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OUR NATURAL RESOURCES
You Can Count on It
More than any other state, Illinois has a handle on its wildlife numbers BY JOHN ALLEN
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 12,419,293 people live in Illinois, an 8.6 percent increase from the 1990 census. During that same 10-year period, the state's raccoon population increased by 24 percent. Since no raccoon families returned census forms and enumerators couldn't knock on their doors, one might ask how we know the raccoon population is on the rise. We counted themsort of. Raccoon populations are tracked several ways, including the spring spotlight survey, archery deer hunter survey and the number of requests for nuisance raccoon removal permits. While they can't tell us exactly how many raccoons there are, they do tell us whether there are more or less of them. "We're more interested in population trends than the actual numbers," said John Buhnerkempe, DNR wildlife operations program manager. "We use the data to make decisions on managing populations. It gives us a good indication of the status of the environment." DNR conducts a variety of surveys to keep track of the state's animal populations. Some are straightforward counts, such as aerial waterfowl surveys, while others are less precise, such as the spring spotlight index. Illinois, in fact, is unique in the range and number of surveys it conducts, according to Dr. Craig Miller, human dimensions program leader for the state Natural History Survey. "No other states survey to this extent," he said. The Human Dimensions Program surveys the public and its attitudes toward wildlife and wildlife management. They conduct three annual surveys and a variety of one-time surveys. Annual surveys include the hunter harvest survey, waterfowl hunter survey and the trapper survey. Following are brief summaries of these surveys. Hunter Harvest Survey: Some resident hunters are asked how often they hunted, what species they hunted/harvested and where they hunted. Responses give DNR program managers estimated statewide harvests for species, 38 ¦ Illinois Parks and Recreation OUR NATURAL RESOURCES
and information on hunter effort and long-term trends. Hunters might also be asked for information about use of public hunting areas, site-specific and special hunting permits and deer hunting. "It's a way for us to gather opinions on issues," said Miller. "We can gain insight into how widespread hunter attitudes are on topics of special interest." Waterfowl Hunter Survey: Participants are randomly drawn from hunters registering with the Hunter Information Program (HIP). Illinois uses the survey data in computing quotas for its waterfowl hunting zones. Hunters are always asked how often they hunted, where they hunted and the number of birds of each species taken. Other questions change annually and might relate to such things as the use of motorized decoys, snow goose season and reactions to possible changes in hunting zones. Trapper Survey: Participants are randomly selected from the list of trapping license buyers.The survey seeks harvest data and also questions trappers about types of traps used, who they trapped with, why they trap and management practices. "We need to know who they are and if our management efforts are addressing their needs," Miller said. The Human Dimensions Program also conducts special one-time surveys of both hunters and the non-hunting general public. These are described briefly below. Non-resident hunter surveys: Non-residents purchasing habitat stamps and deer permits are sent questionnaires asking how often and where they hunted, who they hunted with (outfitters, friends, family or alone), number of species harvested, where they stayed, what they bought, why they hunted here and whether they planned to return. Homeowner surveys: Last summer 5,000 homeowners in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and Will counties were randomly selected for a one-time survey. The survey showed that 55 percent of the respondents feed wildlife, and 58 percent had problems with nuisance wildlife. Wildlife causing the most problems were geese, raccoons, squirrels, rabbits and skunks. "The survey showed that people need more information on who's responsible for nuisance wildlife and where to get help," Miller said. "The data may lead us to develop more educational information for homeowners, such as how to attract or discourage wildlife." Snow goose survey: A five-year survey running from the 1999-2000 to 2004-2005 seasons, this survey was mandated by the USFWS for all states offering the special light goose season. In addition to harvest/days hunted questions, it also asks whether hunters took advantage of the liberalized rules regarding unplugged shotguns and electronic calls.
Illinois hunter survey: This survey measured hunters' effort and experience, reasons for hunting and access to both-public and private lands. It also was sent to landowners to measure their willingness to allow hunter access. Miller said it usually takes 4-6 months to complete a survey. The process works this way: Participants are sent a letter, questionnaire and stamped return envelope. If they don't respond in an appropriate time, they receive a series of reminders. There's a code number on the questionnaire that corresponds to a number on the mailing list. When the questionnaire is returned, the name and address are deleted, leaving only the code number so that all respondents are guaranteed anonymity. At the end of each survey there is a section seeking demographic information. "We're not trying to be nosy," Miller said. "We need to know if and how their income level and age affect their attitudes." The Human Dimensions Program also conducts telephone surveys if issues arise that need a quicker response. Plans also are being made to do on-site surveys when necessary. In addition to those conducted by the Natural History Survey, the DNR divisions of Wildlife Resources and Natural Heritage conduct wildlife surveys. The Wildlife division surveys are described below. November/December 2001 ¦ 39 OUR NATURAL RESOURCES Archery deer hunter survey: Archery deer hunters volunteer to keep logs of their hours afield and wildlife sightings (coyote, bobcat, fox, raccoon, squirrel, white-tailed deer and turkey). In 1999, a total of 1,931 hunters logged 114,559 hours afield. Results showed stable squirrel and coyote numbers, declines in fox, and increases in bobcats, deer, raccoons and turkeys. Firearm deer check station data: Used primarily to evaluate the deer herd for population modeling, hunters are asked if they saw turkeys or bobcats. Check station personnel note the age and sex of harvested deer, as well as if females are lactating. Data have shown very little change in the numbers or age structure of Illinois' herd over the past several years. "Most states have a check-in requirement," said Forest Wildlife Program Manager Paul Shelton. "We use trained personnel at all check stations the entire firearm season, whereas most states use mail survey forms or sample only a day or two." Landowner turkey brood survey: Two thousand cooperator landowners throughout the state are mailed brood survey cards asking them to report all sightings of hens and their young in June, July and August. Biologists compare the number of young birds to the number of hens to get an idea of reproduction rates. That data is then used to set permit quotas. Pheasant call count/pheasant brood count: From April 25 to May 15, DNR personnel drive 49 20-mile routes, stopping every mile and listening for pheasants for two minutes. They drive the same routes in August, this time recording the number of pheasants seen.
Bobwhite quail call count: DNR biologists survey 52 20-mile routes one day each June, stopping every mile and listening for two minutes. Dove count: Doves are counted three times each yearthe federal call-count in May, the breeding bird survey in June and the DNR's visual roadside counts in August. Road-kill index: Wildlife biologists record the number of road-kill skunks, rabbits and opos sums they see during normal travels year-round. The number of rabbits killed in June and July provides the estimate of the fall cottontail population. Skunk and opossum numbers are kept for a full year. This survey gives an overview of whether or not populations are increasing. Spotlight survey: At night, just before trees leaf out, DNR personnel use a 100,000-candle-power spotlight while driving slowly along standardized 25-mile routes to detect animals by seeing their entire bodies or light reflected from their eyes. The data is used for long-term trend information on overall population fluctuations and to determine hunting and trapping season lengths. Furbearer sign survey: Primarily designed to monitor the distribution and abundance of otters, it also gives information on the distribution of beaver and mink. Conducted from Feb. 1 to March 31 in the south zone and Feb. 15 to April 15 in the north, staff members use hip chains to measure 300 meters upstream and downstream of starting points, as well as shorelines for signs of the animals. 40 Illinois Parks and Recreation OUR NATURAL RESOURCES
Aerial waterfowl surveys: These surveys document when waterfowl migrate through Illinois so hunting seasons can be set; make sure waterfowl management practices are having the desired effect; and serve as a basis for applying for federal aid for habitat improvements based on the number of birds spending time in Illinois. Because of these surveys, hunters will know where the birds are located at any given time. There also is a spring migration survey to count waterfowl from February to mid-April; a teal survey in early September; fall migration surveys to count waterfowl from Oct. 1 to the third week in December; and a mid-winter survey to count waterfowl the first week in January. Survey areas include northeast Illinois; central Illinois cooling lakes; the state's three reservoirs; the Mississippi valley; the upper and lower Illinois River; west central Illinois; and southern Illinois/western Kentucky. Surveys conducted by the Division of Natural Heritage are the following. Breeding bird survey: Held in all 102 counties one day in June, volunteers conduct 50 three-minute counts of birds along roadside stops spaced a half-mile apart on predetermined routes throughout the state. Spring bird count: Volunteers in all 102 counties count the number of bird species and the total number of each species seen on the first Saturday each May. Colonial waterbird survey: Known heron and cormorant colonies are visited once a year during the breeding season. The number of nests and number of birds are counted to find out if the colony is still functional and if the various species can be upgraded or removed from the endangered or threatened species lists. Shorebird surveys: From April to June and July to October, volunteers visit wetland sites once a week to count the numbers and species of migratory shorebirds that fly from Canada to Central and South America. Right now, 15-20 sites around the state are monitored, but more may be added if volunteers can be found. After looking through this lengthy list of surveys, one might also ask if they're all necessary. Responds Buhnerkempe: "Our wildlife management efforts are based on the reliable scientific and biological data we receive from these surveys. Many of them have been conducted for 30 years or more, giving us a long-term database to use in forecasting wildlife population trends. "The information we receive enables us to prevent severe oscillations in wildlife numbers, which means we have healthier populations for our constituents to enjoy."
JOHN ALLEN
November/December 2001 ¦ 41 OUR NATURAL RESOURCES NEWS BRIEFS Mating season hikes risk of collisions With the arrival of fall, motorists should exercise caution to avoid deer-vehicle collisions. "Autumn is the breeding season or 'rut' for white-tailed deer, and combined with lots of harvest activity in farm fields, that means deer are more active and more likely to move into the path of vehicles on Illinois roadways," said DNR Director Brent Manning. "Deer may become less cautious and more unpredictable during the fall, so motorists need to drive defensively and be alert to deer on or near roads and highways." More than 19,700 deer-vehicle accidents were reported on Illinois roadways in 2000. "With more people commuting through and living in areas where deer are present, they can have more contact with deer," said DNR Forest Wildlife Program Manager Paul Shelton. "Accidents involving deer tend to occur in locations where habitat encourages deer to cross public thoroughfares, usually along waterways, fence rows, field edges and wooded corridors." Shelton said drivers need to recognize these deer habitat areas and be alert that deer may be nearby, whether they're in a rural, urban or suburban area. Among the suggestions to motorists to avoid deer-vehicle accidents: Be especially cautious from dusk through the early evening hours and in the hours before sunrise when deer are most active. Reduce speed and be prepared to stop on roads where deer may be present, especially areas near streams or rivers, wooded and densely vegetated areas. Drivers encountering deer on the roadway should blink their headlights from bright to dim or honk the horn to try to get deer to move on. Drivers who come upon deer should warn other motorists by tapping the brakes. Most importantly, drivers should maintain control of their vehicle to avoid swerving into oncoming traffic or off the road. In the event of an accident, the first priority is to provide assistance to injured passengers. Do not attempt to remove a dead or injured deer from a busy roadway. Instead, contact local, county or state law enforcement officials. Illinois law requires all auto accidents resulting in damage of $500 or more to be reported to police. The driver of the vehicle involved in a deer-vehicle accident has priority in possessing the deer. If the driver doesn't want the deer, anyone may claim the animal. Anyone possessing a deer killed as a result of a vehicle accident must report it (within 24 hours Monday through Thursday or on the next business day if the deer is claimed Friday through Sunday) to the DNR Road Kill Deer Reporting System by calling 1 -800-406-3477. Final piece of Pyramid State Park acquired The recent acquisition of 9,111 acres of property in Perry County has completed the purchase of land for Pyramid State Park near Pinckneyville, which, at more than 19,500 acres, is now the largest state park in Illinois. The $2.5 million acquisition completes a three-phase purchase of property at the site from Arch Coal Company. Gov. George H. Ryan announced the acquisition of two other parcels totaling 7,209 acres last December. The Illinois Open Land Trust, Gov. Ryan's four-year, $200 million initiative to protect and preserve open space, provided funding for the acquisition. The Open Land Trust is the largest open space acquisition and preservation effort in Illinois' history. The newly acquired property includes more than 4,500 acres of grassland, 960 acres of forest and 970 acres of ponds and lakes, providing habitat for wildlife including a number of species of endangered birds. Another 2,597 acres of tillable land that has been used for crop production also was acquired. The site will offer additional opportunities for fishing, hunting, hiking, wildlife viewing and other outdoor recreation. A 503-acre commercial-industrial-railway complex on the site, located adjacent to Illinois Route 152, will be leased to Perry County for use in local economic development efforts. In return for the lease and a proposed jurisdictional transfer of the complex, Perry County will forego all bur $100,000 of the $595,000 community planning allowance provided to it as part of the Open Land Trust program. Final details of the lease are being worked out. To date, the Governors Open Land Trust Initiative has resulted in the states acquisition of more than 23,400 acres for protection from development, much needed open space, recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat, forest restoration and to create a high priority trail corridor. More than 3,400 acres of additional open space are being acquired by local governments through grants from the Open Land Trust. Loda Pheasant Habitat Area dedicated Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Brent Manning, together with representatives of area Pheasants Forever chapters and the Illinois Conservation Foundation, recently dedicated the new Loda Pheasant Habitat Area northeast of Loda in Iroquois County. The 160-acre site was acquired earlier this year with $330,000 in funding provided through Gov. George Ryan's Open Land Trust program, along with a donation of $30,000 from the Ford County Illinois Pioneer, Iroquois County and Kendall County chapters of Pheasants Forever. "With Gov. Ryan's support through the Open Land Trust and the support of dedicated members of local Pheasant Forever chapters, we are 42 ¦ Illinois Parks and Recreation OUR NATURAL RESOURCES NEWS BRIEFS
working together to create a valuable wildlife area in a part of the state where this type of grassland habitat is uncommon," said Manning. "This project is another example of how partnerships benefit everyone in the stewardship of Illinois' natural resources." The Governor's Open Land Trust is a four-year, $200 million initiative to provide funding for acquisition of real property for natural resource protection and outdoor recreation. The Open Land Trust is the largest open space preservation effort ever in Illinois. The Loda Pheasant Habitat Area site includes 45 acres of existing grass filter strips, a stream and riparian corridor and a restored wetland area. The 115 acres of new habitat is being developed through the planting of a variety of grasses to provide nesting, brood rearing, winter habitat and escape cover for pheasant and other grassland wildlife. Habitat development includes establishing cool season and warm season grasses, native prairie grasses and forbs, legume strips and food plots for wildlife. Further wetland development is also planned. The project has been endorsed by the Illinois Habitat Fund Committee and the State Pheasant Fund Advisory Committee. The DNR will use a lottery drawing for issuing hunting permits for the site. The Illinois Conservation Foundation facilitated local financial support for the project from the local and area chapters of Pheasants Forever. The Foundation was established in 1994 to allow financial contributions for specific DNR projects and programs. For more information on the Illinois Conservation Foundation, contact John D. Schmitt, executive director, 100 W Randolph, Suite 4-300, Chicago, IL 60601, or phone 312.814.7237. The Loda Pheasant Habitat Area will be managed as a satellite of the Iroquois County State Wildlife Area. It is one of 13 pheasant habitat areas in the state totaling 1,770 acres. C2000 partners receive $7 million in grants More than $7 million in grants has been awarded to 34 local private-public partnerships for natural resource protection projects under the Illinois Conservation 2000 program. "Local citizens and private property owners working together are the keys to the success of Conservation 2000," said Gov. George Ryan. "These grants, combined with local matching funds and other support, provide important land management, habitat enhancement and resource conservation projects in watersheds throughout Illinois." The governor noted that the partnerships are matching their state funding with $9.8 million in cash, in-kind and other contributions, boosting the value of the projects to nearly $17 million. "With this funding, more than 18,660 acres of habitat will be improved, and more than 1,300 acres will be protected either through conservation easements or acquisition. In addition, more than 1 million trees will be produced to reforest about 2,250 acres," the governor said. Partnerships affecting the Illinois River basin will receive nearly $2.6 million in grants and are matching that with more than $2.8 million in contributions, bringing local partnership efforts in the target area to more than $5.4 million. Conservation 2000 provides technical and financial assistance to landowners interested in improving and enhancing the ecology in environmentally sensitive watersheds throughout the state. The program provides funding for habitat protection and restoration, environmental education, planning and research projects proposed by the local watershed partnership organizations.
November/December 2001 ¦ 43 |
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