc.
Session 5 (Thur.) – 10:50‐11:10
Information on abundance and habitat preferences of breeding waterfowl is critical for efficient and
effective waterfowl management; however differences in survey methodologies in Minnesota,
Wisconsin and Michigan render regional estimates difficult. We developed a roadside survey protocol in
Minnesota and Wisconsin for breeding waterfowl that could be scaled up to the entire Great Lakes
Region. We sampled visible wetlands within 400m of the road along 25‐mile roadside transects,
conducting a 3 minute survey, similar to the Breeding Bird Survey. We employed removal methods to
account for calculate detection probabilities when determining wetland occupancy. We observed 1,326
breeding pairs of Canada geese, mallards, wood ducks, and blue‐winged teal at 2,114 individual
wetlands. Overall detectability was greater than 85% early in the breeding season but declined
significantly in the latter half of the season. Preliminary results suggest that wood ducks occupy 6.3% ( 0.5) of wetlands across the study area in the early season and are found more often than expected on
semi‐permanent wetlands and lakes. The quality of wetland data will limit the ability to develop
wetland‐based breeding pair models across the region; wetland inventory data for MN accurately
represented 89% of MN surveyed wetlands, while WI wetland data accurately represented only 30% of
WI surveyed wetlands. We will relate breeding pair occupancy to landscape attributes to build predictive
models of waterfowl abundance and hope to use our data to interpret historical surveys of waterfowl
abundance derived from the nation‐wide Breeding Bird Survey.
A Long‐term Dataset from a Furbearer Harvest Program on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge
Brian Stemper and Stephen Winter, USFWS, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Winona, MN, [email protected].
Poster Session 6 (Tues.–Thur.)
The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge was established in 1924 and currently
encompasses 97,125 ha of property along 420 km of the Mississippi River. Regulated harvest of
furbearers has occurred on the refuge since 1929 and furbearer harvest is administered through the
issuance of Special Use Permits to individual trappers. Special Use Permits require trappers to submit
information on the numbers of each species harvested, geographic locality of harvest, and trapper
effort. This has resulted in a long‐term dataset that has potential for illuminating trends which may be
related to population dynamics, habitat conditions, and socio‐economic variables.
26 MNTWS 2014 Conference Abstracts
Demonstration of the Efficacy of Lead vs. Copper Ammunition at Hunter Workshops
Sean Strom, Bureau of Wildlife Management, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, WI, [email protected].
Session 2 (Tues.) – 3:10‐3:30
As part of WI‐DNRs Lead Action Plan, demonstrations were conducted illustrating the benefits of using
copper rifle ammunition. The primary objective of these demonstrations was to allow hunters to
participate first hand and observe the performance differences between lead and copper rifle
ammunition. Both lead and copper rifle bullets were fired into water barrel bullet traps and the contents
of the bullet traps were compared. The primary messages stressed during these demonstrations include:
copper ammunition is accurate, does not foul barrels, retain nearly 100% of their weight, and do not
fragment. In addition, we also describe how the fragmentation of lead bullets can leave particles of lead
throughout the carcass and venison as well as gut piles that can ultimately contaminate the
environment and pose a threat to the health of scavengers. The feedback from participants has been
overwhelmingly favorable. For participating hunters, performance of the copper bullets seems to take
precedence over any potential toxicity issues resulting from lead bullet fragmentation. These
demonstrations are easy to conduct and are very effective once participants see the dramatic difference
between copper and lead bullets.
The Habitat of Winter Ticks in the Moose Range of Northeast Minnesota
Juliann M. Terry and Ron Moen, Natural Resource Research Institute, Duluth, MN, [email protected].
Session 6 (Thur.) – 10:50‐11:10
Periodic die‐offs of moose from 1931 to 2002 in Minnesota are attributed to winter ticks. Little is known
about the habitats where moose pick up winter ticks in the fall or what factors influence tick
abundances in different habitats. Ticks move little after dropping off of a moose, so moose locations in
the spring are where young larval ticks are in the fall. Twenty‐minute movements from GPS collared
moose in the spring of 2013 identified moose beds and foraging paths. Sites were visited in the fall of
2013 and ticks collected by dragging a 1m2 flannel across the vegetation. Microhabitat measurements
were also taken. GIS analyses of spring and fall overlaps from 22 moose in 2011 and 2012 identified
potential tick transmission habitats. A total of 28,730 ticks were found in 25 sites over 0.2 ha. Ticks were
found in 52% of all sites (n = 48) with ticks at 33% of bed sites (n = 21) and 66% of foraging paths (n =
27). Ticks at bed sites accounted for 21% of the total ticks found, and ticks at foraging paths accounted
for 79%. Ticks were found in microhabitats with an average of 30% canopy cover. The habitat overlap
analysis showed a total of 4% overlap of spring and fall paths for a total of 72 ha over both years for all
moose. The most common habitat types in the overlapping area were mixed‐wood forests (44%), bogs
(21%), and conifer forests (13%).
27 MNTWS 2014 Conference Abstracts
Patterns in white‐tailed deer density and parasite prevalence in Voyageurs National Park: Implications for disease transmission to moose
Kimberly VanderWaal, Conservation Department, Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, MN, [email protected]
Steve K. Windels and Bryce T. Olson, Voyageurs National Park, International Falls, MN.
Ron Moen, University of Minnesota‐Duluth, Natural Resources Research Institute, Duluth, MN.
Session 6 (Thur.) – 11:10‐11:30
The moose population in northeastern Minnesota has declined by over 50% in the past three years, and
the moose population in northwestern Minnesota has almost disappeared. Voyageurs National Park is a
paradox in that its low‐density moose population is stable despite high white‐tailed deer densities. High
deer densities are generally thought to increase the risk of parasite transmission from deer to moose. In
deer, but these parasites can cause morbidity and mortality when incidentally infecting moose. Here, we
assess how deer and moose densities are related at a local scale, and if high deer densities lead to
higher infection risk. Deer and moose pellet counts were conducted across 78 survey units in and
around Voyageurs National Park from 2009 ‐ 2011. We found that moose presence/absence in survey
units was not influenced by the density of deer. Among plots where moose were present, moose pellet
density was positively correlated with deer pellet density. This may be because some plots were poor
quality habitat for both species, and other plots were characterized by habitat that was beneficial for
both species simultaneously. In 29 survey units, deer pellet groups (n = 10 per unit) were sampled for
the presence of P. tenuis larvae and F. magna eggs. Overall, 68.8% of deer pellets were infected with P.
tenuis, and 56.9% were infected with F. magna. P. tenuis infection was higher in VNP than outside the
park (76.7% versus 40%, respectively). Deer were slightly more likely to be infected in units with higher
deer density. More research is needed to understand the ecological factors leading to higher prevalence
in VNP.
Introducing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles into Wildlife and Habitat Management
Michael C. Vogt, North American Robotics, Prior Lake, MN, [email protected].
Poster Session 6 (Tues.–Thur.)
Drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are still not allowed by the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) to be operated commercially, but are being used effectively for research applications, especially
where they can be utilized to manage land and wildlife resources. Larger drones are typically built to
duplicate military performance and capabilities, but those types are challenging to operate and use for
modest land surveying and wildlife population management. Instead, smaller hand‐launched drones, be
they fixed‐wing (airplanes) or rotary‐wing (‘copters) represent a reasonably mature tool for shoreline
inspections, nest spotting, species tracking, and vegetation analysis. Drones can deliver satellite‐
like near‐remote sensing, at higher resolutions, lower costs and with more scheduling
convenience. Visible, near‐infra‐red (NIR), and soon thermal infra‐red (TIR) imaging is available, along
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with GIS processing to aid in detecting nests, invasive plant species, and spatially‐mapped water
turbidity. Specialized drones have been developed that have safety advantages over military cousins,
making them quieter, more flexible to operate, and significantly lesser risk to ground objects in the
event of a crash. With the growing selection of options to choose from, it is an ideal time to begin
exploring how drones can help your wildlife stewardship programs.
Estimating Moose Use of Canopy Closure During Foraging and Bedding Using LIDAR
Rachel Ward and Ron Moen, Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota‐Duluth, Duluth, MN, [email protected].
Session 6 (Thur.) – 9:10‐9:30
LiDAR is a remote‐sensing technology that can collect data about canopy cover across the landscape by
measuring the distance from the aircraft to the canopy. However, this technology has been used very
infrequently in wildlife studies to date. LiDAR data for various forestry applications has been developed
by the Superior National Forest. Some of the output variables include vegetation density, canopy cover,
and canopy height. We took known foraging and bed sites of moose (Alces alces) and determined
relative canopy closure of these areas and searched for correlations between bedding and foraging
areas with the LiDAR data. We also compared the LiDAR data results to results based on field methods
such as densiometer readings and fish‐eye photographs. Results will indicate how LiDAR can help us
understand characteristics associated with bedding and foraging locations and increase understanding
of how moose balance acquiring enough biomass in summer with the need to avoid heat stresses
associated with warm temperatures. Once the analysis technique is developed it will be possible to
evaluate the use of LiDAR data for other applications including movements of Canada lynx, snowshoe
hare, deer, and wolf.
Lost and Discarded Fishing Tackle in Voyageurs National Park: Implications for Piscivorous Birds
Jerry Warmbold, University of South Dakota, Vermilion, SD, [email protected].
Steve Windels, Voyageurs National Park, International Falls, MN, and [email protected].
Session 2 (Tues.) – 4:50‐5:10
Fishing is the primary recreational activity for the majority of visitors to Voyageurs National Park (VNP). The amount of fishing tackle lost into lacustrine systems in Minnesota, including lakes within Voyageur National Park (VNP), is astounding. A recent study suggests that approximately 211,000 individual pieces of lead tackle were cumulatively lost in Rainy Lake between 1983 and 2004, an average of nearly 10,000 pieces per year. Ingestion of lead tackle by aquatic bird species, including common loons, gulls, cormorants, and eagles can result death by lead poisoning. Piscivorous birds may also become entangled in fishing line or snagged by hooks from lost or discarded fishing tackle. In the summers of 2012 and 2013, we surveyed sections of shoreline along the large lakes in VNP to estimate accumulation rates of lost and discarded tackle that may collect along shorelines and be encountered by piscivorous birds and other wildlife. We also surveyed nest sites of double‐crested cormorants and bald eagles to
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assess incidence of fishing tackle being brought to nestling birds. Lastly, we summarized known instances of wildlife being entangled or hooked in fishing tackle and the outcome of those events. We will report preliminary results from our study and discuss the implications for risk of injury or mortality to individual birds from encounters with lost or discarded tackle.
Waterbird Mortality Surveys on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge: Monitoring the Impact of Trematodiasis
Stephen Winter, USFWS, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Winona, MN, [email protected].
Calvin Gehri, Wendy Woyczik, Kendra Niemec, and Dustan Hoffman. USFWS, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, La Crosse, WI.
Session 5 (Thur.) – 11:30‐11:50
Mortality of waterbirds due to trematodiasis was first documented on the Upper Mississippi River
National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge) in 2002. Collection and submission of waterbird specimens to
the USGS National Wildlife Health Center has documented trematodiasis in Pools 7, 8, and 9 of the
Upper Mississippi River with 13 species known to be affected (two Rallidae and 11 Anatinae). Repeated
surveys by Refuge staff along standard routes during spring and fall migration periods provide data on
the seasonal distribution and magnitude of die‐offs that have occurred in Pools 7 and 8. Two species
have been most severely affected: American coot (Fulica americana) and lesser scaup (Aythya affinis).
The effect of trematodiasis on lesser scaup is of particular concern given the decades‐long decline in
continental scaup populations. This presentation will provide an overview of the results of 11 years of
waterbird mortality surveys conducted by the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.
Prevalence of Lead Poisoning in Bald Eagles in the Upper Midwest
Ed Britton, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Thomson, IL.
Sarah Warner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Green Bay Field Office, Madison WI.
Drew Becker and Michael Coffey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Rock Island Ecological Services Field Office, Moline, IL.
Timothy Yager and Stephen Winter, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Winona MN, [email protected].
Session 2 (Tues.) – 4:10‐4:30
The bald eagle is a commonly observed resident and migrant of the Upper Mississippi River and other
locations in the Upper Midwest. While bald eagles in the lower 48 States were recently removed from
the federal list of threatened and endangered species, they remain a protected species under the
Golden and Bald Eagle Protection Act. Bald eagles that have been found dead in the field, or have died
in captivity at a zoo or rehabilitation center, are eventually transferred to the National Eagle Repository,
a federal facility that serves as the central location for receipt, storage, and distribution of dead eagles
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and their parts to qualified Native Americans for use in religious ceremonies. We took advantage of this
“pipeline” of bald eagle carcasses to a federal facility to collect tissue samples that could be analyzed for
the presence of lead. Eagle carcasses from several Midwestern states were collected by state and
federal agency employees and transferred to a National Wildlife Refuge office in Illinois where necropsy
was performed and clinical signs of body condition were identified." Liver tissue samples were then
submitted to the USGS National Wildlife Health Center for analysis while the remainder of each carcass
was transferred to the National Eagle Center. This presentation will provide an overview of the results
generated by this collection effort and tissue analyses.