In the summer 2000, the Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (KCFWRU), based at Kansas State University, began a three-year study at the refuge. The purpose of the study was to gather information to inform managers about the extent to which river recreation influences birds that depend on the river. Species of concern included neotropical migrants, resident songbirds using riparian forest and shrub, and river-associated birds. Our study goals were to 1) determine which species were sensitive to river recreation and 2) determine if there were thresholds of recreational disturbance for birds. Such biological information would help refuge managers decide what quantity and type of river recreation was compatible with their primary goal of protecting birds and their habitats.
