Waterfowl and Fisheries Coalition Update
The Santee Cooper Lakes Waterfowl and Fisheries Coalition met at the SCWA Camp Woodie lodge on May 13, 2003 to discuss grass carp as a means of hydrilla control in South Carolina’s lake systems and to receive an update on the progress of the Santee National Wildlife Refuge.
At dusk, a diverse roster of local citizens, SCWA employees, businesses, fishing/hunting guides and conservation groups gathered in the log cabin set within the grid of waterfowl impoundments and fish ponds to try to do more than just complain of South Carolina ecological problems by involving themselves in the process of attaining knowledge for making decisions in the benefit of our state.
The meeting was called to order by Joey Moore, Chairman of the Coalition followed by his introduction of the first speakers from the SCDNR-Alfred H. Vang, Deputy Director, SCDNR Land, Water & Conservation Division and Steve DeKozlowski, Section Chief, Environmental Conservation. Steve and Alfred gave a presentation on the history of South Carolina grass carp management, in particular the history of grass carp management on Lakes Marion and Moultrie. Steve reported that they estimate there are 18,000 carp currently alive in Lake Marion and Monttrie. They have not stocked additional carp since 1998 and do not plan on stocking additional carp until they see significant growth of hydrilla. They are hopeful that through limited maintenance stocking of carp that they can control hydrilla without impacting native submersed aquatic vegetation. They also mentioned that the Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg Office, is working on alternative control measures for hydrilla that include insect control and other herbicides. However, they have not found anything as successful as grass carp.
The members of the Coalition expressed their concern over stocking any additional carp in the lakes and encouraged SCDNR to work with the Coalition to help establish a submersed and emergent vegetation restoration program on Lake Marion and Moultrie. The Coalition stressed the importance of developing at least 10% lake coverage in native submersed aquatics and to develop a plan that will ensure suitable numbers of willows and button bushes that will provide cover for fish and waterfowl. At the meeting SCDNR made a commitment to work with the coalition to develop a plan.
The next speaker was Marc Purcell, the new Refuge Manager at the Santee National Wildlife Refuge. Marc thanked the Coalition for its support of the Refuge and the excellent work that was being done by the Coalition to promote natural resource conservation on the Santee Cooper Lakes. The refuge staff has been increased from 2.5 to 7.5. These include: Refuge Manager, Biologist, Bio Tech, 2 Equipment Operators and a Law Enforcement Officer (1/2 time) along with an Education Specialist and a Clerical person. Marc reported that they have not received their budget yet this year and they have been working in the dark as far as funding. However, they are making progress with their planting programs.
The Friends of Santee Group has been very successful with 25 members and they have participated in various enhancement projects. Marc also mention the support the refuge has received from Santee Cooper, Ducks Unlimited, South Carolina Waterfowl Association and various other groups. This support has gone a long way toward restoring waterfowl habitat on the Refuge.
The Coalition stressed its desire to support the Refuge, and SCWA followed with a donation of 1,000 bushels of corn for the Refuge’s feeding and banding program. Also, the Refuge poker run will be held in June to help raise funds for the Refuge.
Side Notes:
Joey Moore reported that SCDNR is working on cost estimates for the various projects we have outlined in our restoration plan. These estimates will be presented to Congressman Clyburn for his support on the federal level. David Wielicki reported that John Andrew, the Region VI Director of US Fish and Wildlife Service, will be visiting the Refuge. David is working with John Andrew to develop a mechanism for setting up a waterfowl management and education foundation for the Refuge. This foundation would manage a $5 million endowment for waterfowl habitat management creation and education programs that would be spent entirely at the Refuge. We have support from Congressman Clyburn in working to get these funds.
Hickory Top Waterfowl Management Area
The Hickory Top area was a program outlined in our Coalition plan. Santee Cooper has begun construction on the 350 acre impoundment. The area should be completed prior to this year’s duck season. The area will be hunted on a first come first served basis on Wednesday and Saturday mornings according the Bill Mahan at SCDNR.
Waterfowl Rest Areas
David Wielicki reported that the Coalition should consider recommending waterfowl rest areas. These areas would be half-mile square areas marked off by buoys that would be fed corn at rate of 500 – 1,000 pounds per week from October until the end of February. These programs have been successfully implemented on Currituck Sound and provide abundant food resources for diving and puddle ducks. These rest areas help draw waterfowl into the area thereby improving waterfowl numbers and waterfowl hunting on public waters. David has asked SCDNR to Further study this possible management
technique.
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