Assabet River NWR Final CCP - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Frog: Photo by Hanxing Yu
Chapter 4: Management Direction
these concurrently; however, if necessary, surveys and inventories related
to the Service’s trust resources may receive priority.
Strategy 3: Monitor water quality. We will rely on partners such as OAR
and SVT to conduct this monitoring. We will
participate in the SuAsCo Watershed Community
Council and other venues and participate in the
regulatory process to ensure that permits and
projects are approved that will improve water
quality.
Strategy 4: Within 3 years, conduct a thorough
survey on plants of the refuge. We will obtain
aerial photography to develop a cover type map
and ground truth the information in the field. The
cover type map will show locations and acres for
each habitat type. In addition, we will record
locations of federally endangered and threatened
species, other priority species, and invasive species
using a global positioning system, and identified on the cover type map. We
will update the map every ten years.
Strategy 5: Within 5 years, conduct a comprehensive survey of
invertebrates in the spring and summer, noting federal and state
endangered and threatened species. We will use “sticky” sticks (paint
stirrers dipped in Tanglefoot Insect Trap Coating and placed horizontally
on and vertically in the substrate) to sample ground-based invertebrates
throughout the refuge. We will utilize collecting nets to sample winged
invertebrates.
Strategy 6: Within 5 years, survey amphibians and reptiles using a
combination of pitfall traps, fyke nets, and audio cues. We will survey
aquatic turtles using fyke nets during the summer and fall. We will sample
terrestrial turtles, snakes, and amphibians using pitfall traps.
Strategy 7: Within 5 years we will census migrating raptors, and
neotropical migrants for two seasons. We will conduct raptor surveys
throughout the fall, using methods developed by the Hawk Migration
Association of North America. We will work with local birders and
organizations to determine the best method for censussing neotropical
migrants.
Strategy 8: Within 10 years, sample freshwater fish throughout the river
and ponds on the refuge using passive and active capture gear and
electrofishing. Passive gear includes, but is not limited to, gill nets, trammel
nets, and fyke nets. Active gear includes, but is not limited to, seines, nets,
and hooks. Depending on the diversity and abundance of fish that are found
in the ponds, we may initiate mark/recapture studies.
Comprehensive Conservation Plan - 47 -