ALBERTA HEN HOUSE SUPER SITE PROJECT GRANT #1.2.1aa-09/10 Final Project Report to Wildlife Habitat Canada (WHC) for fiscal year 2009/2010 Prepared by: Carly Michie Delta Waterfowl Foundation Unit 22 62 Scurfield Blvd. Winnipeg, MB (204) 956-7766 March 15, 2010 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS Alberta Hen House Super Site Grant #1.2.1aa-09/10 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.. 3. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES.. 4. PARTNERS... 5. ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS 5. BENEFITS TO WATERFOWL.. 8. RELEVANCE TO HABITAT PLANNING, DECISION MAKING AND/OR MANAGEMENT 9. COMMUNICATION EFFORTS.. 9. FINACIAL SUMMARY 10. FIGURES AND TABLES. 11. PROJECT IMAGES. 12. 2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Since wildlife managers began working with ducks we ve always strived to find ways to enhance duck production on the breeding grounds. While many wildlife management techniques have been tested, few have been successful in increasing duck production in a cost effective fashion. Research has shown that Hen Houses are arguably one of the most cost effective direct management techniques available to boost mallard production. Nest success is one of the main factors influencing mallard populations. Mallard populations have declined on the Canadian prairies in a response to a loss of wetland and grassland habitat and well as an increase in medium size mammalian predators. Hen Houses provide an alternate nesting site, away from mammalian predators, and have found in past studies to increase nesting success up to 80%, as well appear to help hen survival during the nesting season where roughly 30% of ground nesting hens die. Based on Delta s efforts in MB, where there are typically 2000 structures installed, we have found that Hen Houses also provide a perceived increased value to wetlands. The County of Vermillion River, AB and its surrounding area has been chosen as our target area for the AB Hen House Super Site (200 Hen House Structures), coordinating with farmers participating in the Alternate Land Use Service Demonstration Project. The structures were placed mainly on private land with landowner consent and accessibility to hunters, in wetlands of optimal size and that contain suitable brood rearing habitat. Each structure will have GPS locations, evaluated and maintained yearly for occupancy rates and hatching success. Delta seeks the need to expand Hen House efforts in the CVR and the surrounding area, as it accounts for an extremely important source of waterfowl for the Pacific and Central Flyways. Previous structures installed and maintained in Alberta over that past 3 breeding seasons have reached 58% utilization rates and 93% nest success. It will take a few years of maintenance and data collection from the new structures to correctly identify how mallard populations will benefit. However, from past research we can predict that by year three, the AB Hen House Super Site should see and average of 160 structures used, with an 80% hatch rate. Thus resulting in an estimated total of 128 hatched mallard nests per year. As we ve learned more about the use and success of these artificial nests we are inspired to continue to expand our efforts across the breeding grounds. Hen Houses are not to replace management efforts to restore or protect habitat, but rather to compliment these efforts as an innovative management tool. 3
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Because mallards are the most sought after duck by duck hunters, most research and habitat efforts have been dedicated to them. Hen houses are a cost effective management tool and a direct intervention to increase mallard nest success where baseline nest success is poor. Nest success is one of the main factors influencing mallard populations. Populations have declined in response to a loss in wetland and grassland habitat as well as an increase in medium sized mammalian predators like raccoons and skunks. The lack of available upland nesting habitat has forced dabbling ducks such as mallards to nest along roadside ditches, small wetland edges, fence rows, croplands, and pastures where they are susceptible to mammalian predation. Based on past research, waterfowl success rates within this fragmented habitat are often less than 15%, the level needed to sustain population levels. Prior to 2010, Delta Waterfowl, Alberta Conservation Association, and other key partners have installed and maintained 200 Hen House structures in Alberta. Over 3 breeding seasons (2006-2008)- Hen House utilization rates have reached 58%, and nest success has increased to 93% (see Figure 1). Research efforts in other areas of the breeding grounds have displayed similar impressive results, where nest success has reached up to 80%, and usage rates have typically leveled out to 80%. In addition to elevating nest success Hen Houses also appear to help hen survival during the nesting season where roughly 30% of ground nesting hens die. We have chosen the County of Vermilion River (CVR) and the surrounding area as our target area for the AB Hen House Super Site (200 structures). Typically this area produces an abundant amount of mallards and contains areas where duck pair densities exceed 40 pairs per square mile. Over the past several years however, intense agricultural practices including ongoing wetland drainage, habitat loss, and increasing predator populations has hurt duck production in this area of Alberta. Delta seeks the need to expand Hen House efforts in the CVR and the surrounding area, as it accounts for an extremely important source of waterfowl for the Pacific and Central Flyways. Areas like these, where baseline nest success is poor (due to a combination of limited habitat and where there is an overabundance of mammalian predators) expanding Hen House efforts could have a significant impact on mallard populations. Acting through partnerships with local landowners, farmers participating in the ALUS program, Delta chapters, local hunters, government, and non-government conservation groups, Hen Houses have enhanced community involvement, and have provided a practical solution to problems facing mallard nest success. This Wildlife Habitat Canada Grant has permitted hen houses to be a direct means of redirecting hunters state stamp dollars back into local communities. PARTNERS Delta Waterfowl, Wildlife Habitat Canada (WHC) and Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) will assume costs of materials, construction, shipping, installation and annual maintenance for 10 consecutive years after installation. 4
Local Fish and Game Associations, St. Paul 4-H Outdoor Club, Local Landowners, Hunters, and Community and Municipal Government (County of Vermilion River) have provided in kind support with landowner contacts and installation involvement. Delta Waterfowl and ACA are currently building additional partnerships throughout the province with local Fish and Game Clubs, Outdoor Groups, and landowners for installation and maintenance support (for the additional 100 structures associated with the additional grant funds allocated to Delta from WHC on Feb 12, 2010). Syncrude Canada has supported Alberta s waterfowl nesting habitat enhancement efforts through financial contributions to ACA. ACA has allocated portions of this contribution to the AB Hen House Super Site and other nesting enhancement projects within the province. ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS Habitat Products/Results Supported by WHC Contributions Past studies in Manitoba have found that Hen Houses provide a perceived increased value to wetlands, as well as an opportunity for working relationships between hunters, conservation groups and the private landowners who determine the fate of wetlands themselves. We expect that we will work with roughly 40 landowners to install all 200 structures. Landowners that have agreed to install structures on their property and maintain those structures annually for a period of ten-years have been asked to sign a Hen House Agreement (Figure 4). This agreement will be signed between the Landowner and Delta Waterfowl. The Nest Tunnel Report attached to the agreement will be filled in annually prior to the onset of breeding season and submitted to Velma Hudson of ACA (Figure 5). Some of the landowners will be participants in the ALUS program. Working with farmers enrolled in the Alternate Land Use Service (ALUS) Demonstration Project in the County of Vermilion River has also created opportunity to work directly with the ALUS PAC (Partner Advisory Committee), correlating our efforts in the County of Vermilion River. The ALUS project is in association with another Wildlife Habitat Canada grant. To date contributions from WHC have supported construction, shipping, site selection, and installation for the AB Hen House Super Site Project. The following is a breakdown of activities involved within each funding arena. Construction Delta Waterfowl individually assembles each structure at the Delta Waterfowl Research Center located at the Delta Marsh, MB. Construction for the first 100 structures was initiated in May 2009. Materials were purchased and assembled throughout the summer and shipped to Alberta by November 2009. Materials have been purchased and construction is near complete for the additional 100 structures associated with the additional grant fund by WHC. We expect to have these structures shipped out to Alberta by the end of March 2010. 5
Hen House Materials Purchased 1. Flax straw for roll 2. Brome grass for nesting material 3. 7 by 3 long wire mesh (2 by 1 grid and 16 gauge wire) 4. 8 foot long base pipe (1.5 diameter) 5. 30 long insert (1 diameter tubing) 6. 18 long support pipe (1 diameter tubing) 7. Two ¼ rods, 20 in length for the cradling roll 8. 12 hog rings, on bolt or clip to adjust the structure height above the water Structure Assembly 1. The two smaller diameter pipes (1" square tubing) were welded together to make a T. The longer (30") one has two holes through it for height adjustment. This piece slides into the larger diameter 8-foot pipe once it has been pounded into the bottom of the wetland. 2. Two 1/4 bent rods were then welded on to the shorter support pipe (18") at each end to form a cradle for the roll. 3. Three feet of the 7' by 3' wire mesh was rolled up and hog ringed in 3-4 places to hold inner ring of roll. 4. 2" of flax straw was spread on the remaining 4' of roll and continued to roll. End result is a 3-foot long roll that is 11 to 12 inches in diameter. Site Selection We intend to install the majority of the Hen House structures within the County of Vermilion River and surrounding area, coordinating with farmers participating in the Alternate Land Use Service Demonstration Project. Hen Houses have been placed mainly on private land with landowner consent and accessibility to hunters. Semi-permanent wetlands have been chosen based on adequate brood rearing habitat (contains emergent vegetation), size (.5-3 acres), and accessibility. At each location, one or two structures were placed 3-5 feet out from the vegetation-open water interface. The bottom of the Hen House roll sits a minimum of 2-3 feet above the water to deter swimming predators, and the opening of the roll faced perpendicular to prevailing winds. Velma Hudson (ACA) with technical support from Carly Michie (Delta Waterfowl, and Jim Fisher (Delta Waterfowl), has been working on locating appropriate wetlands within the target area, contacting landowners, approaching Fish and Game Associations for maintenance support, and communicating the Hen House Project within the ALUS PAC (Partner Advisory Committee) Meetings. Our progress thus far and looking ahead: 20 structures have been installed within the County of Vermillion and within the surrounding County of St. Paul (See Figure 2). 26 structures are slated for an area east of Vermilion within the County of Vermilion River on land enrolled in the ALUS program. 10 structures to be installed south of Vermilion on lands owned and co-managed by County of Vermilion and AB government (See Figure 3). Farmers participating in the ALUS program are looking to secure locations for 40 structures. 6
Efforts have been initiated to secure locations for the 100 structures recently added to the project (associated with the additional funding grant from WHC). A presentation to St. Paul 4-H Outdoor Club is scheduled for mid March. The club is keen to become involved in installation and maintenance of structures in the St. Paul area. Plan to keep 5-10 structures in Alberta to be installed during ALUS tours and Educational Field Days next spring. Installation: Structures were installed starting in December of 2009, and will continue to be installed throughout the year until all 200 have been secured-weather and ice conditions pending. Unfortunately our installation methods have currently come to a halt do to an early spring and thin ice. We will continue to install the structures once the ice has completely melted and the wetlands are accessible again (via wading in with waders and a post pounder). Hen Houses are generally easier to install when the wetlands are frozen, as it is much easier to access the wetland on snowmobiles or tractors. Two methods have been used to install the AB Super Site structures so far. Method 1: Snowmobile and Ice Auger Wetlands were accessed by snowmobile and the pipe hole was drilled using an ice auger. Following steps proceeded: 1. Base pipe pounded through the wetland substrate using a hand held post pounder. 2. Insert pipe inserted into the base pipe. 3. Height of hen house adjusted so the bottom is at least 3 feet above water. 4. Roll was attached to cradle with hog rings or wire 5. Brome grass was placed inside the Hen House 2/3rds full. 6. GPS location recorded. Method 2: Tractor with Mechanical Post Pounder A tractor accessed wetlands, and the pipe was physically pounded through the ice and wetland substrate using a mechanical post pounder attached to the tractor. Above (1-6) steps then proceeded. Maintenance For the structures that have been installed or are slated to be installed, maintenance responsibilities thus far have been arranged between ACA, Delta Waterfowl and the landowners within or near the County of Vermilion River. Maintenance for the additional 100 structures are also being arranged between ACA, Delta Waterfowl, and CVR landowners, as well as through interested Fish and Game Organizations, and Outdoor Clubs. Maintenance Procedure Each structure will be re-visited annually for a period off 10 years. Visitation occurs a month or two prior to the onset of the nesting season, in good ice conditions. Signs of occupancy from the previous year, remnants of a nest bowl, feathers, down, eggs 7
shell fragments, whole eggs, and egg membranes will be recorded. Flax straw in roll will be replaced (hens often remove straw and add to their nest bowl). New grass will be added to the inside of roll, refilling to 2/3rds full. GPS location will be recorded. Annual data will be submitted to Velma Hudson (ACA) prior to June 30, by those assigned to the maintenance responsibilities (See Figure 5). Usage rates and nest success will be submitted to Delta Waterfowl and WHC on request (Figure 1: Results from AB). Delta Waterfowl will proceed with payments to group or individuals maintaining the structures. Delta Waterfowl to supply replacement structures as needed. BENEFITS TO WATERFOWL Research conducted in the prairies found that mallards make up 95% of the ducks using Hen Houses. It is speculated that philopatry (homing) by adult females and their female offspring contributes to increase structure usage rates over time. Past studies have indicated that usage rates will typically start at 20-40% in the first year and could level out to up to 80% occupancy, with an average nest success of 80%. We see these similar results in Figure 1- depicting data on usage rates and nest success for 141 hen houses previously installed in different areas throughout Alberta. It will take a few years of maintenance and data collection from the AB Hen House Super Site structures to correctly identify how mallard populations will benefit. However, from past research we can predict that by year three, the AB Hen House Super Site should see and average of 160 of the 200 structures used by mallards, with 80% of those nest hatching. Based on work completed in Manitoba, we would also expect an increased survival of female mallards over the ten-year period as well. Usage rates and nest success will be recorded annually and available to WHC upon request. RELEVANCE TO HABITAT PLANNING, DECISION MAKING AND/OR MANAGEMENT The goal of the waterfowl management community is to restore duck populations to the levels of the 1970s and Hen Houses are arguably one of the most cost effective tools we have to enhance duck production on the Canadian Prairies. Habitat restoration and retention are important practices, but we feel that we should also invest some of our resources to cost effective tools that produce ducks. Delta seeks the need to expand Hen House efforts in the CVR and the surrounding area, as it accounts for an extremely important source of waterfowl for the Pacific and Central Flyways. Looking at Hen Houses from a management perspective, it takes an estimate of 3 Hen Houses to produce 1 incremental hatched nest; this is by far the cheapest way to enhance mallard productivity. In areas like the CVR where baseline nest success is poor (due to a combination of limited habitat and where there is an overabundance of mammalian predators) expanding Hen 8
House efforts could have a significant impact on mallard populations. The AB Hen House Super Site will also provide additional data in a new area of AB to further improve research and knowledge of the tool, and allow the use and communications of this tool to further expand across key areas of Canada. Working closely with the ALUS Demonstration Project will help with our communication efforts and obtain national exposure. COMMUNICATION EFFORTS Communication efforts on AB Hen House Super Site: Article in the Delta Waterfowl Report Article in the Vermilion Fish and Game Newsletter Summary Reports to be posted on Delta Waterfowl and Alberta Conservation Associations websites. Reports will be sent to local media and to the Outdoor Writers of Canada located in Alberta. The project and its partners have been communicated at Delta Waterfowl fundraising events, and to the general public at Sportsman Shows. National press through the ALUS Demonstration Project media and Field Tours. Roadside signs constructed portraying all partner logos. (Currently working on the design of the sign, quotes on prices average around $200 for a 8 X 20 sign) FINANCIAL SUMMARY 2009/2010 2009/2010 Financial Summary Revenue Total Wildlife Habitat Canada 25,000 Alberta Conservation Association 6,250 Delta Waterfowl Foundation 16,875 Total Revenue $48,125 Expense Total Program Management 9,510 Administrative Costs 1,990 Construction (Materials) 7,000 Shipping 2,100 Installation 3,400 Maintenance (10 Years) 20,000 Replacement Structures (5 structures/year) 3,125 Communication Signs 1,000 Total Expense $48,125 9
APPENDICES Figure 1: 2006-2008 Alberta Hen House Usage Rates and Nest Success Figure 2: First 20 Hen House structures installed within the County of Vermillion and the County of St. Paul. 10
Figure 3: 10 Structures to be installed south of Vermilion on lands owned and co-managed by County of Vermilion and AB government 11
Figure 4: Hen House Agreement Letter and Maintenance Report Spreadsheet NEST TUNNEL AGREEMENT THIS AGREEMENT is executed by the parties below and effective. (date) BETWEEN: (Landowner) and Delta Waterfowl Foundation (DWF) Address Winnipeg, Manitoba DWF in partnership with the Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) wishes to conserve, restore and enhance waterfowl nesting habitat through the use of nesting tunnels. Therefore: 1. DWF and ACA will provide nest tunnels to the landowner. The nest tunnels become the property of the landowner and installation and maintenance will become the responsibility of the landowner. ACA and DWF staff may assist with tunnel location and installation. 2. In consideration for the nest tunnels, the Landowner will maintain the nest tunnels annually prior to each waterfowl nesting season, for a period of ten years: a. Annual maintenance includes: i. Record hen use from the previous nesting season, including evidence of nest bowl, feathers, down, shell fragments, whole eggs, or egg membranes ii. Replace flax straw in tunnel (hens will remove some straw to make their nest bowls), add grass to the inside of tunnel, refilling to 2/3rds full iii. Submit a record of tunnel use (Schedule A) to the ACA staff indicated, by April 30 annually. 3. DWF may pay the Landowner $10.00 for installation of each tunnel, and $10.00 for each nest tunnel maintained annually once nest tunnel use record is received by ACA, to a maximum of ten years. 4. The Landowner accepts all responsibility and liability for the nest tunnels and will hold DWF and ACA harmless from and against all claims, actions, damages, liabilities and expenses in connection with loss of life, personal injury or damage to property associated with the nest tunnels, their placement, or their maintenance. (Date) (Landowner) (Organization) 12
Figure 5: Hen House Maintenance Report Spreadsheet Hen House data form Dates - from to Project Location:. Hen House # Shell Membrane Whole eggs Down Bowl Fragmts Number Removed Status GPS Coordinates (y/n) (y/n/?) (y/n) (0, 1, etc) (0, 1, etc) Comments PROJECT IMAGES Image 1: Optimal wetland selected for Hen House Installation within the County of Vermilion River. Below Images 2&3: Volunteer Rob Reynolds- provided locations, helped install and will be responsible for the maintenance of structures located on Figure 2. Structures were installed using Method 1- Snowmobile and Ice Auger. 13
Below Images 4&5: Trent Selte - ALUS participant and landowner within CRV is currently installing 20 hen houses on his property using installation Method 2- Tractor with mechanical post pounder. Image 6: Sample of Project Communications Article published in the Summer 2009 issue of the Delta Waterfowl Magazine (see attached). 14