Dateline Lost Mound: The Lost Mound Action Team (LMAT) began in November 2007 with a goal of bringing together a diverse group of partners including organizations and individuals that were interested in taking actions to expand activities on the closed 13,062 acre Savanna Army Depot, Savanna IL. This closed military installation currently includes the 10,000 acre Lost Mound Unit of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

Lost Mound is a unit within the National Wildlife Refuge System administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and is jointly managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Due to ongoing environmental clean up, much of the Depot is still owned by the Army and closed to public access. In addition, some parcels within SDP have transferred to private ownership. This unique situation presents challenges to transition the Depot into other public and private uses. The Lost Mound Action Team’s partnership of federal, state, county and local governments, conservation agencies and individuals facilitates problem solving and proposes management actions. This update identifies Action Team initiatives and ongoing projects at Lost Mound.

To help you navigate through this document, the most recent UPDATE comments are identified in bold andAction items are identified in italics. There are 13 primary activities that are being addressed by the Action Team. Attachment I is a list of projects and proposed time lines for implementation and their current status. Attachment II is an archive of background information on actions that have been discussed, completed or a resolution identified.Please send any comments on this update or any other issues to bring forward to the Action Team to: Ed Britton, telephone 815-273-2732 ext 11, email: ed_britton@fws.gov

The last meeting of the Lost Mound Action Team was held on September 24, 2009 and 11 individuals attended.

Participants at the May 21 Action Team meeting included: Tom Kamper -  Riverport Railroad; Chuck Wemstrom – Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation; Pam Johnson - Lost Mound Corps of Discovery; Jim Rachuy – The Prairie Enthusiasts; Cecil Johnson – Stewards of Upper Miss Refuge; Diane Komiskey – LRA; Jo Carey – Army; Jeff Hensal - IDNR; Alan Anderson, Jeramie Strickland, Ed Britton – FWS.

1. CONCEPT PLAN: Develop a current Concept Plan and identify priority projects that can be accomplished in the immediate future. The Concept Plan and priority projects continue to be developed as the Action Team progresses.

. COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING MAP: Update the planning map so there is a comprehensive understanding of the big picture, i.e. the many issues related to the closure and transition of a military installation. The basic comprehensive planning map has been completed and identifies ownership of each parcel and shows areas that potentially have munitions of explosive concern (MEC). It was decided that the second map should show the desired future conditions.Planning for the future conditions map is continuing.

3. ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUP: Review the cleanup priorities and ensure that the Savanna Army Depot continues to receive its fair share of cleanup funds.

The Army’s 2010 funding for environmental cleanup is $2.2M (versus $2.5M in 2009 and $4.48M in 2008) resulting from a national reduction in BRAC environmental cleanup funding.  Environmental investigations and cleanup have been ongoing since the late 1970’s with over $100M spent.

The areas potentially containing munitions of explosive concern have been a priority for environmental investigation/cleanup. The areas of concern total several thousand acres and include the 75mm Graze Impact Fan, the 155mm Graze Impact Fan, the 155mm High Explosive Proof Range, the A-Area Detonation Pit, the Old Burning Grounds and the Hand Grenade Burial Area.

Extensive investigations have shown that the 75mm fan, the 155mm fan and the A-Area pit primarily contain ordnance scrap. The BRAC Cleanup Team (Army, ILEPA, USEPA) has agreed that further investigations in these areas are not warranted but that Land Use Controls should be required for these areas. Land Use Controls will be identified for each parcel and may include restrictions on recreational, residential and groundwater use.

Specific cleanup projects to be conducted on Lost Mound in 2010 include: removal of lead bullets from the old National Guard Pistol Range; destruction of the Imhoff tanks at the Industrial Sewage Treatment Plant and; field work in the E Area where tar drums were found.  

4. POLITICAL SUPPORT: Increase political outreach to local, county, state and federal congressional offices to inform them about activities at Lost Mound and Savanna Business Park. There is continuing communication with congressional offices.

5. PUBLIC SUPPORT: Identify projects that will promote public support.

            5A. Improve Public Access

                        i. Four potential new entry roads have been identified to include Blanding Landing campground, Blanding Tavern, Whitton Gate and a private road that lies adjacent to the H Area. Research is needed on each of these to determine which road has the greatest feasibility for access and the type of access to be allowed (e.g., bicycle/hiking trail vs. vehicle). If additional access if desired through LRA property, financial assistance will need to be provided. The LRA advised they support the opening of Whitton Gate. The MEC area investigations that include these primary roads have been mostly completed. Land Use Controls are being formulated and will more than likely include restrictions on public access. 

                        ii. Pursue a commercial tour guide service. This opportunity would overcome several concerns with allowing public access into Closed Areas because it would be a controlled tour route, would not allow private vehicles, would garner public support, and should minimize security concerns by Army, tenants, private landowners and the LRA. The LRA completed arrangements in December 2007 with Glacier Pass Tours to offer a commercial tour guide service on the open public roads within the LRA footprint. The tours were not listed on their website during summer 2009.RESOLUTION: Two of the 3 primary interior roads are in private ownership and a commercial tour guide service would have to be approved by these ownerships.

            5B. Identify new trails and overlooks.  

                        i.ThePrickly Pear Trail and scenic overlook were opened in November 2008.

            5C. Improve visitor information and signage.

                        i. It was proposed that the FWS produce a rack card to identify Lost Mound visitor information.  FWS needs to design and produce the rack card and make available to the public.  

                        ii. IDNR gave approval for the LRA to temporarily use the empty kiosk panel at the entrance. This panel was set aside for IDNR information but a multi-year delay in obtaining the signs makes it available for the display of SDP information.

                        iii. Highway Signage: The LRA has given approval for FWS to install additional visitor information/directional signs along the entrance road to guide the public to Lost Mound trails and overlooks. Signs need to designed and purchased by FWS.   

            5D. Migratory Bird Education Center, Visitor Center, or Museum.

                        i. Identify a site within the Savanna Depot Park that would be feasible for the education/visitor center. Previous discussion identified that the center should be located within SDP rather than Lost Mound. The benefits of locating within SDP include: economic benefit to SDP; the planning/purchase of a building/site could proceed now whereas within Lost Mound this process would be delayed due to environmental clean up activities and lack of public road access; operation of the center would be by a partner organization instead of Lost Mound staff.The LRA Board would have to approve this project if it is to be located on property that is owned or leased by the LRA.

                        ii. Identify an organization that would purchase the SDP property and operate the education/visitor center or museum. Efforts are continuing to identify an organization.

5E. Special deer hunts.

            i. The third annual special deer hunts were held at Lost Mound during 2009. Hunts were held for youth and for hunter’s with disabilities.Hunters were chosen through a random draw for the 15 hunt sites. The hunts sites are located within the restricted area so all hunters must complete a safety orientation session. Lost Mound staff worked with the local Whitetails Unlimited chapter and volunteers to provide much needed assistance in implementing these special hunts.  During August-September 2009, volunteers worked over 200 hours constructing hunting blinds for wheelchair hunters.

                        ii. Youth hunter participation has grown since the Lost Mound Youth Hunt began in 2007. In 2009, there were 28 applicants for the 15 sites. The 15 youth hunters harvested 8 deer that included 6 bucks and 2 does. The largest deer was an 8 point buck with field dressed weight of 175 pounds.  All of the youth saw deer and whether they went home with deer or not, all expressed excitement at the special opportunity to hunt Lost Mound. This special hunt shows the importance that family plays in youth taking up hunting. Three families had two kids and one family had three kids participating in the hunt.

                        iii. The 2009 disabled hunt was held November 14/15. This special hunt allowed 15 hunters and their assistants to harvest four deer each. Twenty eight hunters applied through random drawing. A P2a medical disability was a requirement and assistants must be able to track and retrieve deer. For the first time, the hunt was held prior to Illinois’ First Firearms Deer Season which greatly increased the ability to attract volunteers to assist the disabled hunters and improved the availability of local accessible motel accommodations. The participation by out of state and down-state Illinois hunters continued to increase. Hunters travelled from Alabama, Florida, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Wisconsin and Central/Southern Illinois. A total of 17 deer were harvested with the largest buck being a 9 point weighing 180 pounds. An interesting part of the hunt was the personal challenges of the hunters that included six in wheelchairs, an amputee and a blind hunter. One young quadriplegic aimed at deer with the aid of a plasma TV screen mounted to his off-road wheelchair that was specially designed by his dad. He blows through a tube to engage an electronic trigger that was made from a car door lock to fire the shotgun. This special hunt for sportsmen with disabilities was a high quality hunting experience by a special group of sportsmen. Their daily challenges of living were overshadowed by the enthusiasm and determination for deer hunting. They provided both inspiration and encouragement to the FWS staff and volunteers that administered the hunt. 

5F. Grand Illinois Bike Trail: The Grand Illinois Bike Trail is planned to extend through Lost Mound but no funding is currently available. Seek grants or other partner funding for the design and construction of the bike trail. RESOLUTION: The actual route of the bike trail through Lost Mound will be identified after the MEC investigations are completed in order to determine if River Road is a feasible route.

            i. The MEC investigations have mostly been completed and follow up discussions about locating the bike trail through Lost Mound has met with many roadblocks. A primary roadblock is that Land Use Controls probably will not allow public recreation in these areas unless a fenced barrier is present. Another primary issue is that the property on which the bicycle route is located has to be transferred to FWS in order to allow public recreation. This would require a major shifting of boundaries of previously identified parcels. Each parcel is treated as a separate unit for environmental cleanup purposes and transfer, so a major shift in boundaries of multiple parcels creates an extraordinary administrative work load that is tied to previously identified long term planning efforts.

            ii. In spring 2009, IDNR purchased an additional 3 miles of railroad ROW immediately north of Lost Mound. This important purchase adds momentum for the need to identify a trail route through Lost Mound. 

                        iii. A national transportation grant proposal was submitted by FWS for the FY09 SAFETEA-LU reauthorization bill and included $300K to construct the bike trail through Lost Mound. Notification was received that this grant was not approved.

            5G. Bison grazing: Bison once roamed the prairies at Lost Mound and have been re-introduced at other conservation areas both as a public attraction and as a habitat management tool. There is potential to re-introduce bison at Lost Mound due to the extensive grassland areas available. The bison program would have to be a commercial operation where all duties associated with care and maintenance of the animals would be the operator’s responsibility due to the limited number of staff at Lost Mound. In March 2008, after many inquiries, staff met with a bison operator that was interested in bringing bison to Lost Mound. There were several hurdles to overcome that included: the ongoing environmental cleanup program limited grazing areas; other programs (e.g., prescribed burning, scientific studies) would be restricted within grazing areas due to the presence of the bison; there were no areas available where the public could view the bison if they were brought in; a significant fencing project would require a minimum 10 year commitment for a grazing contract. RESOLUTION:  Now that the MEC investigations are mostly completed, the future consideration for bison grazing will need to take into account all of the factors: additional fencing for security and compartmentalization, restriction of management & research activities, long term commitment of a commercial operator and the lack of access for the public to view the bison. 

            5H. Land Transfer:One parcel (8A) containing 64 acres was transferred to FWS in April 2010.To date, 7 of the 25 parcels have transferred. Of the total 9,857 acres within Lost Mound, there are 3,537 acres that have transferred and 3,215 acres are open to public access. The acreage not open to public access is located within the restricted area and surrounded by environmental sites.

            5I. Regional Training Site:Lost Mound was designated as a FWS Regional Heavy Equipment Safety Training site in 2005. Each year 2-3 heavy equipment certification courses are completed and attended by 20-30 individuals at each course.The training certifies operators on various heavy equipment such as the dozer, backhoe, excavator, ag tractor, skid steer, and road grader. Equipment training at Lost Mound is an important program that promotes support from a FWS Regional perspective. In April 2010, there were 22 participants in the heavy equipment training program at Lost Mound.  

            5J. Survey of National Wildlife Refuges that have munitions of explosive concern: In March 2009, FWS conducted telephone interviews with staff at 17 National Wildlife Refuges that have MEC to determine if they allow public access - and if so, how do they manage it. Sixteen of the Refuges were owned by FWS that worked closely with the military, EPA, State DNR and environmental specialists. Seven Refuges allowed public access into MEC areas but there were no standard guidelines. Five Refuges used chain link fencing while the other two were so vast in acreage that fencing was not feasible. Three Refuges had gate attendants that collected a fee. Some Refuges reported incidents of the public finding MEC but there have been no injuries or problems. Most of Lost Mound is still owned by the Army including all the areas containing MEC. A decision to open areas at Lost Mound containing MEC would have to be agreed to by Army, the regulators, and FWS.The Memorandum of Agreement between FWS and Army identifies that the land must transfer to FWS prior to allowing public access.   

            5K. Geocaching at Lost Mound:  In an effort to provide a variety of public recreational activities, FWS started a geocaching program at Lost Mound in 2009. Geocaching is a high tech treasure hunt that uses GPS units to find caches. There are many types of caches that are placed all around the world in this fast growing outdoor activity. Container caches are one of the most popular geocaches. However, FWS policy prohibits physical caches, so we use earth caches that have a geological component. When people find their caches, they log their visit. The cache log for Lost Mound is found at the website www.geocaching.com and on the “welcome to geocaching” page in the 2^nd box, type in the geocaching code GC1PQM7. Here are a few comments listed in the geocaching log for Lost Mound: digps writes “We absolutely LOVE caches like this one that bring us to interesting and out of the way places.” lagrac writes ”This one of the most memorable caching experiences that I’ve ever had.” sunluver writes “This one of my favorite places to go to experience silence and get away from things.”                  

6. PUBLIC ROADS: Continue to pursue agreement as to what roads will allow public access in the future so that planning efforts are effective.

            6A. There are three primary access roads that lead to the middle and northern areas of Lost Mound to include River Road, McIntyre and Shinske. Portions of McIntyre and Shinske Roads are privately owned and/or located within the MEC areas. Future Land Use Controls will probably restrict public access into MEC areas that include all three roads. In addition, private landowners have concerns about security and their liability if public access were to be allowed on portions of roads they own including Shinske and McIntyre Roads. RESOLUTION: FWS will not pursue private landowner approval to allow public access onto roads under their ownership.   

            6B. River Road is within the Lost Mound footprint but falls within the MEC area that will have future Land Use Controls. RESOLUTION: FWS will continue to pursue allowing increased public access north of the red gate on River Road down to the old Coast Guard Landing.

              6C. There are portions of seven roads within the Savanna Depot Park that are identified as public roads. There are several other roads within SDP that are privately owned and public access is restricted. There is confusion by the public as to which of these roads are open to access and which are restricted. A visitor’s guide to the Lower Post area was developed in 2008 by volunteers Beth and Jim Baranski to identify the roads and points of interest that are open to public access.The visitor’s guide needs to be updated and a long term plan to fund the printing of the guide is needed. 

            6D. Maintenance of Public Roads:

                        i. Savanna Business Park: Public roads that fall within SDP are maintained by the respective county or township in which it is located. This added burden of road maintenance is a deterrent to the county or township to accept any additional public roads, not knowing how much use they will actually receive. The county and township can be petitioned to accept additional public roads.

                        ii. Lost Mound: Three milesof the River Road Wildlife Drive are currently open to public vehicular access. The road surface conditions are deteriorating rapidly and will be a major expense to FWS to repair after the road ownership transfers. A national transportation grant proposal was submitted by the FWS requesting $1.52M in the FY09 reauthorization bill for SAFETEA-LU to conduct road repairs, construct the bike trail, and complete other projects related to interpretive trails and signage. The grant was not approved.  

7. VOLUNTEER PROJECTS & OTHER WORK FORCE INITIATIVES: Recruit volunteers and other work force programs to complete Lost Mound projects.

            7A. In March 2010, a part time Biological Technician position was filled at Lost Mound. Mr. Jeff Hensal is now working in this position. Jeff recently retired from the IDNR after 32 years and was previously the Site Supervisor at the Apple River Canyon State Park that had management oversight of IDNR properties adjacent to Lost Mound.

            7B. In April 2010, college student Charlie Tucker began a 5 month appointment at Lost Mound under a STEP (Student Temporary Employment Program) appointment. Charlie is working various projects including the ornate box turtle radio telemetry study and the vegetative mapping of the grasslands.

            7C: Corps of Discovery: The Lost Mound Corps of Discovery program began in 2007 and is a group of 15 dedicated creative volunteers who have been trained to document nature and work under the auspices of the Illinois Natural History Survey. Their mission is to document the natural beauty and history of the Lost Mound area through writing, photography, sketching, and painting, while participating as volunteers in a variety of projects.

                        i.Pam Johnson and Beth Pomaro are currently spearheading efforts with other volunteers to track the 3 radioed box turtles at Lost Mound. Twice weekly visits have yielded important information on the turtles emergence dates from hibernation. In their tracking, they made an important discovery of a new box turtle on March 30, which is an important find. Despite intensive field searches for box turtles since the early 1990’s only 3 turtles have ever been found. This newly found turtle had hibernated in a location near one of the radioed turtles which leads us to believe that this translocated turtle sought out (after travelling 2 miles) other turtles in the neighborhood. This will help us to focus our future turtle survey efforts at this general area within the vast 4,000 acres of grasslands. This find is also important in that it documented box turtles were emerging from hibernation 3 weeks earlier than in 2009 due to the near record warm temperatures in mid-March. The prescribed burning program planned for 900 acres at Lost Mound was scheduled to begin on April 1 but was immediately cancelled since we couldn’t take a chance on burning this state listed species. On April 16, a chewed up radio transmitter was located minus the turtle that was carrying it. It is suspected that a coyote had turtle stew as searches for the turtle have been unsuccessful. With this probable predation, we lost 1/3 of our known box turtle population at Lost Mound.       

                        ii. In 2009, the Corps of Discovery continued with their documentation of natural environmental changes at Lost Mound. Beth Pomaro, Pam Johnson and Barb Rutherford initiated a long term phenology study of 14 plant species. They hope to increase the number of plant species being monitored in 2010 with the help of additional volunteers.

                        iii. In 2008, the Corps of Discovery unveiled their “Lost Mound Experience” exhibit that included original art, writings mixed with photos, posters, and sketchbooks. The traveling portion of the exhibit was displayed at the Galena Historical Museum in Galena IL, the Illinois Natural History Survey office in Champaign IL, the FWS Wetlands Learning Center in Thomson IL,and the Mississippi River Museum in Dubuque. This exhibit is available for display at other museums or visitor centers along the river.

                        iv. Also in 2008, the Corps of Discovery received a $3,000 grant through FWS to produce 12 educational posters with one poster representing each month.Pam Johnson and Rich Mattas spearheaded the development of the posters. The posters display pictures and drawings of nature events occurring during that month and include threatened and endangered species, wildlife, plants, habitat, natural features and invasive species. Production of the posters was completed in May 2009. The posters are a great interpretive tool that can be easily displayed at any event.

                        v. Also in 2008, the Corps of Discovery, spearheaded by Beth Pomaro and Pam Johnson, completed a visitor’s guide and wildflower identification guide for the new Prickly Pear Trail and the Black Oak Dune Overlook located on River Road Wildlife Drive. In addition, Jane Holland completed the new brochure “Lost Mound Unit, Many agencies, Many hopes”. This brochure identifies the history of the Savanna Army Depot, the transition to other uses, a general guide to sites of interest, and a contact list of agencies and organizations. Both of these brochures are available free to the public and provide educational and directional information. A long term goal is to find a funding source for continued printing of these publications.

            7D. Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation & Conservation Guardians of Northwest Illinois: The Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of natural resources in northwest Illinois. The Conservation Guardians are a division within the Foundation.

                        i. For a second year, the Conservation Guardians conducted public tours to observe bald eagles at Lost Mound. The free tours were held on Saturdays from February 6– March 13, 2010 and ran from 9AM-Noon with up to 12 passengers each tour. The Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation took advance reservations with all tours full and a short waiting list.  None of the 6 tours were cancelled due to weather and a total of 59 passengers participated. They informally polled participants as to where they were from and how they heard about the tours. Several knew about the tours last year and called when they saw newspaper articles or received the emails from the Guardians. Others saw newspaper stories and a few were linked to the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation website. Passengers came from as far away as Rockford, Chicago and one couple came from Michigan. All passengers expressed their satisfaction with the tour experience. A good number of eagles were seen on each trip and passengers complimented the volunteer guides on being informative and providing this opportunity. The tour experience was greatly enhanced this year by the use of the Savanna Army Depot Museum as a gathering place. This afforded passengers a sheltered place to wait and the availability of a restroom. In addition, the exhibits helped introduce passengers to the Depot.  The Conservation Guardians and the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation plan to continue the eagle tours in 2011.

                        ii. Since 2008, the Conservation Guardians have published the Lost Mound Newsletter as an insert to their Guardian Messenger, a quarterly publication sent to its 700 members. This is a great outreach tool that provides information about ongoing activities at Lost Mound and generates public support. The spring 2010 newsletter was sent to the Action Team members.

8. GRANT PROJECTS: Identify grant opportunities to fund Lost Mound projects.

            8A. In January 2010, FWS was awarded a $20,000 volunteer grant to eliminate invasive plants on Lost Mound. The grant requires that 150 hours of volunteer time be related to the project. Control efforts will primarily focus on crown vetch that has spread to many grassland areas. 

            8B.  Also in January 2010, FWS was awarded a $25,000 challenge cost share grant to continue the ornate box turtle research. This project includes a long term radio telemetry study, intensive searches to find box turtles, and a plan to repatriate a viable population of box turtles at Lost Mound.

            8C.  In February 2010, USGS was awarded an $11,500 grant to continue with the crown vetch control program. A second aerial infra-red flight will be made of the grasslands in May 2010 to identify the signatures of crown vetch spread throughout the grasslands. The first flight was conducted in May 2009.

9. HABITAT RESTORATION: Conduct habitat restoration activities to promote habitat diversity and to control invasive plants.

9A. Grassland Restoration: During January-March 2010, a Fecon bullhog was borrowed from Trempealeau NWR and used to eliminate woody encroachment from 480 acres of grasslands. This amount exceeded all of our previous efforts from 2006-2009 when a total of 433 acres were eliminated. In September 2009, restoration began on 10 acres of grasslands with the spraying of 35 individual patches of crown vetch.Follow-up spraying is planned for spring and fall 2010 to ensure the complete eradication of the vetch and allow for reseeding in fall 2010. During 2009, there were 62 miles of roadsides mowed and 50 miles of roadsides sprayed with 2,4D to control the spread of sweet clover and spotted knapweed. Our arsenal of tools (mowing, spraying, fire, mechanical removal of trees) is steadily growing to conduct habitat management more efficiently.

9B. Prescribed fire: Prescribed fire is the most economical tool for grassland restoration. The first controlled burn on Lost Mound was in 2008 with 975 acres burned. In spring 2009, burning was conducted on 895 acres. The fires killed many encroaching red cedar, improved the quality of grassland habitat, and reduced the wildfire hazard by eliminating a deep vegetative layer. In spring 2010, burning on 900 acres of grasslands at Lost Mound was scheduled to begin on April 1, however, on March 30 an ornate box turtle (state listed threatened species) was discovered emerging from hibernation and halted all burning plans in grasslands.  

9C. Wildfire: No wildfires have occurred since April 10, 2009, when 2 separate wildfires originated from adjacent private lands and due to high winds spread across the BN railroad tracks. One fire burned about 35 acres on Lost Mound and the other burned a couple hundred acres in the Savanna Depot Park. Fortunately, neither fire crossed Shinske Road that may have resulted in several thousand acres being burned. Over 20 miles of permanent fire breaks are maintained on Lost Mound to help control wildfire spread.

            9D. Aerial Photography: A second infra-red aerial photography of the prairie is planned for May 2010. The first flight was completed on May 4, 2009. Digital images are used to determine vegetation types, especially crown vetch, an invasive plant. Follow-up field inspections of the aerial photography show that we can identify the many scattered patches of crown vetch. An intensified crown vetch control program is being implemented to reduce its encroachment in the grasslands.

10. SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH: Conduct scientific research and biological studies to support habitat restoration, habitat management, species diversity and the collection of biological information.

            10A. Lost Mound Field Station: Establish a field station for visiting scientists through the INHS. Pursue grants (e.g., National Science Foundation) and other funding opportunities for a field research station. Currently, there are no Illinois Natural History Survey staff working at the Lost Mound Field Station. FWS and INHS plan to formulate a state-wide Memorandum of Agreement for cooperative activities. In 2009, negotiations to purchase Building 57 for housing the INHS Field Station were terminated because the IDNR funding that had been set aside for this project was redirected to other projects. 

            10B. Conservation Opportunity Area (COA): COA’s are important habitat areas of conservation opportunity that have been identified by the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan. There are a total of 32 COA’s in Illinois including the Lost Mound-Hanover Bluff-Mississippi Palisades COA. IDNR is in the process of finalizing the COA boundaries and prioritizing their importance. Lost Mound staff continue to work on this important conservation project that may lead to future funding for habitat projects.

            10C. Research Projects in Progress: 

                        i. Ornate box turtle population study & head-starting program: This is a multi year study by several partners (IDNR, FWS, Iowa State University, Niabi Zoo) to determine the population status of the box turtle on Lost Mound and to re-establish a viable population. Box turtles were once abundant but only 3 have been found since the early 1990’s. In 2009, 2 box turtles were rescued from highway/development areas and translocated to Lost Mound in an effort to re-establish a viable population. Both turtles were fitted with radio transmitters to monitor their movements. Monitoring in 2009 showed that these 2 turtles travelled up to two miles. In April 2010, one of the turtle’s transmitters was found lying on the ground with bite marks indicating the turtle was probably killed by a predator, possibly a coyote. In 2009, ahead-starting program was initiated to aid in the re-establishment of a viable population of turtles at Lost Mound. Head-starting is the process of using female egg donors from other prairies. A gravid female was captured at the Refuge’s Thomson Sand Prairie in August 2009 and injected with oxytocin to induce egg laying. The 4 eggs were incubated at Niabi Zoo and the hatchlings are currently being cared for with a planned release in June 2010 at Lost Mound. The 10 month captive raised box turtles will weigh over 100 grams, equivalent to a 7-8 year old wild turtle. FWS had initially set a goal of 100 box turtles to be raised in captivity and released at Lost Mound to re-establish a viable population. However, the state listing of the ornate as a threatened species complicated the head-start program. FWS is currently completing population viability modeling to determine if the donor population will remain viable and how many head-started turtles are needed to re-establish a viable population. Ornates are long lived animals (30-40 years), reproduce slowly (males mature at 10 years and females at 12 years), and have small clutches (average 4 eggs/clutch).  

                        ii. Herpetological survey: IDNR completed an intensive one year study in June 2009 to document the reptile and amphibian species present at Lost Mound and compared it with a previous study completed in 1994. A total of 27 species of herpetofauna were documented with 530 individuals being live captured. Three species (eastern hognose snake, western ribbon snake, and ring-necked snake) had not been previously recorded on site. Also, there were records of the Illinois threatened western hognose snake and lined snake that will add to the management efforts for those rare species. Comparison with the 1994 survey shows a slight shift in the species composition and abundance of herpetofauna. A quick summary shows that bullfrogs have dropped dramatically, bullsnakes have increased significantly, the western hognose snake is now present, and the common garter snake is abundant. The survey also found that the presence of many miles of fence restrict the movement of many turtle species into the uplands.

                        iii. Interrelationships of disturbance and seed addition on sand prairie plants: In 2009, the third and final year of this Ph.D. research dissertation was completed by Molly McNicoll from the University of Illinois. She investigated the role of disturbance (such as mowing) and the addition of native seed in the restoration of sand prairies.   

                        iv. Interrelationships of grassland birds with sand prairie plants and insects: In 2009, the third and final year of this Master’s research dissertation was completed by Dan Elbert from the University of Illinois. He investigated the habitat utilization and diets of grassland birds.

                        v. The impact of the invasive species Coronilla varia (crown vetch) on reproduction and pollinator guild of Tradescantia ohiensis (Ohio spiderwort): This is a multi year study by INHS researcher Brenda Molano-Flores that is examining the relationship between two plants, one invasive and one native, and how they compete for space and nutrients.

                        vi. Survey of plant phenology: This is a multi year study by members of the Corps of Discovery to document plant responses to weather and climate. The information will be used to predict how plants and animals respond to climate change.

                        vii. Reproductive ecology and population genetics of kittentails: This is the third year of a study being conducted by Katherine Chi from the University of Illinois as a Ph.D. research dissertation. She is conducting population surveys and identifying the reproductive ecology and population genetics of kittentails, a rare plant species. 

11. PARTNERSHIPS: Promote partnerships to support Lost Mound programs.

            11A. The Prairie Enthusiasts (TPE): TPE was the sponsor for the Public Benefit Conveyance for the Primm’s Pond area. TPE should become involved in joint management of this area as soon as the IDNR administrative requirements are approved. Primm’s Pond is surrounded by Closed Areas that are restricted to public access, therefore access procedures for TPE will need to be carefully identified.

12. INFRASTRUCTURE: There are 457 buildings/structures within Lost Mound. Many of these structures have asbestos, lead paint or other environmental issues. A long term goal is to demolish and remove as many structures as economically possible.

12A. Identify infrastructure that can be used in the future and costs that would be needed for utilization.

            i. Beaty House: This 1800’s stone house is eligible for the National Historic Register. However, it is in a deteriorated condition, would require significant funding to rehabilitate, and lies within the Mississippi River floodplain. Current maintenance includes keeping the doors and windows sealed with plywood covering. FWS and Army expressed concern about potential requirements for future maintenance of this deteriorated structure if it was nominated to the Register, especially since it lies in the floodplain. There was agreement to investigate the requirements for moving the Beaty House out of the floodplain.A volunteer group from Galena has expressed interest in moving the Beaty House. If moving the house is feasible, the next course of action will be to find a suitable upland site, preferably within the Savanna Business Park. Jack Carson with the Rock Island Technical Society (RITS) has expressed interest in having the Beaty House relocated to RITS property near the SDP entrance. RITS leases the property and operates the railroad museum and Savanna Army Depot museum. RITS would require an agreement with a local organization to restore/maintain the historic structure and to use it in accordance with the guidelines established for other tenants/land owners on the SDP and with a mission such as a museum or other visitor attraction. LRA is the owner of this property and would need to approve of this project.

            12B. Removal of asbestos from B Area magazines: There are 26 storage buildings on Lost Mound that contain transite (asbestos containing material) roofing panels. FWS is in the process of going out for bids to have all asbestos material on these 26 buildings removed during summer 2010.

13. SAVANNA DEPOT PARK DEVELOPMENT: Support businesses and industries that complement the Lost Mound mission.

            13A. The LRA is working closely with Riverport Railroad on its development of the railcar mall concept after granting Riverport an option to purchase the industrial park, including some of parcel 7 and all of parcel 10 & 18 when transferred. 

            13B. The LRA has been working to resolve issues delaying the transfer of parcel 14 and continuing the pushback campaign it initiated in January after:

                        i. Noting (a) that this is the 10th anniversary of the base closure, (b) the LRA has received only 35 percent of the property designated for it and (c) no parcels were transferred to the LRA in 2009.

                        ii. Hearing of Congressman Manzullo's support for the railcar mall concept.

                        iii. Learning that the final transfer of LRA property was slated for 2023, nine years later than projected a year ago. Resolutions of support from the two counties and town councils and other entities bolstered the LRA position at a meeting on March 15, 2010. A teleconference in Rockford with BRAC officials, Congressman Manzullo and representatives of our US Senators on April 15 was extremely encouraging. Every indication is that as the nation struggles out of a recession, Savanna is moving up the ladder of legacy bases and becoming a priority for transfer of parcels for economic development.

            13C. The LRA has a new board member, Paul Hartman of Savanna, who was appointed in April, to replace John Major, who resigned.

        13D. Port Legislation: The Upper Mississippi River International Port District Act was signed by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn in August 2009. The bill was sponsored by Senator Mike Jacobs and co-sponsored by Representative Jim Sacia. The bill includes only Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties and provides the District with the rights to construct, operate and maintain port, harbor, water and land facilities. The District may enable the Savanna Depot Park and tenants/ landowners to take advantage of its provisions.