Objective 1 - Biological Literature Review
Existing information on the study area's natural communities, geology, soils, flora, fauna, and other special features was collected from many sources, including published and unpublished scientific reports, the Missouri Natural Heritage Database (NHD), agency files, the Pulaski County soil survey (Wolf 1989), geologic maps, FLW and MDC resource managers and biologists, and knowledgeable university staff. Guides to the flora and fauna of Missouri were consulted to determine species potentially occurring on FLW. These species include: freshwater mussels (Oesch 1984), fish (Pflieger 1975), crayfish (Pflieger 1987), birds (Robbins and Easterla 1992), mammals (Schwartz and Schwartz 1981), amphibians and reptiles (Johnson 1992), and plants (Steyermark 1963). Environmental Impact Statements and Ecological Assessments (Harland Bartholomew and Associates, Inc. 1991, 1995a, 1995b) and a Biological Assessment (3/D Environmental 1996) were also reviewed.
Objective 2a - Freshwater Mussel Surveys of Designated Stream Reaches
Streams were accessed either by canoe or on foot. The initial approach to viewing the substrate and locating freshwater mussels was by wading and using viewing boxes (clear plexiglass boxes). Later snorkeling and SCUBA* gear were used. Sampling sites were located by noting areas that had a prevalence of dead shells, shallow riffle areas, or shallow areas near the stream bank. If no mussels were found after one man-hour, the researchers moved to the next site. All live mussels encountered were identified, counted, and returned to the substrate. Dead specimens were identified, but not counted. Specimens that could not be readily identified were placed in a 70 percent ethanol solution for later identification. Time spent searching, substrate description, and location were recorded for each site. All occurrences of listed mussels were noted and added to the Missouri NHD. Vouchers were deposited in the mollusk collection at Ohio State University, Columbus. Surveys were conducted between October 1993 and October 1995.
Objective 2b - Crayfish Surveys of Designated Stream Reaches
Streams were accessed either by canoe or on foot. Crayfish were identified during fish and freshwater mussel surveys. Crayfish observed or captured during these surveys were identified and noted. Surveys were conducted between October 1993 and October 1995.
Objective 2c - Fish Surveys of Designated Stream Reaches
Streams were accessed either by canoe or on foot. A drag seine (1/4-in. mesh, 8 ft deep by 15 ft long) and a kick seine (1/16-in. mesh, 4 ft deep by 6 ft long) were used to sample fish. Sites were selected to represent existing aquatic habitats. Targeted listed species were surveyed by concentrating on all habitat suitable for that species. Sites were seined until it appeared no new species were captured (i.e., approx. 30 to 40 minutes of seining per site). Fish were identified, counted, and returned to the stream. Specimens that could not be readily identified were placed in a 10 percent formalin solution for later identification. Additionally, because of the high level of mortality associated with seine surveys in the hot summer months, all dead individuals were collected for later identification. Location, and general substrate and bank descriptions were noted for each site. All occurrences of listed fish were noted and added to the Missouri NHD. Voucher specimens were deposited in the Ichthyology Collection at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Surveys were conducted between April 1994 and October 1995.
Objectives 3a-b - Amphibian and Reptile Surveys
Several census methods were used to conduct a comprehensive survey of the amphibians and reptiles of FLW. Additionally, all incidental observations were recorded. Surveys were conducted between 28 March and 15 October 1995. With the exception of captures representing new county records, all amphibians and reptiles captured during the survey were identified and released. All occurrences of listed amphibians and reptiles were noted and added to the Missouri NHD. Voucher specimens will be deposited at the Natural History Museum at the University of Kansas, Lawrence. Methods used include:
· Special habitat search - Listed species were surveyed by targeting and searching suitable habitats. Leaf litter was searched, and rocks and logs were turned over.
· Funnel traps - Four unbaited funnel traps were placed along natural drift fencing (downed trees, large rocks) on 20 Land Condition Trend Analysis (LCTA) wildlife plots. Plots were chosen to represent available habitat. Traps that failed to capture amphibians or reptiles by the third visit were relocated within the plot. Traps were checked every 3 to 4 days and at least 15 times during the trapping season.
· Terrestrial time search - Each LCTA wildlife plot used for funnel trapping was also searched for two man-hours, by turning rocks and logs, and raking up leaf litter.
· Aquatic funnel traps - Ten baited traps were placed at two locations on or near Big Piney River and one location on Roubidoux Creek. Traps were checked twice a day for 2 days. Traps that had not caught turtles by the third visit were pulled or relocated.
· Aquatic time search - One man-hour spent seining and dipnetting on several aquatic communities located throughout the installation.
· Frog and toad breeding call survey - Ten sites were surveyed in 1994 and 1995. Surveys began 1 hour after sunset, and frogs and toads were identified by song and counted for 10 minutes at each site. This survey was run at least three times each year.
· Road cruises - Certain roads were driven at slow speeds between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. All amphibians and reptiles observed on the road were collected, identified, and released.
Objective 4 - Resident and Migratory Bird Surveys
Field surveys concentrated on areas with habitat suitable for targeted species. Instead of using a standardized point-count method, surveys were conducted by walking parallel lines through the area being surveyed, and recording all birds seen and heard. Taped calls were played to elicit a response from Cooper's hawks and Sharp-shinned hawks. Roubidoux Creek and Big Piney River were traveled by canoe to inventory riparian birds. Morning bird surveys began 1/2 hour before sunrise and ended at midday. Evening bird surveys began 1 hour before sunset and ended approximately at dark. Species identification, evidence of reproduction, and location were noted for every listed species observed. All occurrences of listed birdswere noted and added to the Missouri NHD. Surveys were conducted between 18 May and 30 September 1994 and 18 April and 20 September 1995.
Objective 5 - Floral Inventory of Falls Hollow Sandstone Glades
During the Missouri Natural Features Inventory of Pulaski County, a small glade complex on Roubidoux sandstone was identified at the top of Falls Hollow, adjacent to Range 22 on FLW (Ryan 1992). A floristic inventory of Falls Hollow sandstone glades was conducted to develop a comprehensive plant list of the area. All plants encountered on the sandstone glades were identified. Species that were difficult to identify were sent to the Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, for identification. Species new to Pulaski County were collected and a voucher specimen sent to the Missouri Botanical Garden. The glades were visited approximately every 10 days during the growing season between 1 April and 23 October 1994.
Objective 6 - Falls Hollow Sandstone Glade Natural Area Evaluation
Falls Hollow sandstone glade was evaluated for Natural Area status in 1995 by Karen Kramer, Natural Areas Biologist (MDC). The area was visited and compared to a sandstone glade on Roubidoux Formation located on Mark Twain National Forest. The conditions of both areas were evaluated for the presence of exotic plants, weedy plant invasion, existence of a protective buffer, conservative plants, listed species, and overall natural community quality. The best representative of a natural community with the greatest potential for preservation is selected to be included in Missouri's Natural Areas System.
Objective 7 - Federally and State-Listed Plant and Exemplary Natural Community Surveys
Listed plants and exemplary natural communities were surveyed as part of the floristic inventory of Falls Hollow sandstone glades. Listed species potentially occurring on FLW were searched for during their respective flowering periods. All occurrences of listed plants were noted and added to the Missouri NHD. Voucher specimens were deposited at the Missouri Botanical Garden. This survey was conducted between 1 April and 23 October 1994.
Objective 8 - Juglans cinerea Survey
Juglans cinerea on FLW were surveyed to report on their location and current condition. Nineteen drainages and ravines were chosen for examination. J. cinerea populations were known to exist in some of these areas. Other sites were selected to provide a variety of underlying bedrock, geographic location, aspect, and elevation. All J. cinerea noted within the designated drainages were examined and assessed for health, as evidenced by canopy dieback, cankers, adventitious shoots, stained bark, or the presence of hyphal pegs. Diameter at breast height (DBH) and location were recorded for each tree, and fruiting trees were noted. This survey was conducted between 30 January and 2 April 1995.
Objective 9 - Federally Endangered Species and Other Listed Species Not Included in Field Surveys
This project was not designed to address the Federally listed species known to occur on FLW, specifically, gray bat, Indiana bat, and bald eagle. This work was contracted to 3/D Environmental of Cincinnati, OH, as part of a Biological Assessment to determine the impact of current training practices on these species (3/D Environmental 1996). Their project included extensive mist netting to determine bat movement throughout the installation. However, this report would be incomplete without mentioning the occurrence of gray bats, Indiana bats, and bald eagles on FLW.
One invertebrate species, the American burying beetle is not known to occur on FLW and was not included in this study. However, as this species is listed as Endangered both federally and by Missouri, occurrence of this species on FLW will be discussed based on recent studies in nearby states.
Existing records of other listed species, specifically, mammals and invertebrates, were gathered and are noted in this report.
Objective 10 - Biological Diversity and Ecosystem Management Recommendations
Management recommendations were developed based upon information gathered during this and previous biological surveys of FLW. Known biological resources occurring on the installation were evaluated, and a determination was made as towhether current management techniques adequately addressed the biodiversity of the area.
* Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus.