DRAFT Environmental Assessment for Migratory Bird, Wild

Turkey and White-tailed Deer Hunting at DeSoto and Boyer

Chute National Wildlife Refuges

Date: February 11, 2019

This Environmental Assessment (EA) is being prepared to evaluate the effects associated with

this proposed action and complies with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in

accordance with Council on Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR 1500-1509) and

Department of the Interior (43 CFR 46; 516 DM 8) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (550 FW

3) regulations and policies. NEPA requires examination of the effects of proposed actions on the

natural and human environment. Other applicable statutes, executive orders and regulation

compliance is addressed in Appendix A.

Proposed Action:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is proposing to expand hunting opportunities for:

● Turkey hunting at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge (DeSoto Refuge)

● Turkey, deer, and waterfowl hunting at Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge (Boyer

Chute Refuge).

in accordance with the DeSoto and Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge’s Comprehensive

Conservation Plan.

At DeSoto Refuge,

● Opening portions of the refuge to fall archery turkey hunting.

At Boyer Chute Refuge

● Open portions of the refuge to fall and spring archery turkey hunting.

● Open portions of the refuge to archery deer hunting.

● Expand waterfowl hunting along the boundary of the Missouri River to all units that

border with the river.

This proposed action is often iterative and evolves over time during the process as the agency

refines its proposal and learns more from the public, tribes, and other agencies. Therefore, the

final proposed action may be different from the original. The final decision on the proposed

action will be made at the conclusion of the public comment period for the EA and the Draft

2019-21 Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations.

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Background:

National wildlife refuges are guided by the mission and goals of the National Wildlife Refuge

System (NWRS), the purposes of an individual refuge, Service policy, and laws and international

treaties. Relevant guidance includes the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of

1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Refuge

Recreation Act of 1962, and selected portions of the Code of Federal Regulations and Fish and

Wildlife Service Manual.

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge was established pursuant to Federal Property and

Administrative Service Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 471-535), as amended; Fish and Wildlife

Coordination Act of 1934 (16 U.S.C. 661-666c) as amended; Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16

U.S.C. 742a-742j Stat.1119) as amended; the Act of May 19, 1948, Public Law 80-537 (16

U.S.C. 667b-667d; 62 Stat. 240)as amended; and The National Wildlife Refuge System

Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), as amended.

DeSoto Refuge’s other establishing authorities and related purposes include:

Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929

“…for use as an inviolate sanctuary or for other management purposes, for migratory

birds." 16 U.S.C. 715d

Refuge Recreation Act of 1962

“…suitable for - (1) incidental fish and wildlife-oriented recreational development, (2)

the protection of natural resources, (3) the conservation of endangered species or

threatened species” 16 U.S.C. 460k-460k-4

Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1992 by the Federal Property and

Administrative Service Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 471-535), as amended; Fish and Wildlife

Coordination Act of 1934 (16 U.S.C. 661-666c) as amended; Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16

U.S.C. 742a-742j Stat.1119) as amended; the Act of May 19, 1948, Public Law 80-537 (16

U.S.C. 667b-667d; 62 Stat. 240)as amended; and The National Wildlife Refuge System

Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), as amended.

Boyer Chute Refuge’s other establishing authorities, related purposes and history include:

Emergency Wetland Resources Act of 1986 (U.S.C. 3901-3931). At that time, the

Service agreed to accept long-term management responsibility for the Boyer Chute area

and manage it as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The Service assumed

management of a 2,000 acre area (the island and land adjacent to and west of the chute)

in 1995 under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Papio-Missouri River Natural

Resources District (NRD) which purchased the property under their Missouri River

Corridor Project. On September 30, 1997, the NRD conveyed title to the tract via

donation. Under Fiscal Year 1997 Congressional appropriations, the Service was directed

to expand this original boundary to 9,912 acres as part of the Back to the River project,

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and given $2 million from the Land and Water Conservation fund to begin acquisition.

The mission of the NWRS, as outlined by the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration

Act (NWRSAA), as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act (16

U.S.C. 668dd et seq.), is to:

“... to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and,

where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within

the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans”

The NWRSAA mandates the Secretary of the Interior in administering the System to (16 U.S.C.

668dd(a)(4):

● Provide for the conservation of fish, wildlife, and plants, and their habitats within the

NWRS;

● Ensure that the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of the NWRS are

maintained for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans;

● Ensure that the mission of the NWRS described at 16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(2) and the

purposes of each refuge are carried out;

● Ensure effective coordination, interaction, and cooperation with owners of land adjoining

refuges and the fish and wildlife agency of the States in which the units of the NWRS are

located;

● Assist in the maintenance of adequate water quantity and water quality to fulfill the

mission of the NWRS and the purposes of each refuge;

● Recognize compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses as the priority general public

uses of the NWRS through which the American public can develop an appreciation for

fish and wildlife;

● Ensure that opportunities are provided within the NWRS for compatible wildlife-

dependent recreational uses; and

● Monitor the status and trends of fish, wildlife, and plants in each refuge.

Therefore, it is a priority of the Service to provide for wildlife-dependent recreation

opportunities, including hunting and fishing, when those opportunities are compatible with the

purposes for which the refuge was established and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge

System.

Hunting has been approved on DeSoto Refuge since 1967 and the last Hunt Plan was modified in

1994. Hunting has been approved on Boyer Chute Refuge since 2004.

Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action:

The purpose of this proposed action is to provide compatible wildlife-dependent recreational

opportunities on DeSoto and Boyer Chute Refuges. The need of the proposed action is to meet

the Service’s priorities and mandates as outlined by the NWRSAA to “recognize compatible

wildlife-dependent recreational uses as the priority general uses of the NWRS” and “ensure that

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opportunities are provided within the NWRS for compatible wildlife-dependent recreational

uses.” 16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(4))

The DeSoto and Boyer Chute Refuges’ CCP Objective 3.1: As compared to current conditions,

increase upland (wild turkey and ring-necked pheasant) hunting opportunities, big game (deer

archery) hunting opportunities, and consider increased waterfowl hunting opportunities on the

refuges through the development of a hunting step-down management plan that will be

completed within one year of CCP approval.

Alternatives Considered

Alternative A –In addition to existing opportunities this alternative will do the following:

DeSoto Refuge: Open fall archery turkey season. Boyer Chute Refuge: Open fall and

spring archery turkey, open to archery deer; expand waterfowl hunting to three additional

along Missouri River. Proposed Action Alternative.

The refuge has prepared a hunt plan (Appendix B), which is presented in this document as the

Proposed Action Alternative.

Under the Proposed Action Alternative,

● DeSoto Refuge will open a fall archery turkey season on two refuge units totalling 1,604

acres.

At Boyer Chute Refuge, this proposed action will

● Expand waterfowl hunting along the Missouri River and boundary to include the North-

Central, Nathan’s Lake and West Chute units; (about ¾ mile of shoreline)

● Open every unit except the Horseshoe, Nathan’s Lake South, and West Chute Units to

archery deer hunting. (2,660 acres)

● Open to turkey hunting during spring and fall archery seasons on all units except

Horseshoe, Nathan’s Lake South, and West Chute units. (the same 2,660 acres)

§32.34 Iowa.

The following refuge units are open for hunting and/or fishing in accordance with applicable

Federal and State regulations, and listed in alphabetical order with additional refuge-specific

regulations.

(a) De Soto National Wildlife Refuge.

(1) Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]

(2) Upland Game Hunting. We allow youth hunting of ring-necked pheasant on designated areas

of the refuge in accordance with the States of Iowa and Nebraska regulations. The refuge will

annually determine and publish hunting seasons, dates, and designated areas and publish in

refuge hunting brochure.

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(3) Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and wild turkey on designated

areas of the refuge in accordance with States of Iowa and Nebraska regulations and subject to the

following conditions:

(i) The refuge manager will annually determine and publish hunting seasons and dates,

and will include them in the refuge hunting brochure.

(ii) You must possess and carry a refuge access permit at all times while in the hunting

area. Hunters may enter the hunting areas only within the dates listed on the refuge

hunting brochure.

(iii) All areas open to hunting may be accessed by hunters with a valid Iowa or Nebraska

resident hunting permit. Reciprocity exists, with both states allowing hunters with either

resident permit to access refuge hunting land in either state.

(iv) Hunters holding nonresident Nebraska or nonresident Iowa permits may hunt only on

the ground that lies within the state that issued the nonresident permit.

(v) We allow hunters in the designated area from 2 hours before legal sunrise until 2

hours after legal sunset.

(vi) We prohibit the use of a crossbow as archery equipment unless the hunter has

obtained a State-issued disability crossbow permit.

(vii) We prohibit shooting on or over any refuge road open to vehicle traffic within 30

feet (9 meters (m)) of the centerline.

(viii) We prohibit field dressing of any big game within 100 feet (30 m) of the centerline

of any refuge road.

(viiii). You may possess only approved non-toxic shells (see §32.2(k)) when hunting wild

turkey

(x) . We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a “drive” as an organized or planned

effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause game to move in the

direction of any person (s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be

waiting for the game.

(xi) We allow two portable tree stands/blinds per hunter within the hunt area. Of those,

only one stand/blind can be left on the refuge from one week prior to the start of the

designated hunt season to one week after the end of the designated hunt season. Stands

must be labeled with name and state hunting license number.

(4) Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing in DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge in accordance

with the States of Iowa and Nebraska regulations and subject to the following conditions:

(i) We allow ice fishing in DeSoto Lake from January 2 through the end of February.

(ii) We allow the use of pole and line or rod and reel fishing in DeSoto Lake from April

15 through October 14.

(iii) We allow the use of archery and spear fishing for nongame fish only from April 15

through October 14.

(iv) When the lake is open to ice fishing, we prohibit motor- or wind-driven conveyances

on the lake.

(v) We allow the use of portable ice fishing shelters on a daily basis from January 2

through the end of February.

(vi) Anglers may use no more than two lines and two hooks per line, including ice

fishing.

(vii) We prohibit the use of trotlines, float lines, bank lines, or setlines.

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(viii) Anglers must adhere to minimum length and creel limits as posted.

(viiii) We prohibit anglers leaving any personal property, litter, fish or any parts thereof,

on the banks, in the water, or on the ice.

(x) We prohibit digging or seining for bait.

(xi) We prohibit the taking of any mussel (clam), crayfish, frog, leech, and turtle

species by any method on the refuge (see §27.21 of this chapter).

(xii) We limit boating to “no-wake” speeds, not to exceed 5 miles per hour.[BD1]

[CTA2]

(xiii) We allow anglers on the refuge from ½ hour before legal sunrise to ½hour after

legal sunset.

§32.46 Nebraska.

The following refuge units are open for hunting and/or fishing in accordance with applicable

Federal and State regulations, and listed in alphabetical order with additional refuge-specific

regulations.

(a) Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge.

(1) Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of ducks, geese, and coots on designated

areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) Hunters may access the refuge from 2 hours before legal sunrise until 2 hour after

legal sunset along the immediate shoreline and including the high bank of the Missouri

River. You may access the hunting area by water or, if by land, only within the public use

area of the Island Unit.

(ii). You must remove all blinds and decoys at the conclusion of each day's hunt (see

§27.93 of this chapter).

(2) Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]

(3) Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and wild turkey on designated

areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The refuge will annually determine and publish hunting season and dates and include

them in the refuge access permit (signed brochure).

(ii) You must possess and carry a refuge access permit (signed brochure) at all times

while in the hunting area.

(iii) Hunters may enter the hunting areas only within the dates listed on the refuge access

permit (signed brochure).

(iv) We allow hunters in the designated areas from 2 hours before sunrise until 2 hours

after sunset.

(v) We allow two portable tree stands/blinds per hunter within the hunt area. Of those,

only one stand/blind can be left on the refuge from one week prior to the start of the

designated hunt season to one week after the end of the designated hunt season.

(vi) Unattended stands and/or blinds must be plainly labeled with the full name and/or

hunting license number of the owner. Labels must be visible from ground level.

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(4) Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following

conditions:

(i) We allow personally attended hook and line fishing and archery fishing (rough fish

only) from ½ hour before legal sunrise to ½ hour after legal sunset.

(ii) We prohibit the use of trotlines, float lines, bank lines, or setlines.

(iii) We prohibit digging or seining for bait.

(iv) We prohibit the taking of any turtle, frog, leech, minnow, crayfish, and mussel

(clam) species by any method on the refuge (see §27.21 of this chapter).

(v) Anglers may use no more than two lines and two hooks per line.

Mitigation Measures to Avoid Conflicts:

● The Horseshoe and Nathan’s Lake South units will remain closed to all hunting, except

the managed muzzleloader deer hunt. This is to mitigate disturbance to migratory birds

during critical periods.

The West Chute unit would remain closed to avoid conflict with other public uses.

This alternative offers increased opportunities for public hunting/fishing and fulfills the Service’s

mandate under the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997. The Service has

determined that the hunt plan is compatible with the purposes of DeSoto and Boyer Chute

Refuges and the mission of the NWRS.

Alternative B – DeSoto Refuge: Continue deer hunting on existing units (managed

muzzleloader and archery); continue spring archery turkey hunts; continue special spring

shotgun turkey hunts (youth and hunters with disabilities). Boyer Chute Refuge:

Continued managed muzzleloader hunt for deer; continue waterfowl hunting along the

Missouri River boundary and backwaters of the Boyer unit. – [No Action Alternative]:

Both DeSoto and Boyer Chute Refuges are currently open to hunting as described below: .

DeSoto seasons fall within both Iowa and Nebraska state seasons and are coordinated with both

states. DeSoto would continue to offer:

● Archery deer hunting in the East Dike South Unit and West Side Unit (1604 acres

open),

● Managed muzzleloader deer hunts on all six units of DeSoto unless designated

closed. (7,975 acres open) Up to four managed muzzleloader hunt weekends will

take place during the hunt season.

● Spring archery turkey season in the East Dike South Unit and West Side Unit (1,719

acres open). ● Up to two youth shotgun spring turkey hunts on all six unit of DeSoto unless

designated closed (7,795 acres open). Hunt weekends will be set in coordination with

Iowa DNR and Nebraska G&PC. Limit of 25 youth per hunt weekend.

● One mobility impaired turkey hunt weekend within the Center Island Unit (2,120

acres open). Hunt weekend will be set in coordination with Iowa DNR and Nebraska

G&PC.

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Boyer Chute Refuge is open during Nebraska state seasons for the following:

● Managed muzzleloader deer hunts on all units of Boyer Chute Refuge except the

Norwest, Homestead and Yellowlegs Unit. (3720 acres open) ● Waterfowl hunting along the Missouri River boundary and backwaters of the Boyer

Island Unit. (3.9 miles of Missouri River shoreline)

Alternative(s) Considered, But Dismissed From Further Consideration

No Hunting

An alternative that would have closed either DeSoto or Boyer Chute Refuges to all hunting was

not considered for detailed analysis because:

● The CCP identified hunting as a future use after an Environmental Assessment

determined a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).

● A No Hunting Alternative would conflict with the 1997 National Wildlife Refuge

System Improvement Act, which mandates hunting opportunities be provided

when feasible and compatible.

● Hunting is a useful management tool to manage wildlife populations at both

refuges.

Opening Hunting to All State Seasons and Regulations

An alternative that would have opened either DeSoto or Boyer Chute Refuges to all

statewide hunting seasons and regulations was also not considered for detailed analysis.

The relatively small land base combined with the high visitation would result in

additional conflicts between visitors. At DeSoto Refuge, Nebraska and Iowa seasons

don’t align and that would cause additional conflict.

Affected Environment

DeSoto and Boyer Chute Refuges straddle the Missouri River in Nebraska and Iowa 15–20 miles

north of the Omaha–Council Bluffs Metropolitan Area. DeSoto Refuge, in Harrison County,

Iowa, was established in 1958 as a migratory bird refuge and contains 8,365 acres of floodplain

wetlands, grasslands, and forests surrounding DeSoto Lake, an oxbow lake cut off from the main

channel of the Missouri River in 1960. DeSoto Refuge is home to a diversity of resident and

migratory species, hosting over 250 species of birds, 25 mammal species, 40 reptile and

amphibian species, and 80 species of fish. DeSoto Refuge Visitor Center also hosts the

Steamboat Bertrand Museum Collection, one of the largest premier assemblages of Civil War era

artifacts in the United States. The refuge attracts over 160,000 visitors annually—making DeSoto

Refuge one of the more heavily visited refuges in the Refuge System.

Boyer Chute Refuge, in Washington County, Nebraska, was established in 1992 and is located

immediately south of DeSoto Refuge. The Service has acquired 4,040 acres of the refuge, or 40

percent, of its 10,010-acre authorized boundary. When full acquisition from willing sellers is

complete, the refuge will connect with DeSoto Refuge through Wilson Island State Recreation

Area to the north and with the Neale Woods Nature Center to the south. Boyer Chute Refuge

contains wildlife and habitats similar to those found at DeSoto Refuge, and together the refuges

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provide a broad range of wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities and experiences to the

public.

See map of the general area and proposed project site on the refuge at Appendix C.

Tables 1-6 provides additional, brief descriptions of each resource affected by the proposed

action.

For more information regarding the affected environment, please see Chapter 3 of the refuge’s

Comprehensive Conservation Plan , which can be found here:

https://www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/desoto_boyerchute/index.html.

Environmental Consequences of the Action

This section analyzes the environmental consequences of the action on each affected resource,

including direct and indirect effects. This EA only includes the written analyses of the

environmental consequences on a resource when the impacts on that resource could be more than

negligible and therefore considered an “affected resource.” Any resources that will not be more

than negligibly impacted by the action have been dismissed from further analyses.

Tables 1-5 provide:

1. A brief description of the affected resources in the proposed action area;

2. Impacts of the proposed action and any alternatives on those resources, including

direct and indirect effects.

Table 6 provides a brief description of the cumulative impacts of the proposed action and any

alternatives.

Impact Types:

● Direct effects are those which are caused by the action and occur at the same time and

place.

● Indirect effects are those which are caused by the action and are later in time or farther

removed in distance, but are still reasonably foreseeable.

● Cumulative impacts result from the incremental impact of the action when added to other

past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of what agency

(Federal or non-federal) or person undertakes such other actions.

TABLE 1. AFFECTED NATURAL RESOURCES AND ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED

ACTION AND ANY ALTERNATIVES

NATURAL RESOURCES

AFFECTED RESOURCE

ANTICIPATED DIRECT AND INDIRECT IMPACTS

White-tailed Deer Alternative A (proposed action):

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White-tailed deer represent one of the

most important big game mammals in

Nebraska and Iowa. Currently, the

Iowa Department of Natural

Resources (IADNR) population

estimates are 400,000 deer and

harvests are around 100,000 per year.

(IADNR 2017) Iowa DNR is

attempting to reduce the deer

populations to the mid-to-late 1990’s

levels. (IADNR 2017) Nebraska

Game and Parks Commission

(NEGPC) reports annual harvest at

27,000 deer and statewide population

levels between 150,000 to 180,000.

(NEGPC 2017)

Deer hunting at Boyer Chute Refuge would be expanded from the

locations and seasons currently allowed. In addition to the current

muzzleloader deer hunt opportunities, the refuge would expand deer

hunting opportunities to include archery deer hunting on all units except

Horseshoe, West Chute, and Nathan’s Lake. This archery hunt area

will be open concurrent with the State of Nebraska archery deer season.

Season dates and archery deer permits would be consistent with those

set by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. This added deer hunt

opportunity will increase the number of deer hunter use days to 122.

This will lead to increased deer harvest to an estimated 100 deer. Even

with the increased harvest, this increase would still be less than 0.21%

of the total deer harvested in the state of Nebraska.

Alternative B (current management):

The Service has allowed deer hunting on DeSoto since 1963 and at

Boyer Chute since 2004. Harvest data from 2004 through 2013 of both

refuges indicates an annual harvest average of 456 deer.

Helicopter counts ranged from a low of 717 in 2007 to a high of 983 in

2004 on DeSoto Refuge. Boyer Chute Refuge counts ranged from 212

in 2006 to a high of 414 in 2004. Deer populations peaked at 87 deer

per square mile at DeSoto Refuge and 65 deer per square mile at Boyer

Chute Refuge. IADNR estimates deer populations across the state to

range from seven to ten deer per square mile. Prevalent deer habitat

damage increased the annual hunts from 2 weekend hunts to 4 weekend

hunts from 2005 to 2010, which slowly began to decrease the deer

numbers. The flood of 2011 had a much larger impact.

After nearly all the deer fled the refuge or drowned during the flood, a

few returned. In 2012 there was a severe drought and epizootic

hemorrhagic disease hit the deer population throughout much of Iowa

(IADNR 2017). At the time of the writing of this plan the deer have

rebounded. Management does not want to let the population get out of

control again. The refuges will continue to support a deer herd that will

be at the carrying capacity of the habitat of 17 deer per square mile.

Since the 2011 flood, the average deer harvest on DeSoto Refuge is

around 60 deer per season. Sixty deer would represent less than 0.07%

percent of the total harvest within Iowa (100,000) and less than 0.2% of

the total harvest within Nebraska (48,000). The average harvest on

Boyer Chute Refuge is 25, representing 0.05% of the Nebraska harvest.

Wild turkey

Wild turkey populations in Iowa were

extirpated by 1900. Wild turkeys were

captured and released by the Iowa

Department of Natural Resources

throughout the state, including DeSoto

Refuge, during the late 1960s and

1970s. The birds thrived and

repopulated throughout the state to the

extent that hunting of turkey was

opened in 1974. (IADNR 2017) The

2017 Iowa spring season was the 44th

season and an estimated 11,779

Alternative A (proposed action):

DeSoto:

Turkey hunting would be similar to Alternative B except that it would

allow fall archery turkey hunting within the West Side Unit and East

Side South Unit. These areas are already open to archery deer season

which would fall within the same time frame as archery turkey season.

Historically, fall turkey hunting sees low numbers and the refuge

anticipates the majority of hunting for turkeys in the fall will be

harvested by opportunistic archery deer hunters.

According to Iowa DNR harvest report numbers, the 2016 Iowa fall

turkey harvest by all methods totaled less than 2,000 and of that only

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turkeys were harvested (Figure 4-3).

(IADNR 2017) Nebraska Game and

Parks Commission report essentially

the same history of the turkeys in that

State. (NEGPC 2014a) The 2017

Nebraska spring season had an

estimated harvest of 20,431 (Figure 4-

4).

The population of turkeys in both

states is currently growing or stable.

Turkeys rely on a combination of

forested and open areas for food and

roosting sites throughout the year.

This habitat is readily available on

both refuges and turkey numbers are

strong on both refuges.

142 were taken by archery. For Nebraska, the 2017 fall turkey harvest

totaled an estimated 3,520 (NEGPC 2017). Based on spring archery

turkey hunting numbers at DeSoto Refuge, the refuge anticipates

minimal number of harvested birds (less than 20) which would have

little impact to both states population numbers or harvest numbers

Boyer Chute

In this alternative, Boyer Chute Refuge would be open to spring and fall

archery turkey hunting in all units except Horseshoe, Nathan’s Lake,

and West Chute. The season dates and permit limits would be

concurrent with the state regulations. This opportunity would lead to an

increase of 205 hunter use days for turkey hunting. The refuge feels

harvest numbers and success would be similar to what is seen at DeSoto

Refuge. If the refuge sees 100 turkey hunters throughout the season

than using hunter success rate from Nebraska (~64% in 2017) would be

an average of 64 turkeys harvested each season. This harvest would be

less than 0.32% of the total harvest in Nebraska (20,431).

The refuge anticipates that most of the turkey hunters will be during the

spring season when turkey hunting is more popular. Fall archery turkey

hunting typically gets limited users and is mostly done in concurrence

with archery deer hunting. This statement is primarily based on

professional judgment and by Nebraska Game and Parks permit and

harvest reports (Figure 4-8) (NEGPC 2017).

Alternative B (current management)

Turkey harvest data is not recorded annually for DeSoto Refuge.

Typically, each season the refuge gets 25 youth shotgun turkey hunters,

4 mobility impaired shotgun turkey hunters and 50 archery turkey

hunters. If using hunter success rate from the states of Iowa (~20% in

2016) and Nebraska (~64% in 2017) that would average to a 42%

success rate for DeSoto Refuge turkey hunters. With an average of 80

turkey hunters annually, this would be an estimate of 34 turkeys

harvested each season. Thirty four turkeys would represent less than

0.3% of the total harvest in Iowa (11,779) and less than 0.2% of the

total harvest in Nebraska (20,431).

Waterfowl

The hunting of waterfowl in the

United States is based upon a

thorough regulatory setting process

that involves numerous sources of

waterfowl population and harvest

monitoring data.

Alternative A (proposed action)

Same as Alternative A, except the refuge will expand the hunt area to

the river banks along the Nathan’s Lake Unit, West Chute Unit and

North Central Unit. This expanded access would result in less than 1

mile of river bank added to the waterfowl hunt area. This will lead to

the potential for added number of hunters, but the refuge anticipates that

the harvest would not increase substantially. The location of the added

area along the river is also far enough away from the major wetland

complex where the hunters will not disturb the waterfowl on the

Horseshoe wetland unit. No adverse impacts to waterfowl or other

migratory bird populations on the refuge are expected.

Alternative B (current management)

Currently, fall waterfowl hunting is permitted at Boyer Chute Refuge

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on land adjacent to the river below the top bank on Boyer Island. The

waterfowl hunting is permitted in accordance with the state season and

bag limits. Since the waterfowl hunting is limited to along the river

banks, the refuge does not receive a high number of hunter visits (less

than 50). The refuge does not collect harvest report numbers for Boyer

Chute Refuge. However, based on survey results from US FWS 2018,

Nebraska hunters averaged 12.9 ducks per hunter per season and 11

geese per hunter per season, which would estimate a total harvest of

645 ducks and 550 geese. This harvest would be just 0.47% of duck

harvest and less than 0.4% of the geese harvest in Nebraska.

Other Wildlife and Aquatic Species

DeSoto Refuge is home to a diversity

of resident and migratory species,

hosting over 250 species of birds, 25

mammal species, 40 reptile and

amphibian species, and 80 species of

fish. Boyer Chute Refuge contains

wildlife and habitats similar to those

found at DeSoto Refuge,see Appendix

D for the refuges’ species list

Birds

The refuges provide habitat to many

migratory and resident bird species. A

broad spectrum of birdlife is

represented, from resident game birds

such as quail, pheasant, and wild

turkey to shorebirds, waterfowl,

neotropical migrants, short distance

migrants, resident songbirds, hawks,

owls, and other raptors.

The Missouri River Valley is noted for

its large-scale migrations of water

birds and waterfowl including white

pelican, double-crested cormorant,

greater white-fronted goose, Canada

goose, and a large percentage of the

mid-continent snow goose and Ross’s

goose populations. Also included are

several species of dabbling duck

including the mallard, green-winged

teal, northern pintail, blue-winged

teal, ring-necked duck, lesser scaup,

ood duck, and common merganser.

The Missouri River is a major raptor

flyway for the eastern Great Plains,

Alternative A (proposed action):

Currently, hunting accounts for less than 1% of overall visitation at both

DeSoto (0.7%) and Boyer Chute (0.4%) Refuges. Hunting access is by

foot only (except for waterfowl hunting along the Missouri River and

backwaters).

Hunters can cause some disturbance to wildlife, but the disturbance is

minor and short term. Other wildlife not being harvested (including

birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates) may be

temporarily disturbed by hunters approaching an animal’s resting site

and flushing or moving the wildlife as the animals try to avoid human

contact.

The main concern for wildlife disturbance at DeSoto Refuge is with

migratory waterfowl during the spring and fall migration period.

Disturbance from hunters near wetlands can cause birds to flush and not

utilize the wetlands as a resting/feeding area during their migration.

This disturbance would have a direct impact on the ability of the refuge

to fulfill its mission as a migratory bird sanctuary. To account for this,

only selected areas at DeSoto Refuge are open for public archery deer

and turkey hunting. These public hunt areas on the West Side Unit and

East Dike South Unit do not have large wetland units where disturbance

is a big factor. Another way disturbance factor is accounted for is the

timing of the hunts. The managed muzzleloader hunts are weekend

hunts and are scheduled during weekends that avoid the peak waterfowl

use time period for the refuge. Typically the muzzleloader hunts are

during late October and mid-December, while peak waterfowl use

typically occurs in November.

Another biological impact is the killing of animals, which is a negative

impact to the individual animal. However, the harvesting of animals for

hunting also creates positive benefits by promoting people’s connection

with nature, helping the refuge in achieving its habitat management

objectives, and maintaining quality habitat for other wildlife. Staff

monitors species population trends to ensure that target species can be

hunted on the refuge without adversely affecting the species. These

monitoring activities include direct observation of populations,

consultation with state and Service species specialists, and review of

13

but most of the birds follow the

eastern loess bluffs in Iowa

southward. A number of bald eagle

roosting sites are located at or near the

refuges. Bald eagles migrate across

the refuges in late November and

December; well over 250 have been

observed on the refuges at one time.

A considerable number of shorebirds

utilize the Missouri River Valley

during spring and fall migrations,

although species diversity is typically

greatest in spring when suitable

habitat is more readily available.

DeSoto Refuge has been recognized

as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by

the Audubon Society in both Iowa and

Nebraska. Boyer Chute Refuge was

designated a Nebraska IBA in 2005.

The IBA program identifies sites that

are critical to the survival of bird

species and promotes the conservation

of these sites to maintain healthy bird

populations.

Mammals

At least 30 mammal species have been

observed on the refuges with over

twice that number of species

unconfirmed but expected to occur

based on their known breeding ranges.

A wide variety of mammals including

white-tailed deer, bobcats, coyotes,

red foxes, badgers, raccoons,

opossums, skunks, muskrats, mink,

beavers, squirrels, rabbits,

woodchucks, and smaller species such

as long-tailed weasels, gophers, mice,

voles, and shrews can be found on the

refuges. These species spend much of

their time in uplands, but will use

wetland and riverine areas as well for

water, food, and shelter during dryer

periods.

Amphibians and Reptiles

Surveys have documented 24 species

of reptiles and amphibians on the

refuges, with over 60 total species

expected to occur locally. On Boyer

Chute Refuge, surveys conducted

throughout refuge wetlands by the

University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the

summers of 2004 and 2008 have

current species survey information and research.

Under all alternatives, we would continue to offer opportunities for

visitors to engage in hunting. Visitors using the available infrastructure,

including trails and parking areas, gain an improved understanding and

appreciation for the numerous species that depend on the refuge for

breeding, foraging, and resting. Additionally, visitors would be more

aware of biological facts upon which Service management is based and

why these species are important to people and other wildlife. This

outcome would help increase public support for refuge management

and habitat protection, as well as the Service and the Refuge System

Alternative B (current management)

Impacts would be similar to those described in Alternative A.

14

confirmed nine amphibians species,

and the refuge overlaps the ranges of

at least 14 additional species.

Common amphibian species include

gray tree frogs, leopard frogs, and

cricket frogs.

Reptile species found on the refuges

include six turtle species, eight snake

species, and one species of skink.

Common reptile species include

snapping turtles, false map turtles,

softshell turtles, bull snakes, and

garter snakes.

Fish and Other Aquatic Species

The Missouri River Basin supports

156 native fish species, of which 33

are now listed by the states within the

basin as rare, endangered, or

threatened (Hesse et al. 1989). In

addition to state listings, the pallid

sturgeon has been Federally listed as

endangered since 1990. Of the 156

fish species in the basin, 92 species

are found in the Lower Missouri River

and are associated with the refuges—

64 of which have been confirmed on

the refuges. The refuges have played a

part in a larger, basin-wide effort to

increase habitat for a variety of native

fish species, including many species

that have experienced drastic

population declines over the past

century. The restoration of floodplain

wetlands and riverine habitats such as

chutes, backwaters, side channels, and

sloughs benefit species of concern like

the pallid, shovelnose, and lake

sturgeon; sturgeon and sicklefin chub;

longnose and shortnose gar; blue and

flathead catfish; sauger, burbot,

paddlefish, blue sucker, and silvery

minnow.

In addition to rare, declining,

threatened, and endangered species,

more common fish species, including

game species, are present in the

refuges’ aquatic habitats. Channel

catfish, bigmouth buffalo, and

freshwater drum are examples of

larger fish species that are well

adapted to the backwaters, chutes, and

side channels provided at Boyer Chute

15

Refuge.

Non-native fish such as common and

bighead carp are also abundant in the

Missouri River ecosystem. Large

numbers of these exotic species can be

seen in shallow backwaters and

tributaries of the river. Refuge staff

has noticed an increase in the number

of Asian carp on the refuges, from just

a few scattered sightings in the past, to

large numbers in just about every

shallow water habitat on the refuges.

Stocked game fish in DeSoto Lake

include largemouth and white bass,

black and white crappie, channel and

flathead catfish, bluegill, walleye, and

northern pike.

Threatened and Endangered

Species and Other Special Status

Species

Three Federally listed species have

been associated with refuge habitats in

the past: pallid sturgeon, interior least

tern, and piping plover.

The pallid sturgeon was listed in 1990,

can reach a length of up to six feet,

can weigh as much as 80 pounds, and

occurs in the Missouri, Mississippi,

and Yellowstone Rivers. There are

over 3,300 miles of riverine habitat in

the pallid sturgeon’s range, yet it is

rarely encountered in the Lower

Missouri River. This is primarily due

to the loss of key backwater and side

channel habitat required by the

species.

The interior least tern (Sterna

antillarum) was Federally listed as

endangered in 1985. This species lives

along large rivers and may sometimes

be found hunting fish in shallow

wetlands and along pond/lake

shorelines. The wide river channels

dotted with sandbars that are preferred

by the terns have been replaced by

narrow forested river corridors.

Recreational activities on rivers and

sandbars can disturb nesting terns

causing them to abandon their nests.

Current estimates suggest 4,700 to

Alternative A (proposed action):

DeSoto and Boyer Chute

Pallid sturgeons are associated with the Missouri River and would not

be affected by any of the hunting activities on the refuge.

Least tern and piping plover have not been documented on the refuge

since the 1970s. If nesting birds were discovered it would be in late

spring and summer when minimal to no hunting occurs on the refuge.

The spring turkey hunting that does occur from mid-April to late-May

would not be in habitat associated with these species. If the refuge

manager determines any future disturbances to be at an unacceptable

rate, he/she will administratively close the units, or a portion thereof, to

hunting. To close a tract, the boundary would be posted with No

Hunting signs, law enforcement personnel would be notified, and the

refuge's public use map would be updated to show the changes.

The refuge does have nesting pairs of bald eagles present. While no

longer threatened or endangered, bald eagles are still protected under

the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Most of the hunting on the

refuge occurs in the fall and winter when eagles would not be nesting.

The spring turkey season for the refuge does occur during the eagle

nesting and chick rearing time period. To avoid disturbance during this

critical time period, a 100 yard radius area around any active eagle nest

is closed to hunter access. This closure would be outlined in the hunt

brochure map and would be posted with signs if needed.

Alternative B (current management):

Same as alternative A

16

5,000 adult birds remain.

Piping plovers were Federally listed as

threatened in 1986. These birds make

their nests on open, sparsely vegetated

sand or gravel beaches adjacent to

alkali wetlands and on beaches,

sandbars, and dredged material islands

of major river systems. They winter

along South Atlantic, Gulf Coast, and

Caribbean beaches and barrier islands,

then arrive in their breeding grounds

form mid-March through mid-May,

remaining for three to four months per

year.

Vegetation (including vegetation of

special management concern)

The habitats at DeSoto Refuge are

approximately one-third grassland and

one-third forest with the remaining

third a mixture of open water, and

minor components such as shrub-

scrub, developed areas, seasonal

wetlands, and sandbar habitat. The

grassland component is a mixture of

mesic grasslands and wet prairie.

Forests contain bottomland tree

species, and density ranges from dense

young stands, mature open savannas,

to late successional cottonwood forest.

Nearly all of the land that now

comprises the authorized boundary for

Boyer Chute Refuge was farmed prior

to the creation of the refuge.

Restoration and rehabilitation of

wetland and upland habitats have

been, and will continue to be, an

important part of refuge management

activities. According to restoration

records maintained by the refuge,

habitat restoration has occurred on

2,350 grassland acres, over 370

wetland and riverine acres, and

approximately 570 acres of woodland

and shrubland. Over 60 percent of the

refuge is classified as prairie, and with

wet meadow areas (10 percent), nearly

three-quarters of the land currently

managed by the Service falls into a

mixed grassland and forb cover type.

Wetlands and open water constitute

approximately 12 percent of the

refuge. Forests and open woodlands

Alternative A (proposed action):

Currently, hunting accounts for less than 1% of overall visitation at both

DeSoto (0.7%) and Boyer Chute (0.4%) Refuges. Hunting access is by

foot only (except for waterfowl hunting along the Missouri River and

backwaters). Hunting activity is typically dispersed across the

landscape, resulting in minimal vegetation trampling or effects. Hunters

are prohibited from cutting vegetation.

Alternative B (current management) :

Similar to Alternative A because little additional use is expected.

17

located primarily adjacent to

waterways and wetlands constitute

another 15 percent of the refuge.

18

TABLE 2. AFFECTED VISITOR USE AND EXPERIENCE AND ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF THE

PROPOSED ACTION AND ANY ALTERNATIVES

VISITOR USE AND

EXPERIENCE

AFFECTED RESOURCE

ANTICIPATED DIRECT AND INDIRECT IMPACTS

Both DeSoto and Boyer Chute

Refuges are already open to hunting,

fishing, wildlife observation and

photography, environmental education

and interpretation. By far, wildlife

observation and photography are the

most popular uses on both refuges,

followed by fishing.

Some areas at DeSoto Refuge are

open year round and others are closed

during the winter to allow areas for

migrating waterfowl.

Boyer Chute Refuge has a paved auto

tour route running along the chute

with five parking areas providing

access to the chute and to trails. On

Boyer Island, one ½-mile accessible

trail is maintained. The rest of the trail

system (over 6 miles) is mowed

regularly throughout the growing

season. The refuge also maintains two

kiosks on the refuge where regulation

brochures and the hunting access

permit are posted.

Before the managed muzzleloader

deer hunt, parking areas are mowed at

various locations to provide hunters

with parking areas and better access to

the different units of the refuge.

Alternative A (proposed action):

DeSoto Refuge

Similar to Alternative B, the refuge does not experience any repeated or

re-occurring conflicting uses. Conflicts between users are likely to be

low, due to relatively low participation rate in hunting, and the time of

year at which the activity is engaged in. With the addition of fall

archery turkey hunting, the Service anticipates a slight increase in

overall hunting use (100 hunter use days) resulting in spread throughout

the refuge’s roughly 1,604 acres of open hunt area.

If this low level of participation is consistent with Service expectations,

refuge staff expect negligible conflicts with other public uses at DeSoto

Refuge. The refuge staff will evaluate participation in the turkey hunt

seasons to verify participation levels, where the use is occurring, and

ensure that potential conflicts with other users are avoided. Future

closures may be considered if potential conflicts with other public uses

becomes a habitat management concern.

Boyer Chute Refuge

There would be no change from Alternative B.

Alternative B (current management):

DeSoto Refuge

Hunting is a priority public use for the Service and a way for the public

to gain an increased awareness of DeSoto Refuge and the National

Wildlife Refuge System. According to the RAPP report, there were a

total of 165,000 visitors to DeSoto Refuge in 2017. Of the 165,000

visitors, 1,050 visitors participated in hunting activities. Other wildlife

dependent recreational activities provided at DeSoto Refuge include

wildlife observation (135,300 participants), wildlife photography

(17,000 participants), fishing (16,000 participants), environmental

education (5,500 participants), and interpretation (3,500 participants).

Because of the relatively low participation rate in hunting, the potential

for conflict with other uses is minimized. Also, the public hunt area is

closed to non-hunting visits from October 15 – April 14, which

minimizes user conflicts. During managed muzzleloader deer hunts the

refuge is closed to all other visitors, but this is just for two weekends

every year. Therefore, the effects of hunting access on other public uses

should be minimal.

Boyer Chute Refuge

Hunting is a priority public use for the Service and a way for the public

19

to gain an increased awareness of Boyer Chute Refuge and the National

Wildlife Refuge System. According to the RAPP report, there were a

total of 51,876 visitors to Boyer Chute Refuge in 2017. Of the 51,876

visitors, 210 visitors participated in hunting activities. Other wildlife

dependent recreational activities provided at Boyer Chute Refuge

include wildlife observation (32,076 participants), wildlife photography

(2,594 participants), fishing (7,781 participants), environmental

education (100 participants), and interpretation (40 participants).

Visitors can access all units except Horseshoe and Nathan’s Lake South

from April 15 to October 14 annually. All access is closed during deer

firearm 7 day mgt. hunt.

The Boyer Island and West Chute units are open to other users all year

(except during firearm hunt for safety).

Because of the relatively low participation rate in hunting, the potential

for conflict with other uses is minimized. Also, during the managed

muzzleloader deer hunts the refuge is closed to all other visitors, but

this is just for the one week every year in early winter when other

visitation is typically low. Therefore, the effects of hunting access on

other public uses should be minimal.

TABLE 3. AFFECTED CULTURAL RESOURCES AND ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED

ACTION AND ANY ALTERNATIVES

CULTURAL RESOURCES

AFFECTED RESOURCE

ANTICIPATED DIRECT AND INDIRECT IMPACTS

20

Harrison and Pottawattamie Counties

in Iowa and Washington County in

Nebraska contain numerous properties

listed on the National Register of

Historic Places. One is the Steamboat

Bertrand Museum Collection and

Discovery Site on DeSoto Refuge;

another is Fort Atkinson on the

western border of Boyer Chute

Refuge. Aside from Historic Register

sites, it is believed by some historians

that additional steamboats may have

been lost in the area of

DeSoto/Bertrand Bend.

In addition, the August 3, 1804

campsite of the Lewis and Clark

expedition is believed to be located on

DeSoto Refuge, and two additional

campsites from July 29 and 30, 1804

are thought to be located within the

authorized boundary for Boyer Chute

Refuge (although not on Service-

owned property). To date, no material

artifacts have been recovered on the

refuges from any Lewis and Clark

campsites.

DeSoto Refuge contains 13 reported

cultural resources sites. All of these

sites are a part of the Western culture

historic period, including two

homestead sites. Just under 200 acres

of DeSoto Refuge have been subjected

to archeological survey. This includes

a survey conducted by Wichita State

University in 1978 (the Blakeslee and

King survey) at the location of the

refuge’s Visitor Center.

At Boyer Chute Refuge, the most

recent archaeological survey was

conducted in 2009 prior to the

installation of the maintenance shop’s

geothermal wells. No evidence of

archaeological resources was found at

that time.

Alternative A (proposed action):

As a Federal conservation agency, the Service has a responsibility for

the protection of the many known and undiscovered cultural resources

located on refuge lands. Cultural resources management in the Service

is the responsibility of the Regional Director and is not delegated for the

Section 106 process when historic properties could be affected by

Service undertakings, for issuing archeological permits, and for Tribal

involvement. The Regional Historic Preservation Officer (RHPO)

advises the Regional Director about procedures, compliance, and

implementation of cultural resources laws. The refuge manager assists

the RHPO by informing the RHPO about Service undertakings, by

protecting archeological sites and historic properties on Service

managed and administered lands, by monitoring archeological

investigations by contractors and permittees, and by reporting

violations.

Refuge hunting activities are not expected to disturb archeological

resources that may be buried in the ground. New parking or other

facility enhancement will be reviewed for archeological compliance

before constructed. Hunting as proposed will not affect cultural

resources and there will be no cumulative impacts to such resources.

Activities that might cause an effect to a historic property would be

subject to a case-by-case Section 106 review.

Alternative B (current management):

Same as alternative A

TABLE 4. AFFECTED REFUGE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS AND ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF THE

PROPOSED ACTION AND ANY ALTERNATIVES

21

REFUGE MANAGEMENT &

OPERATIONS

AFFECTED RESOURCE

ANTICIPATED DIRECT AND INDIRECT IMPACTS

Land Use:

Water has always been a primary

driver in the succession of refuge

habitats. Before the Missouri River

was dammed and channelized,

floodwaters and heavy sediment loads

would continually shape and reshape

this landscape, creating and erasing

river system features that evolved

through time from open water and

wetland to upland and back again. Fire

regimes and large herds of grazing

animals were also historically

important to changes in this river

valley landscape. Today, many of

these broader landscape processes

have been removed from the system.

The refuge incorporates prescribed

fire into habitat management to

simulate historic processes where

possible. Aside from active habitat

management conducted by refuge staff

many factors interact to shape the

refuge vegetative communities

including human-altered and remnant

native hydrology; seasonal water

tables, moisture regimes, and

flood/drought cycles; along with local

relief and soil characteristics.

Alternative A (proposed action):

Because of the low volume of hunt use, the dispersed nature, and the

seasons in which most hunting occurs, there are minimal affects on

refuge land uses. The most impacted activity may be prescribed

burning, but that can be managed through signage and other

communications. Both refuges currently include roads, trails, parking

lots and other infrastruture to facilitate refuge uses, including hunting.

Alternative B (current management):

Similar to Alternative A

Administration

The cost for the hunt program includes

staff time from all the various

programs. At the start of the year

decisions are made on how many and

what types of hunts to have each year.

News releases about the hunting

opportunities are sent out. Staff time is

spent answering hunter questions,

coordinating with state agencies for

managed deer hunts, writing and

coping permits, etc. Additionally, staff

are required to manage weekend deer

hunts by working entrance check

stations. Law enforcement staff also

work during the hunts. An estimate for

Alternative A (proposed action):

Administration efforts and costs to manage the hunt program should be

similar for both alternatives. The hunt activities being proposed do not

require additional permit or administration. They are open hunts

according to the state seasons and regulations. There may be some

minor costs associated with communications (brochures, signs) the first

year, but should remain steady after.

Alternative B (current management): Similar to Alternative A. New hunting opportunities do not require

additional administration.

22

a typical hunt year is $14,000.

23

TABLE 5. AFFECTED SOCIOECONOMICS AND ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED ACTION

AND ANY ALTERNATIVES

SOCIOECONOMICS

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

ANTICIPATED DIRECT AND INDIRECT IMPACTS

Visitors to DeSoto and Boyer Chute

Refuges spend money on a wide

variety of goods and services,

including food, lodging,

transportation, outdoor apparel,

binoculars, cameras, ammunition, and

fishing tackle. Economic benefits also

include annual payroll to 15

employees; tens of thousands of

dollars’ worth of materials,

equipment, and services purchased

from local vendors.

In 2006, DeSoto Refuge was included

in a national study of economic

benefits provided to local

communities by national wildlife

refuges. The study found that there

were 283,781 visits to the refuge in

2006. Most visitors were residents (64

percent). Visitors spent an estimated

$2.9 million related to recreation at

the refuge (residents: $1.9 million, and

non-residents: $1 million). The final

adjusted economic benefit provided by

the refuge after the spending had

cycled through the economy was $2.6

million. Calculations predict that this

economic activity also generated the

equivalent of 52 jobs for the local

economy. Spending on recreation in

2006 also generated $364,500 in tax

revenue. Finally, it is estimated that

for every one dollar in budget

expenditures at DeSoto Refuge ($1.5

million in the 2006 fiscal year), $4.26

worth of recreation-related

expenditures and net economic value

were generated (Carver and Caudill

2007).

In 2004, Boyer Chute Refuge was

included in the national study of

economic benefits provided to local

communities by national wildlife

refuges. The study notes that there

Alternatives A and B:

Less than 1% of visitation to either refuge is from hunting activity.

While there may be an slight increase in visits, it is not expected to be

significant. Wildlife observation/photography and fishing are much

greater drivers in the local economies.

24

were 22,044 visits to the refuge in

2004. Visitors spent an estimated

$123,000 related to recreation at the

refuge (residents: $80,400, and non-

residents: $42,600). The final adjusted

value after the spending had cycled

through the economy was $192,900.

Spending on recreation in 2004 also

generated $26,700 in tax revenue.

Finally, it is estimated that for every

one dollar in budget expenditures at

Boyer Chute Refuge ($494,100 in the

2004 fiscal year), $0.67 worth of

recreation-related expenditures and

net economic value were generated

(Caudill and Henderson 2005).

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

Executive Order 12898, Federal

Actions to Address Environmental

Justice in Minority Populations and

Low-Income Populations, requires all

Federal agencies to incorporate

environmental justice into their

missions by identifying and

addressing disproportionately high or

adverse human health or

environmental effects of their

programs and policies on minorities

and low-income populations and

communities.

The Service has not identified any potential high and adverse

environmental or human health impacts from this proposed action or

any of the alternatives. The Service has identified no minority or low

income communities within the impact area. Minority or low income

communities will not be disproportionately affected by any impacts

from this proposed action or any of the alternatives.

Cumulative Impact Analysis:

Cumulative impacts are defined as “the impact on the environment which results from the

incremental impact of the action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable

future actions regardless of what agency (Federal or non-Federal) or person undertakes such

other actions” (40 CFR 1508.7).

For more information on the national cumulative impacts of the Service’s hunting and fishing

program on the National Wildlife Refuge System, see [Title of Cumulative Impacts Report]

(attached).

TABLE 6. ANTICIPATED CUMULATIVE IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED ACTION AND ANY

ALTERNATIVES

25

Other Past, Present, and Reasonably

Foreseeable Activity Impacting

Affected Environment Descriptions of Anticipated Cumulative Impacts

Hunting/Fishing

White-tailed deer

DeSoto Refuge

DeSoto Refuge includes 8,365 acres

and receives between 165-200,000

visits per year. It’s a significant

migration stopover for waterfowl and

other species during the fall and winter

months. Because of the high visitation

levels and its significance for wildlife

habitat, it’s unlikely deer hunting will

expand past the existing seasons.

Boyer Chute Refuge

Under the proposed alternative,

archery white-tailed deer hunting will

open on 2,660 acres and managed

muzzleloader white-tailed deer hunting

will continue on 3,780 acres at Boyer

Chute Refuge (many of these acres

overlap). The total acquisition

boundary for Boyer Chute Refuge is

10,010 acres. As land it acquired, it’s

possible that hunt opportunities for

white-tailed deer might expand.

Wild Turkey

DeSoto Refuge

The proposed action would allow for

spring and fall archery turkey seasons.

For the reasons listed in the white -

tailed deer discussion, it’s unlikely

additional turkey hunting would be

opened at DeSoto Refuge.

Boyer Chute Refuge

The proposed action opens

approximately 2,600 acres to spring

and fall archery turkey seasons. The

total acquisition boundary for Boyer

Chute Refuge is 10,010 acres. As land

is acquired, it’s possible that hunt

opportunities for wild turkey might

expand.

Waterfowl

DeSoto Refuge is closed to waterfowl

hunting and is not likely to be opened.

White-tailed deer

The Service does not anticipate any increases in white-tailed deer

hunting on DeSoto Refuge. It is possible that as lands are added to Boyer

Chute Refuge, deer hunting might expand to those lands.

In Table 1, the estimated take for deer at Boyer Chute Refuge is 100 deer

per season for archery and managed muzzleloader hunts. Assuming

those hunts continued on all lands within the acquisition boundary, that

would result in approximately 400 deer taken per year. However, not all

lands may be open to hunting for conservation, safety or other reasons,

so that estimate is very high. But even given that high estimate, it would

reflect only 1.5% of the total deer harvest in the state of Nebraska.

Wild Turkey

The Service does not anticipate additional turkey hunting at DeSoto

Refuge.

It is possible that as new lands are acquired for Boyer Chute Refuge,

they could be opened to turkey hunting. Based on the estimated take

under this alternative, it may mean that up to 256 turkey might be taken

on the entire 10,010 acres. That’s an extremely high estimate, because

lands may lack good turkey habitat or may be closed for conservation or

safety reasons. Even if that many turkey were harvested, it would

account for only 1.2% of the harvest in the state of Nebraska.

Waterfowl

Under the proposed action, there is expected harvest of 645 ducks and

500 geese at Boyer Chute Refuge on 4.75 miles of shoreline and 36

26

Waterfowl hunting is open at Boyer

Chute Refuge. Under the proposed

action,

Other Huntable Species

DeSoto Refuge

DeSoto Refuge is closed to all

migratory bird, upland bird, and

furbearer hunting.

Boyer Chute Refuge is closed to other

migratory bird hunting (snipe, rail,

woodcock), upland bird,and furbearer

hunting.

acres of Missouri River backwaters. If waterfowl hunting were

expanded as units are acquired, it would still be limited to the Missouri

River boundary and backwaters (not open to interior wetlands). This

would add 11.75 miles of Nebraska and Iowa shoreline open to hunting.

Even if take tripled to 1,935 duck and 1500 goose, that would be 1.4%

of Nebraska duck harvest and 1.04% of the goose harvest.

Other Huntable Species

Any additional hunting opportunities would require an opening package

that assesses population status, direct and indirect impacts, and

cumulative impacts. It would take into consideration Federal and state

frameworks for seasons and regulations.

The main issues surrounding additional types of hunts at both DeSoto

and Boyer Chute Refuges are hunter safety, visitor safety, and wildlife

disturbance. DeSoto Refuge is a very busy refuge with a lot of public use

and adding hunt opportunities may increase conflicts among visitors.

Boyer Chute Refuge is not as visited, but units are relatively small and

there may be conflicts between types of hunters and other recreational

users. Increased use in the fall, when migration is at its peak, may cause

wildlife disturbance issues.

Other wildlife-dependent recreation (i.e. road and trail development and

use)

Wildlife observation remains the most

popular activity on both refuges.

Residents and visitors enjoy looking at

turkey and deer, birding, bald eagles,

and enjoying nature. DeSoto and

Boyer Chute Refuges both have roads

and trails that visitors can enjoy by

auto, walking, or bike. DeSoto and

Boyer Chute Refuges are the closest

national public lands to the Omaha

area and receive a lot of use.

On the Nebraska side of the Missouri

River, the Omaha Riverfront Trail

North will eventually connect Boyer

Chute Refuge with a trail system that

connects with Omaha and Council

Bluffs. The trail will be paved, but is

currently not always maintained. It has

the potential to connect Boyer Chute

by foot or bike with more than 120

miles of trails in the Omaha area.

On the Iowa side, DeSoto Refuge is

immediately adjacent to Wilson Island

State Recreation Area. In 2017,

visitation to Wilson Island was

DeSoto Refuge is 8,365 acres and includes a visitor center with a

museum exhibit, viewing areas, auto tour route, hiking trails, picnic

areas, and boat ramps.

Boyer Chute Refuge concentrates most visitor use at the West Chute

unit, which includes a self-guided auto route, five miles of trails, a

fishing platform, and parking lots.

In 2011, severe flooding affected the refuges and forced the Service to

examine the amounts and types of facilities that exist in the floodplain.

Some were removed and are not planned to be replaced. The only

anticipated visitor facility improvements might be primitive parking

areas on Boyer Chute units to facilitate hunting access.

27

203,500. The area features 544 acres,

six miles of trails, two picnic shelter,

two group campsites, and 125

campsites.

Development and Population

Increase

DeSoto and Boyer Chute Refuges are

included in the Omaha Metropolitan

Statistical Area, which includes five

counties in Nebraska and three in

Iowa. The entire Metropolitan

Statistical Area is approaching an

estimated population of nearly 1

million. The city of Omaha is

estimated at nearly 467,000 residents

in July 2018. and has grown nearly 4%

since 2010.

Because the refuges use an adaptive management approach for its hunt

program, reviewing the hunt program annually and revising annually ( if

necessary), the Service’s hunt program can be adjusted to ensure that it

does not contribute further to the cumulative impacts of population

growth and development on deer, turkey or waterfowl.

Use of lead ammunition/tackle

Lead ammunition is prohibited for

waterfowl and turkey hunting on the

refuges.

Depending on the weather, bald eagles may be present in large numbers

during the hunting season. There is a possibility of conflict with

predators feeding on gut piles that may contain lead fragments. Research

has indicated that lead is present in gut piles. Bald eagles feed on the gut

piles and may ingest lead. Large concentrations of eagles may be present

on the refuge during the time of t the gun hunt. In 2017 the refuges

began a voluntary non-lead ammunition outreach program to encourage

all hunters to use non-toxic ammunition.

Climate Change

Warming, whether it results from

anthropogenic or natural sources, is

expected to affect a variety of natural

processes and associated resources.

However, the complexity of ecological

systems means that there is a

tremendous amount of uncertainty

about the impact climate change will

actually have. In particular, the

localized effects of climate change are

still a matter of much debate. That

said, the combination of increased

frequency and severity of drought in

the basin and increased frequency of

wildfire could dramatically reduce the

amount and quality of waterfowl

habitat in the basin. As a result

waterfowl would be forced into smaller

and smaller amounts of available

habitat. Concentrating birds into

smaller and smaller areas also has the

potential to more readily allow disease

Under this alternative, the refuges would use an adaptive management

approach for its hunt program, reviewing the hunt program annually and

revising annually ( if necessary), the Service’s hunt program can be

adjusted to ensure that it does not contribute further to the cumulative

impacts of climate change on deer, turkey, or waterfowl.

28

to spread within overwintering

waterfowl populations resulting in

increased bird mortality.

Mitigation Measures and Conditions

Mitigation measures include:

1. Avoidance areas are closed to reduce impacts on migratory birds.

2. Method of take restrictions reduce noise disturbance and for safety concerns.

3. Length of timing of season reduces disturbance of wildlife and conflict with other

visitors.

4. Habitat management strategies for certain units may be adjusted to focus wildlife benefit

during non-hunting seasons.

Monitoring

Per Service policy (605 FW2), the refuges will review hunt plans annually and can make

adjustments to dates, seasons, and methods of take within state and federal frameworks. Because

the refuges use an adaptive management approach for its hunt program, reviewing the hunt

program annually and revising annually ( if necessary), the Service’s hunt program can be

adjusted to ensure that it does not contribute further to the cumulative impacts of population

growth and development on deer, turkey or waterfowl.

Summary of Analysis

The purpose of this EA is to briefly provide sufficient evidence and analysis for determining

whether to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or a Finding of No Significant

Impact (FONSI).

Alternative A – Proposed Action Alternative

As described above, this alternative:

● Adds a fall turkey archery season to DeSoto Refuge

● Adds an archery deer season to Boyer Chute Refuge

● Expands the area for waterfowl hunting at Boyer Chute Refuge

● Opens Boyer Chute Refuge to spring and fall archery turkey hunting.

At DeSoto Refuge, there would be little conflict with other users, because hunting takes place in

areas outside the main public use zone. Fall archery turkey hunting is not as popular as spring, so

there would be very little change to the overall take on the refuge. It will provide additional

opportunities for hunting in an area with very limited public lands.

29

The units at Boyer Chute Refuge tend to be smaller and more dispersed. During most of the

hunting season, visitation is limited to the West Boyer and Boyer Island units (which are closed

during the managed muzzleloader deer hunts). Archery deer and turkey hunting will take place

on scattered units away from most other visitors. Take is estimated to be a small percentage of

Nebraska’s overall harvest.

If all lands within the acquisition boundary were acquired and opened to hunting, the overall use

and take for turkey, deer and waterfowl would still be a small percentage of the overall take in

the state.

This alternative helps meet the purpose and needs of the Service as described above, because it

provides additional wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities on the refuge. The Service has

determined that the proposed action is compatible with the purposes of the DeSoto and Boyer

Chute Refuges and the mission of the NWRS. The Compatibility Determination is attached

(Appendix E).

Alternative B – No Action Alternative

As described above,

DeSoto Refuge would continue to offer:

● Archery deer hunting in the East Dike South Unit and West Side Unit,

● Managed muzzleloader deer hunts on all six units of the refuge unless designated

closed. Up to four managed muzzleloader hunt weekends will take place during the

hunt season.

● Spring archery turkey season in the East Dike South Unit and West Side Unit.

● Up to two youth shotgun spring turkey hunts on all six units of the refuge unless

designated closed. Hunt weekends will be set in coordination with Iowa DNR and

Nebraska G&PC. Limit of 25 youth per hunt weekend.

● One mobility impaired turkey hunt weekend within the Center Island Unit. Hunt

weekend will be set in coordination with Iowa DNR and Nebraska G&PC.

Boyer Chute Refuge is open during Nebraska state seasons for the following:

● Managed muzzleloader deer hunts on all units of the refuge except the Norwest,

Homestead and Yellowlegs Units for one week during statewide muzzleloader

season. (3,780 acres open)

● Waterfowl hunting along the Missouri River boundary and backwaters of the Boyer

Island Unit. (3.9 miles of Missouri River shoreline)

Hunting is already allowed during seasons and using the methods described above. It accounts

for less than 1% of overall refuge visitation and harvest of deer, turkey, and waterfowl is less

than 1% of state harvest for the different species. Conflicts between users are managed by

seasons and zoning of hunt opportunities.

This alternative also meets the purpose and needs of the Service as described above, because it

provide wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities. However, it does not provide the scope of

opportunities that are possible for hunters.

30

List of Sources, Agencies and Persons Consulted:

Alicia Hardin

NEGPC Wildlife Division Administrator

2200 N 33rd St.

PO Box 30370

Lincoln, NE 68503

Lucas Negus

Northeast District Manager

Management Section

2201 N 13th St

Norfolk, NE 68701

402-370-3374

lucas.negus@nebraska.gov

Todd Bishop

Iowa DNR Wildlife Bureau Chief

502 East 9th Street

Des Moines, IA 50319

Pete Hildreth

Iowa DNR SW Iowa District Wildlife Supervisor

PO Box 619

Lake View, IA 51450

A larger group of stakeholders were consulted during the 2014 Comprehensive Conservation

Plan where these proposals had been originally developed.

List of Preparers:

Tom Cox

Project Leader

DeSoto and Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuges

Fred Oslund

Wildlife Biologist

DeSoto and Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuges

Peter Rea

Supervisory Park Ranger

DeSoto and Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuges

State Coordination:

31

Refuges host annual hunt coordination meetings with Iowa DNR and Nebraska GPC. Hunt dates

and application process for managed hunts are set in coordination with the respective state.

Proposed hunt changes are discussed with the state during this meeting.

Tribal Consultation:

During the development of the 2014 Comprehensive Conservation Plan, Native American Tribes

were contacted throughout the planning process. All of the hunt expansion listed in this hunt

plan was recommended during this CCP process. Native American Tribes contacted:

● Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe

● Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska

● Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma

● Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas

● Omaha Tribe of Nebraska

● Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Oklahoma

● Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

● Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation

● Sac & Fox Nation of Oklahoma

● Sac & Fox Tribe of Missouri

● Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi

● Santee Sioux Tribe Of Nebraska

● Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate

● Three Affiliated Tribes

● Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

● Yankton Sioux Tribe

Public Outreach:

Public scoping was completed during the 2014 CCP when these hunt changes were originally

developed as a response to public and partner input.

The refuge will conduct an open house during the public comment period at the DeSoto Visitor

Center. The station will send out a news release to local media to alert public of the open house

and commenting period. Neighboring landowners and stakeholders will be contacted regarding

the commenting period.

References:

Carver, E. and Caudill, J. (2007). Banking on Nature 2006: The Economic Benefits to Local

Communities of National Wildlife Refuge Visitation. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:

Division of Economics. Washington D.C.

32

Caudill, J. and Henderson, E (2005). Banking on Nature 2004: The Economica Benefits to Local

Communities of National Wildlife Refuge Visitation. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:

Division of Economics. Washington D.C.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources 2017. Trends in Iowa Wildlife Populations and Harvest

2016/17. http://www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting/Population-Harvest-Trends

Iowa Department of Natural Resources 2017a. Wild Turkey Information.

http://www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting/TurkeyHunting/WildTurkeyInformation.aspx

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 2017. White-tailed Deer. -

http://outdoornebraska.gov/deer/

Nebraska Game and Park Commission 2017a. 2017 Spring Wild Turkey Harvest.

http://outdoornebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/2017-Spring-Turkey-Harvest-

Report.pdf

Raftovich, R.V., S. C. Chandler, and K.K. Fleming. 2018. Migratory bird hunting activity and

harvest during the 2016-17 and 2017-18 hunting seasons. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,

Laurel,

Maryland, USA.

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2014. DeSoto and Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuges

Comprehensive Conservation Plan. U.S. Dept. of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 3,

Fort Snelling, MN.

Bureau of Labor Statistics 2017. May 2017 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Definitions.

https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/msa_def.htm#36540.

United States Census Bureau 2019. QuickFacts: Omaha City, Nebraska.

https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/omahacitynebraska.

APPENDIX A

OTHER APPLICABLE STATUTES, EXECUTIVE ORDERS & REGULATIONS

STATUTES, EXECUTIVE ORDERS, AND REGULATIONS

Cultural Resources

American Indian Religious Freedom

Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 1996 –

1996a; 43 CFR Part 7

Antiquities Act of 1906, 16 U.S.C.

431-433; 43 CFR Part 3

Cultural resources management in the Service is the responsibility of the

Regional Director and is not delegated for the Section 106 process when

historic properties could be affected by Service undertakings, for issuing

archeological permits, and for Tribal involvement. The Regional Historic

Preservation Officer (RHPO) advises the Regional Director about

procedures, compliance, and implementation of cultural resources laws.

The refuge manager assists the RHPO by informing the RHPO about

Service undertakings, by protecting archeological sites and historic

properties on Service managed and administered lands, by monitoring

33

Archaeological Resources Protection

Act of 1979, 16 U.S.C. 470aa –

470mm; 18 CFR Part 1312; 32 CFR

Part 229; 36 CFR Part 296; 43 CFR

Part 7

National Historic Preservation Act of

1966, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 470-

470x-6; 36 CFR Parts 60, 63, 78, 79,

800, 801, and 810

Paleontological Resources Protection

Act, 16 U.S.C. 470aaa – 470aaa-11

Native American Graves Protection

and Repatriation Act, 25 U.S.C.

3001-3013; 43 CFR Part 10

Executive Order 11593 – Protection

and Enhancement of the Cultural

Environment, 36 Fed. Reg. 8921

(1971)

Executive Order 13007 – Indian

Sacred Sites, 61 Fed. Reg. 26771

(1996)

archeological investigations by contractors and permittees, and by

reporting violations.

Activities that might cause an effect to a historic property would be

subject to a case-by-case Section 106 review.

Fish & Wildlife

Bald and Golden Eagle Protection

Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 668-

668c, 50 CFR 22

Endangered Species Act of 1973, as

amended, 16 U.S.C. 1531-1544; 36

CFR Part 13; 50 CFR Parts 10, 17,

23, 81, 217, 222, 225, 402, and 450

Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, 16

U.S.C. 742 a-m

Lacey Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C.

3371 et seq.; 15 CFR Parts 10, 11,

12, 14, 300, and 904

Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as

amended, 16 U.S.C. 703-712; 50

CFR Parts 10, 12, 20, and 21

Executive Order 13186 –

Responsibilities of Federal Agencies

to Protect Migratory Birds, 66 Fed.

Reg. 3853 (2001)

The final opening package will include a Section 7 consultation to assess

impacts to endangered and threatened species.

Natural Resources

Clean Air Act, as amended, 42

None of these apply to the proposed action.

34

U.S.C. 7401-7671q; 40 CFR Parts

23, 50, 51, 52, 58, 60, 61, 82, and 93;

48 CFR Part 23

Wilderness Act, 16 U.S.C. 1131 et

seq.

Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, 16

U.S.C. 1271 et seq.

Executive Order 13112 – Invasive

Species, 64 Fed. Reg. 6183 (1999)

Water Resources

Coastal Zone Management Act of

1972, 16 U.S.C.

1451 et seq.; 15 CFR Parts 923, 930,

933

Federal Water Pollution Control Act

of 1972 (commonly referred to as

Clean Water Act), 33 U.S.C. 1251 et

seq.; 33 CFR Parts 320-330; 40 CFR

Parts 110, 112, 116, 117, 230-232,

323, and 328

Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, as

amended, 33 U.S.C. 401 et seq.; 33

CFR Parts 114, 115, 116, 321, 322,

and 333

Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, 42

U.S.C. 300f et seq.; 40 CFR Parts

141-148

Executive Order 11988 – Floodplain

Management, 42 Fed. Reg. 26951

(1977)

Executive Order 11990 – Protection

of Wetlands, 42 Fed. Reg. 26961

(1977)

None of these apply to the proposed action.

35

APPENDIX B

DE SOTO AND BOYER CHUTE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES

HUNT PLAN

See Separate Document

36

APPENDIX C

DE SOTO AND BOYER CHUTE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES

PROPOSED HUNT AREA MAPS

37

38

APPENDIX D

DE SOTO AND BOYER CHUTE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES

SPECIES LIST

See Separate Document

39

APPENDIX E

DE SOTO AND BOYER CHUTE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES

DRAFT COMPATIBILITY DETERMINATIONS

See Separate Documents