Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex

DRAFT FISHING PLAN

January 2019

Prepared By: Date:__________

Eddy Pausch, Assistant Refuge Manager Submitted By: Date:__________

Jason Lewis, Refuge Manager Concurred By: Date:__________

Cathy Nigg, Area Supervisor Approved By: _______Date:__________

Charles Blair, ARD Refuges

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Contents I. INTRODUCTION 3

II. CONFORMANCE WITH STATUTORY AUTHORITIES 6

III. STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES 9

IV. ASSESSMENT 10

V. DESCRIPTION OF THE FISHING PROGRAM 11

VI. MEASURES TAKEN TO AVOID CONFLICTS WITH OTHER MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES 17

VII. CONDUCT OF THE FISHING PROGRAM 18

VIII. REFERENCES 20

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I. INTRODUCTION The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex Fishing Plan formulates the general concept for authorizing fishing on acquired lands identified in the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex (complex) Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2000) and all other lands acquired since the completion of the CCP. Ottawa Complex includes three national wildlife refuges: Ottawa, Cedar Point, and West Sister Island (Figure 1). The Ottawa Complex was established to preserve and improve a portion of the remaining Lake Erie marshes for the benefit of nesting and migrating birds. Wildlife dependent recreational public uses are authorized on the refuge. Guidance for authorizing public uses on national wildlife refuges, including Ottawa Complex, is provided in the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act (Improvement Act) of 1997 (USFWS 1997). The Improvement Act recognizes that wildlife-dependent recreational uses involving hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation, when determined to be compatible, are a legitimate and appropriate use of the System lands. These “Big Six” priority public uses should receive priority consideration in refuge planning and management. The Ottawa Complex has an annual visitation around 330,000 visits with more than 90% visiting for wildlife observation and photography, including birdwatching, hiking, and nature photography. Hunting and fishing represents less than 1% of the refuge’s annual visitation. Fishing access was limited within the complex to Cedar Point Refuge, Metzger Marsh, and youth angler special events. The refuge is increasing fishing opportunities throughout the Ottawa Complex over the life of this plan to improve angler access to public lands and better support fishing as a priority public use of the National Wildlife Refuge System (System).

Lake Erie produces more fish than the other Great Lakes combined. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife (ODOW) manages sport and commercial fisheries within the 2.24 million acres of Lake Erie under Ohio’s jurisdiction. Several species of recreational and commercial fish species depend on productive Lake Erie coastal habitats to feed, spawn, and rear juvenile fish (Kowalski et al., 2011). Some of the best walleye sport fishing in the United States is found offshore of the refuge. Lake Erie coastal wetlands support many open water species, such as walleye, through increased production of prey fish species (e.g., emerald shiner, gizzard shad) (Kowalski et al., 2011). Sport anglers in 2017 made over 680,000 fishing trips on the Ohio waters of Lake Erie representing 3.3 million angler hours (Ohio DOW 2018b). In 2016, the Ohio commercial fishery harvested 4.1 million pounds of fish (Ohio DOW, 2017 ). Data from a 2017 economic impact study conducted by Oxford Economics for the state of Ohio showed that tourism related spending was $15.1 billion for the eight Lake Erie counties; this tourism related spending helped support 127,852 jobs and generated $1.9 billion in total taxes (https://lakeeriefoundation.org/about-lake-erie/economics/ ). Lake Erie sport fishing expenditures

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tops $1 billion annually, according to The American Sportfishing Association. Ohio sold 844,700 fishing licenses in 2017 and 52% of those anglers fished in Lake Erie waters (https://lakeeriefoundation.org/about-lake-erie/economics/ ). Refuge Purposes Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (refuge) was established in 1961 under the authority of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act ".... for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds." 16 U.S.C. 715d. Ottawa Refuge is comprised of three separate main units: Ottawa, Darby, and Navarre, with additional outlying properties acquired over the last 18 years since the completion of the CCP (Figure 1). The Ottawa Unit is the original tract and comprises 4,902 acres. The 520-acre Darby Unit is located 12 miles to the east near Port Clinton. In 1966, the Service received the Darby Unit in a trade with Toledo Edison for a property known as the Navarre Marsh. The Service retains management responsibilities on the 778-acre Navarre Unit, now the site of the Davis- Besse Nuclear Power Station. In 1994, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) completed an environmental assessment that recommended acquisition of up to 5,000 acres of critical wetland habitats in Lucas, Sandusky, Ottawa, and Erie counties for addition to the Ottawa Complex. The authority for land acquisition is the Emergency Wetlands Resources Act of 1986. In 2003, the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex Expansion and Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act was signed into legislation authorizing unlimited land acquisition north of State Route 2 from Maumee Bay to Sandusky Bay, Ohio. Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1964 under the authority of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act ".... for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds." 16 U.S.C. 715d. West Sister Island National Wildlife Refuge was established by Executive Order 7937 on August 2, 1937 "... as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife:" and specifically to protect the largest wading bird nesting colony on the U.S. Great Lakes. In 1975, 77 acres of the 82-acre island was designated and included in the Wilderness Preservation System. The primary purposes of the Ottawa Refuge as outlined in “Refuge Objective Statement and Documentation”, August 23, 1971, which was developed following the establishment of the Refuge is stated as follows: “Ottawa and the other satellite refuges were acquired to preserve and improve a portion of the remnant marshes along Lake Erie for the benefit of nesting and migrating waterfowl so this natural heritage can continue to be enjoyed by the American public.”

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The purposes for which the refuge was established, as outlined in the CCP are as follows:

1. Provide suitable nesting habitat for migratory birds 2. To protect, enhance, and restore habitat for endangered and threatened species 3. Provide spring and fall migratory habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds 4. Provide habitat for native resident flora and fauna 5. Provide the public with wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities

Public Law 108-23, dated May 19, 2003, “Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex Expansion and Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act” established additional purposes for the Complex as follows: “…. the Refuge Complex shall be managed-- (1) to strengthen and complement existing resource management, conservation, and education programs and activities at the Refuge Complex in a manner consistent with the primary purposes of the Refuge Complex--

(A) to provide major resting, feeding, and wintering habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife; and

(B) to enhance natural resource conservation and management in the western basin; (2) in partnership with nongovernmental and private organizations and private individuals dedicated to habitat enhancement, to conserve, enhance, and restore the native aquatic and terrestrial community characteristics of the western basin (including associated fish, wildlife, and plant species); (3) to facilitate partnerships among the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Canadian national and provincial authorities, State and local governments, local communities in the United States and Canada, conservation organizations, and other non-Federal entities to promote public awareness of the resources of the western basin; and (4) to advance the collective goals and priorities that--

(A) were established in the report entitled ``Great Lakes Strategy 2002--A Plan for the New Millennium'', developed by the United States Policy Committee, comprised of Federal agencies (including the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the United States Geological Survey, the Forest Service, and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission) and State governments and tribal governments in the Great Lakes basin; and (B) Include the goals of cooperating to protect and restore the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Great Lakes basin ecosystem.”

The refuge provides Great Lakes coastal marshes and other aquatic habitats which support sustainable sportfish populations, primarily largemouth and smallmouth bass, various pan-fish

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and catfish species. In addition, walleye, yellow perch, northern pike and other Lake Erie species may be taken from designated fishing areas on the refuge. This fishing plan will outline recreational sport fishing opportunities. The plan will identify how the fishing program will be managed to fulfill refuge purposes and the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The plan will identify proposed mitigation measures to reduce conflicts with other management objectives. Fishing will not be authorized on West Sister Island Refuge or the Navarre Marsh Unit. The Ottawa Complex CCP addressed compatible wildlife-dependent recreational public uses, such as hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, environmental education and interpretation, as being a priority for the refuge. Fishing was identified in the 2000 CCP as being a priority public use that would be authorized in designated areas and should be expanded.

Figure 1. Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Oak Harbor, Ohio.

II. CONFORMANCE WITH STATUTORY AUTHORITIES The National Wildlife Refuge System includes federal lands managed primarily to provide habitat for a diversity of fish, wildlife and plant species. National wildlife refuges are established under many different authorities and funding sources for a variety of purposes. The authorities for the establishment of the Ottawa Complex are the Emergency Wetlands Resource Act of 1986

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(Public Law 99-645), Migratory Bird Conservation Act {16 U.S.C. 715d}, and Executive Order 7937 on August 2, 1937. The primary source of funds for land acquisition has been the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act, also called the Federal Duck Stamp Act. Federal Duck Stamp funds have been used to acquire nearly 86% of lands purchased by the Service. Additionally, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), and even land donations have been used to increase fee title acres of the Ottawa Complex. Funding for the fishing program will be provided by the refuge's annual operation and maintenance fund. This fishing plan has been developed to guide fishing on the refuge in a manner that allows the Service to fulfill the refuge purposes, including providing wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities. Guidance for authorizing public uses on national wildlife refuges is provided in the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997. The Improvement Act states: “compatible wildlife-dependent recreation is a legitimate and appropriate general public use of the System…through which the American public can develop an appreciation for fish and wildlife.” The Improvement Act recognizes that wildlife-dependent recreational uses involving hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation, when determined to be compatible, are a legitimate and appropriate use of the System lands. The Improvement Act states that these specific six uses should receive priority consideration in refuge planning and management. Other uses not listed as priority public uses may be allowed if they are determined to be appropriate and compatible with the purposes for which the refuge was established. According to the Improvement Act, when a wildlife-dependent recreational use is determined to be a compatible use and not inconsistent with public safety, that activity should be facilitated. The term “compatible use” is defined as a wildlife-dependent recreational use or any other use of a refuge unit that, in the sound professional judgment of the Director, will not materially interfere with or detract from the fulfillment of the mission of the System or the purposes of the refuge. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Final Compatibility Policy (USFWS 2000) pursuant to the Improvement Act delegates the responsibility of determining compatibility to the refuge manager with concurrence by the regional office supervisor. Fishing on the refuge will allow refuge staff to manage wildlife populations at acceptable levels, provide wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities for the public, and promote a better understanding and appreciation of natural habitats and their associated fish and wildlife resources. Implementation of the proposed actions will be consistent and compatible with the Refuge Recreation Act, the Refuge Administration Act, Ottawa Complex CCP, and other statutes and refuge management planning documents.

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Relationship to other Plans and Documents The first fishing plan for the refuge was approved in 1972. This plan, along with accompanying administrative compliance documents, was used to fulfill the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements and opened the refuge to fishing. It considered the biological, environmental, and socioeconomic effects of authorizing fishing. The plan identified fishing as a management objective consistent with other refuge objectives and opened approximately 220 acres to fishing at both Ottawa and Cedar Point Refuges. A second “Fishery Management Plan” was approved in December 1985. This plan authorized recreational sport fishing and limited commercial fishing throughout the Ottawa Complex. The plan opened additional acres to recreational fishing and designated areas and seasons for limited commercial fishing of common carp, an invasive aquatic species. Commercial fishing was authorized to address the impact of common carp on submerged and emergent aquatic vegetation communities within refuge management units. Carp cause increases in turbidity due to spawning, feeding, and swimming activities in shallow waters. Commercial fishing is authorized and managed differently than recreational fishing and will not be included in this plan but is a management option that should be evaluated in pools where carp are thought to be a major factor in poor aquatic vegetation responses. Sport fishing was authorized in Metzger Marsh, Darby unit borrow pond, Cedar Point Refuge borrow pond (15 acres), and Cedar Point Refuge Potter’s Pond (360 acres). In 2000, a Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Ottawa Complex was approved. The EA and CCP addressed future management of the refuge, including priority public uses. The CCP authorizes recreational sport fishing at Ottawa and Cedar Point refuges. It recommends expanding fishing opportunities including improving public use facilities such as fishing piers and bank fishing access to accommodate anglers. The CCP recommends carp and round goby management in refuge units with excessive aquatic emergent vegetation damage. This fishing plan is a step down plan of the CCP, and as such, contains more detailed information describing the fishing program on the refuge. This plan will also be included as a chapter of the refuge visitor services plan upon its completion. Upon completion of this fishing plan, the Service will revise existing compatibility determinations and establish a public comment period for the proposed changes to fishing throughout the refuge. Following the comment period, a determination will be made whether to implement the updated fishing opportunities outlined in this fishing plan. Recreational sport fishing is authorized in designated areas at Cedar Point and Ottawa Refuges in the Title 50 Code of Federal Regulations (50 CFR). The refuge does not propose to add any new species to the program or plan to make any changes to 50 CFR related to the fishing program.

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III. STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES The primary objectives of the Ottawa Complex are as follows: 1. Provide major resting, feeding, and wintering habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife 2. Enhance national resource conservation and management in the western basin of Lake Erie 3. In partnership with nongovernmental and private organizations and private individuals dedicated to habitat enhancement, to conserve, enhance, and restore the native aquatic and terrestrial community characteristics of the western basin, including associated fish, wildlife, and plant species 4. Facilitate partnerships among U.S. and Canadian governmental authorities, local communities, conservation organizations, and non-Federal entities to promote public awareness of the resources of the western basin of Lake Erie 5. Advance the collective goals and priorities of the “Great Lakes Strategy 2002 - A Plan for the New Millennium,” including the goals of cooperating to protect and restore the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Great Lakes basin ecosystem (USFWS 2000, Public Law 108-23); and 6. Provide the public with wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities including hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation. Fishing program objectives: The following fishing objectives for the Ottawa Complex were developed from the CCP dated September 2000 and further developed using other planning documents and step-down management plans: 1. During the life of the plan, provide quality fishing opportunities to a diverse audience that promotes an appreciation for Ottawa Complex and the National Wildlife Refuge System; 2. As soon as the plan is approved, expand public fishing opportunities throughout the Ottawa Complex where compatible with refuge purposes, including providing underserved audiences recreational sport fishing areas and facilities

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3. Provide opportunities for fishing outreach during seasonal special events (e.g. kids fishing day, free fishing weekend) 4. Throughout the life of the plan, increase and improve fishing access to designated areas by adding accessible angler facilities, parking areas, and other public access facilities including non-motorized boat launches and accessible fishing piers or docks 5. Monitor and evaluate harvestable fish populations bi-annually, or as necessary, in units that are open to fishing in partnership with the ODOW, Federal agencies, including Service fishery management programs, and local non-government entities such as academic institutions The fishing program is in direct support of the refuge objective to increase public opportunities for wildlife dependent recreation. All proposed fishing activity will be in accordance with state seasons and regulations unless otherwise noted in the Code of Federal Regulations or refuge brochures.

IV. ASSESSMENT The Service has proposed fishing on the Ottawa Complex since the early establishment documents were developed outlining refuge management objectives. The first fishing plan authorizing recreational sport fishing on Ottawa and Cedar Point Refuges was approved in 1972. Subsequent fishing and Ottawa Complex planning documents (e.g., fishery management plan, 1985, CCP 2000) proposed expanding fishing opportunities and deemed fishing a priority public use. The Service has not noted any significant adverse effects of this program on the administration of the refuge and has determined that fishing is compatible with the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the purposes of the National Wildlife Refuge System mission, and Ottawa Complex purposes. Fishing visits were estimated at 1,078 in the 2018 Refuge Annual Performance Plan report . The ODOW manages sport and commercial fisheries within Ohio. The 2016 Lake Erie Status Report briefly summarizes Lake Erie fish and fisheries assessment, research, and other projects conducted by the division in support of a healthy and sustainable fishery resource in Ohio. According to the report, “Growth and condition of Lake Erie fish are within acceptable ranges” (ODOW 2017). Lake Erie and the associated tributaries are surveyed by the ODOW Fishery Management Program annually and those results are outlined in the annual Lake Erie Status Reports. Most of the refuge fishery resources are associated with Lake Erie and its wetlands and connecting tributaries. Coastal wetlands are a vital link in Lake Erie’s fisheries ecosystem. Wetlands provide spawning, nursery, and rearing habitats for some 43 wetland-dependent fish species, 26 of which have significant recreational, commercial, or prey value. Two categories of fish associated with the coastal marshes of this region include: (1) species directly dependent on

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coastal marshes as adult habitats and (2) species making opportunistic use of coastal marshes. The first category includes species such as northern pike, longnose gar, bullheads, and crappies, whose dependence on aquatic vegetation has been well established. The second category includes near-shore and bay species such as gizzard shad, common carp, white perch, channel catfish, and yellow perch which have been shown by qualitative surveys to be seasonally common in coastal marshes as young or adults. The well developed system of drainage ditches in much of the area allows seasonal movement of some species far into the mainland. As more land is acquired and the magnitude of the fishing program is expanded, potential public use conflicts will be minimized by addressing the needs of specialized programs such as environmental education or non-consumptive wildlife use. This could entail delineating closed areas for fishing or establishing refuge specific regulations and seasons to ensure compatibility. There are no known administrative conflicts associated with the proposed fishing program. All features of the program are in compliance with state and Federal objectives for the region. The ODOW controls significant acreages adjacent to or within the refuge acquisition boundaries and fishing is currently allowed on those lands. These public use areas include state wildlife areas and state parks.

V. DESCRIPTION OF THE FISHING PROGRAM Less than half of the refuge is open to the public for some type of recreational use (i.e. hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, interpretation, photography, or environmental education) during at least a portion of the year. Many of the public use areas are open seasonally or limited to a few days per month to ensure compatibility with refuge purposes. Current Opportunities Public fishing is allowed at Ottawa Complex in cooperation with ODOW. Recreational sport fishing is currently authorized at Cedar Point Refuge, Metzger Marsh and youth special events at limited locations. Anglers are permitted to access Lake Erie waters below the ordinary high water mark (i.e. unregulated Lake Erie shoreline) through state wildlife areas or via boat to access refuge beach areas. Magee Marsh provides access to the Estuary Trail, where fishing in Lake Erie and the mouth of Crane Creek is authorized from the beach below the ordinary high water mark. Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area provides sport fishing access to Lake Erie and the marsh. Metzger Marsh is cooperatively owned and managed by ODOW and the Service. A management agreement (e.g. Memorandum of Agreement, MOU) between the Service and the ODOW governs joint management operations, including habitat management and public uses such as fishing, hunting, and trapping. Shore and boat fishing are allowed in Lake Erie and the Metzger marsh. An accessible fishing pier is located in “show pool” near the old Ottawa Complex office. Fishing from the pier is authorized for youth special events administered by the refuge. In addition, special youth fishing programs have been developed in association with

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refuge environmental education programs and special events. Recreational sport fishing access is provided at Cedar Point Refuge from June through August. The CCP authorizes sport fishing from 1 May to 1 October at Cedar Point Refuge in a 15-acre borrow pond adjacent to the parking area. Boat and floatation devices are not permitted within the borrow pond. West Sister Island Refuge is closed to all public uses. Recreational sport fishing periods correspond with state regulations. As additional lands are acquired and sport fishing programs are instituted, it may become necessary to impose some refuge specific regulations. These refuge specific regulations would be more restrictive than state laws (i.e. closed areas, size limits, user group restrictions) and be based on population monitoring data for individual fishing areas. Fish stocking in partnership with the ODOW may be used as a management tool to improve fish populations in designated areas. The refuge will work closely with the ODOW and Service fisheries management programs to assess fish populations and obtain recommendations for stocking rates and regulation changes to support a sustainable fishery. These regulation modifications will be included during the annual amendment process through the Federal Register, and the public will be informed through media and posting. Fishing success and harvest will be monitored periodically by random interviews with anglers utilizing refuge lands. Ottawa Complex consult with and coordinate fishing with the ODOW and the Ohio fishery management program. Refuge and state staff will meet periodically to discuss the success of the refuge's fishing program, the status of the fishery resources and to consider recommendations for program modifications through the annual Service amendment process. Law enforcement activities will be conducted jointly by Service Federal Wildlife Officers and the Conservation Officers of the Ohio DOW.. New Fishing Opportunities for 2019 and Beyond In this Fishing Plan, the Service is expanding public fishing opportunities throughout the complex and opening newly acquired lands while maintaining current opportunities with the prefered alternative. As mentioned, future acquisitions will be subject to the same regulations outlined above and will be subject to completing all compliance necessary. All refuge management activities and refuge actions require some level of NEPA compliance and possibly compliance with other environmental laws and regulations (e.g., Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act). Under the proposed plan for 2019, the Service would open all fishable habitat on designated acres of current lands (fee title) to fishing. The Environmental Assessment addresses cumulative impacts as additional property is acquired and may allow the Service to open fishing on future lands.

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I. Metzger Marsh (182.5 acres)

Metzger Marsh is a 740 acre coastal wetland complex that is jointly managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Ohio Division of Wildlife. The Service owns fee title to approximately 182 acres. The Ohio Division of Wildlife manages the remaining 558 acres as the Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area. A MOU between the Service and the Division of Wildlife governs joint management operations, including habitat management and public uses such as fishing, hunting, and trapping. Recreational fishing within the refuge portion of Metzger Marsh will follow state regulations to ensure continuity of management across the 740 acre Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area. Bank, boat, and ice fishing will be authorized. Boat access including gasoline powered and non-motorized boats will be authorized.

II. Cedar Point Refuge Borrow Pits (25 acres) The fishing access area is approximately 25 acres in Lucas County, Ohio. The fishing access is represented by two borrow pits. Fishing access will be open during designated dates according to state and Refuge regulations; the area may be seasonally closed to minimize disturbance to nesting bald eagles and other wildlife. Non-motorized boats and flotation devices will be authorized.

III. Visitor Center Pond (3 acres) The Visitor Center Pond is approximately 3 acres and was constructed by the refuge in 2006 to support the geothermal heating and air conditioning system for the newly constructed Visitor Center. A portion of the pond will be open to “catch and release” fishing as recommended by the Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODOW 2018). Shore fishing will be authorized at limited locations to minimize any potential impacts to the geothermal system within the pond. Boats and flotation devices are prohibited. Ice fishing will be prohibited.

IV. West Harbor Landing (Bradley) Tract (15.9 acres) This 15.9 acre tract in Ottawa County, Ohio on Catawba Island was acquired in 2015. The entire unit will be open to fishing according to state regulations and seasons. The tract has a newly constructed parking area and non-motorized boat launch. Shore, boat, and ice fishing will be authorized. Recreational boating within the adjacent West Harbor will be a popular attraction for both anglers and recreational boaters (i.e. canoe and kayakers).

V. Turtle Creek Tract (15.46 acres) This 15 acre tract in Ottawa County, Ohio was acquired in 2015. The property will be open to fishing according to state regulations and seasons. Bank, boat, and ice fishing will be authorized. A parking area and non-motorized boat launch has been constructed to facilitate public access.

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VI. Knorn Tract (62.2 acres) This 62 acre tract in Ottawa County, Ohio was acquired in 2014. Fishing will be authorized from the bank or boat within the Portage River according to state regulations and seasons. A parking area and non-motorized boat launch is planned to facilitate public access. Ice fishing will be permitted within the Portage River. Fishing is not permitted in the small shallow ponds/wetland areas around the property.

VII. Radar Ditch and Crane Creek Estuary (17 acres) Fishing will be authorized from the bank according to state regulations and seasons within the Radar ditch and Crane Creek Estuary with access only permitted from along the east side of the ditch and estuary north from the trailhead parking area to the mouth of Crane Creek and Lake Erie. Fishing is not permitted in any of the impounded refuge coastal marshes (e.g. Ottawa Pool 1). Ice fishing is not permitted in the ditch or estuary.

VIII. Ottawa Magee Marsh Borrow Ponds (23 acres) Fishing will be authorized from the bank, with non-motorized boats and flotation devices according to state regulations and seasons within the two borrow ponds totaling about 23 acres. Ice fishing will be permitted.

IX. Show Pool (4 acres) Fishing will be authorized from the shore and fishing pier according to State regulations and seasons for special events or for underserved audiences. Ice fishing will be permitted. Boats and flotation devices will be prohibited.

XI. Metzger Marsh Lake Front Trail (19 acres) Fishing will be authorized from the shore along the lakefront dike east of Metzger Marsh to the mouth of Crane Creek during designated dates according to state and refuge regulations. Fishing is only permitted on the north side of the trail within Lake Erie to the mouth of Crane Creek.

XII. Helle Unit (32 acres) Fishing will be authorized within this 32 acre unit from the shore and by boat in the Toussaint River waters according to state and refuge regulations. Fishing will be prohibited within the impounded wetland. Anglers must park in designated areas.

XIII. Burmeister Unit (9 acres)

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Fishing will be authorized from the shore along the south side of the Little Portage River according to state and refuge regulations. Anglers must park in designated areas. Sport Fishing Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (4) Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following

conditions:

(i) We allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.

(ii) We prohibit the taking of any turtle, frog, leech, minnow, crayfish, and mussel (clam) species by any method on the refuge (see §27.21 of this chapter).

(iii) You must remove all boats, ice fishing structures, devices, and personal property from the refuge each day (see §27.93 of this chapter).

Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge (4) Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset. (ii) We prohibit the taking of turtle, frog, leech, minnow, crayfish, and mussel (clam) species by

any method on the refuge (see §27.21 of this chapter). (iii) You must remove all boats, ice fishing structures, devices, and personal property from the

refuge each day (see §27.93 of this chapter). General Refuge Regulations: The following will be addressed in §26.34 for Ohio: Ottawa

1. The Crane Creek and Crane Creek Estuary are closed to all boats and flotation devices from State Route 2 to the mouth of Crane Creek at Lake Erie.

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2. We allow non-motorized boats and flotation devices in designated areas.

3. We prohibit the use of off-road vehicles and snowmobiles on refuge lands. The following will be addressed in §26.34 for Ohio: Cedar Point 1. We allow non-motorized boats and flotation devices in designated areas. 2. We prohibit the use of off-road vehicles and snowmobiles on refuge lands. The following activities are strictly prohibited on the refuge:

Littering or dumping including monofilament string, bait containers, or any trash

Target practice or random shooting

Trapping furbearers without a permit

Open campfires, swimming, camping, or overnight parking

Taking or attempting to take any wildlife not authorized in refuge regulations

Taking, cutting or destroying any plants or parts thereof including flowers, fruits, nuts, fungi, herbs, shrubs or trees other than specified for temporary hunting blind construction.

Marking trails with tape, ribbons, paper, paint, tree blazes, or other marking methods

Baiting or hunting over bait including salt

Blocking gates or roadways with vehicles

Searching for or removing any object of antiquity including any Native American artifacts such as but not limited to stone tools, arrowheads, pottery, and beads Use of metal detectors or digging for artifacts or lost items not your own

Spotlighting prohibited by state regulations

Use of fireworks

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Consultation and Coordination with the State National Wildlife Refuges, including Ottawa Complex, conduct fishing programs within the framework of state and federal regulations. All authorized fishing opportunities are at least as restrictive as the State of Ohio. By maintaining fishing regulations that are as, or more, restrictive than the state, individual refuges ensure that they are maintaining limits which are supportive of management on a local and regional basis. The complex has moved forward with developing this fishing plan based upon earlier informal coordination with the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Some of the results of this coordination are reflected in this fishing plan. Formal notification and correspondence has also been initiated. Ottawa complex will continue to consult and coordinate with the ODOW to maintain regulations and programs that are consistent with the state, complies with refuge purposes and protects federal trust resources. The Refuge will work with the ODOW fishery program to monitor populations of sport fish species and evaluate harvest regulations. Methods of Control and Enforcement The enforcement of refuge and state fishing regulations, trespass and other public use violations normally associated with management of a national wildlife refuge is the responsibility of commissioned refuge law enforcement officers. The refuge officer cooperates with, and is assisted by, state, county and city police officers as well as state wildlife officers. The procedures used for obtaining law enforcement assistance are based on the legal jurisdiction where incidents occur. The refuge officers regularly meet with the various state, county and city law enforcement agencies to develop agreements and strategies to ensure continuity and coordination of law enforcement operations across the Ottawa complex. Funding and Staffing Requirements Historically, limited refuge staff time was allocated for coordinating and managing fishing program and special events on the refuge. However, more recently refuge staff have been involved in developing public access facilities to facilitate or improve fishing access and promote youth fishing or other special events at the refuge Visitor Center. In addition, the refuge visitor services program has been informing visitors of fishing regulations and access restrictions and updating the refuge website and other outreach information related to fishing.

VI. MEASURES TAKEN TO AVOID CONFLICTS WITH OTHER MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES Biological Conflicts The refuge avoids conflict related to biological resources by adopting the “wildlife first” principle explicitly stated in the Refuge Improvement Act. Staff monitors species population trends to ensure that target species can be fished on the refuge without adversely affecting the

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species. These monitoring activities include direct observation of populations, consultation with state and service species specialists, and review of current species survey information and research. The complex may limit or exclude fishing activities on portions of refuge units to avoid conflicts related to biological resources. The federally endangered Indiana bat, Interior least tern, piping plover, and protected bald eagle have been documented or are known to utilize refuge lands. The proposed opening of the refuge to fishing will not conflict with the recovery and/or protection of these species. An Intraservice Endangered Species Consultation for the fishing program has been completed. Public Use Conflict In an effort to avoid conflicts with other priority recreational uses as outlined in the Improvement Act, and for safety, the complex enforces a series of refuge-specific fishing regulations. The boundary of most lands owned by the Service are posted with refuge boundary signs. Areas administratively closed to fishing will be clearly marked with “No Fishing Zone” or “Area Beyond This Sign Closed” signs. Public use conflicts will be minimized through close coordination with other public agency programs conducted on lands near the refuges’ fishing zones. The most significant of these involves the ODOW and various state wildlife management areas adjacent to the complex. No conflicts are anticipated due to close coordination with the state throughout the planning process. Administrative Conflicts Refuge management activities can be accomplished without conflict with fishing activities through the use of administratively closed areas, timing of fishing, size limits, and methods of fishing.

VII. CONDUCT OF THE FISHING PROGRAM Fishing Regulations Regulations Pertaining to all National Wildlife Refuge System Lands Regulations pertaining to fishing on all National Wildlife Refuges are found in 50 CFR 32.5. They state: § 32.5 What are the requirements for sportfishing on areas of the National Wildlife Refuge System? The following provisions shall apply to each person while engaged in public sport fishing on a wildlife refuge area: (a) Each person shall secure and possess the required State license. (b) Each person shall comply with the applicable provisions of Federal law and regulation

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including this subchapter. (c) Each person shall comply with the applicable provisions of the laws and regulations of the State wherein any area is located unless the same are further restricted by Federal law or regulation. (d) Each person shall comply with the terms and conditions authorizing access and use of the wildlife refuge area. (e) Each person must comply with the provisions of any refuge-specific regulation governing fishing on the wildlife refuge area. Regulations, special conditions, and maps of the fishing areas for a particular wildlife refuge are available at that the headquarters. In addition, refuge-specific sport fishing regulations appear in §§ 32.20 through 32.72. The regulations, as they are published in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), are the official notification to the public. Copies of the CFR can be found in libraries and on the internet. A general synopsis of Ohio regulations relating to fishing within waters of the state which are applicable to refuge units is published in the Ohio Fishing Regulations Guide produced by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. This publication is available in the refuge visitor center, online, or at various retail outlet stores that sell fishing licenses. Anticipated Public Reaction to the Fishing Plan Conflicts between fishing and environmental education, interpretation, hunting, and wildlife observation are expected to be minimal as these uses are similar to state wildlife management areas, state parks, and other public lands across northwest Ohio. In addition, angler access to expanded fishing areas will be consistent with the access granted to other user groups. There is considerable public expectation that public lands are open to fishing. This sentiment resonates in the numerous requests by the public to open new fishing areas. Fishing Application and Registration For general fishing activities no special application or registration process is required. An Ohio fishing license is required as outlined in the Ohio Fishing Regulations Guide. Some areas will be designated as youth and disabled angler only areas. These areas will be signed and additional information or maps will be made available within refuge brochures and on the website. Announcing and Publicizing Openings, Closings, and Modifications As with previously developed changes to the refuge fishing program openings, closings, and modifications will be documented in the Code of Federal Regulations or through other processes as outlined in agency policy and regulations. The general public will have opportunities to make public comments during the review and/or modification of planning documents. In addition, the

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Ottawa Complex recreational fishing compatibility determination will be updated as needed, which also includes a 15-30 day public comment period. Entry and Access Procedures There are no special entry or access procedures for anglers using the refuge. For answers to specific access questions please contact the Refuge at: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge 14000 West State Route 2 Oak Harbor, OH 43449 419-898-0014 Fishing Requirements Anglers who are eligible to fish under Ohio law are allowed to fish on refuge units. The refuge does not routinely require anglers to report on fishing activities or harvest. Should an additional reporting program be implemented, the refuge will use the appropriate form approved by the Office of Management and Budget.

VIII. REFERENCES Johnson, D. L., Braig IV, E.C., and Lynch, Jr. W. L. 2004. The fish assemblage of Metzger

Marsh after restoration. Final Report U.S. Geological Survey Kowalski, K. P et al., 2011. New strategies for restoring coastal wetland function. Summary

Annual Report, U.S. Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act of 1997. Pub. L. No. 105–57, 111 Stat. 1252 (2007). Ohio Division of Wildlife. 2017. Ohio’s Lake Erie Fisheries, 2016. Annual status report.

Federal Aid in Fish Restoration Project F-69-P. Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, Lake Erie Fisheries Units, Fairport and Sandusky. 123 pp.

Ohio Division of Wildlife. 2018. Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge pond assessment. Spring 2018 sampling. 3pp. Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife. 2018b. Ohio’s Lake Erie

Fisheries, 2017. 125 pp. 20

https://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/portals/wildlife/pdfs/fishing/LakeErieStatus.pdf Ohio Division of Wildlife. 2018. Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Pond Assessment.

3pp. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1972. Fishing Plan: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and

Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge. 12pp U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex

environmental assessment for fishery management. 18pp. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Fishery management plan, Ottawa National

Wildlife Refuge Complex. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2000. Ottawa, Cedar Point, West Sister Island National

Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan. 63pp.

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