Chapters 1 - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Management Alternatives
The common raven (Corvus corax) and American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) are
documented predators of least tern chicks and eggs. In recent years limited numbers of
ravens (three individuals in 2007) have had to be lethally removed. Another potential way to
control crows and ravens is the use of DRC-1339. Although proposed for use in the approved
predator management plan for this Refuge, DRC-1339 has never been used on the Refuge.
DRC-1339 is a pesticide used to control corvid (i.e., crow and raven) populations. It is injected
into chicken eggs, which are then secured onto strategically placed elevated bait stations in the
vicinity of endangered species nesting areas. Ingestion of the pesticide is lethal to the crow or
raven. Specific baiting and pre-baiting activities are conducted to eliminate the possibility of
attracting non-target species.
Public Use Program
Although the Refuge Improvement Act requires that the six wildlife-dependent recreational
uses of the NWRS (hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, environmental
education, and interpretation) receive priority consideration in refuge planning, the fact that
this Refuge is located on a military weapons station necessarily limits the types of activities
permitted to occur here. Currently, the Refuge provides opportunities for wildlife observation,
interpretation, and environmental education.
Public Access. Public access on the Refuge is restricted to guided tours and outings in
accordance with NWSSB’s military mission. Currently, a public tour of the Refuge is offered
once a month and special tours are periodically conducted to support the Refuge’s objective of
providing opportunities for wildlife observation, interpretation, and environmental education.
Wildlife Observation and Interpretation. A three-hour public walking tour of the Refuge is
offered on the last Saturday of each month. Reservations must be made in advance and
attendance is generally limited to 50 people. These tours, which are led by USFWS staff and
the Friends of the Seal Beach NWR, are conducted in cooperation with NWSSB. Visitors
enjoy videos in the visitor contact station that describe the resources on the Refuge and
provide an overview of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The tours also include a visit to
the native plant garden and a walk along Bolsa Avenue to an existing observation platform.
Along the way, an information station is set up where visitors can learn about the aquatic
organisms supported within Anaheim Bay.
A six to eight-foot-wide pedestrian pathway, consisting of compacted decomposed granite,
provides access from the Refuge Headquarters east along Bolsa Avenue to an existing
observation deck, located about a half of a mile east of the intersection of Bolsa Avenue and
Kitts Highway. The observation deck is located on the south side of Bolsa Avenue and
provides the public with views into the marsh. Spotting scopes, binoculars, and interpretive
signage with information about the habitats and species protected on the Refuge are provided
on the observation deck during the tours to enhance the public’s experience.
Other opportunities for wildlife observation and interpretation include periodic special tours
for birding groups, girl and boy scout groups, and other interested groups, as well as volunteer
opportunities related to habitat restoration, weed removal, and general clean-up. These
volunteer opportunities are often associated with National Public Lands Day, International
Migratory Bird Day, or other state or nation-wide annual events.
Environmental Education. Special tours of the Refuge are also held for school groups of all
ages. An additional Refuge-related off-site environmental education program, implemented by
the Friends of Seal Beach NWR, serves about 500 students annually.
Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan/Environmental Assessment 3-19