This annual narrative report for Matagorda NWR outlines Refuge accomplishments during the 2000 calendar year. The report begins with a summary of the year's highlights and weather conditions. Land acquisition is covered. The report includes a planning section which discusses compliance with environmental and cultural resource mandates and research and investigations. Refuge administration is outlined; information about personnel, youth programs, volunteer programs, funding, safety, and technical assistance is given. Habitat management is also covered; subjects include wetlands, grasslands, and fire management. The wildlife section of the report discusses wildlife diversity, endangered and threatened species, waterfowl, marsh birds and waterbirds, shorebirds, raptors, game mammals, marine mammals, fisheries resources, wildlife propagation, animal control, and marking and bird banding. The public uses of the Refuge described in this report include outdoor classrooms, interpretive programs, hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation. The equipment and facilities section of the report provides information about new construction, rehabilitation, major maintenance, equipment replacement, communication systems, and energy conservation. Economic uses of the Refuge are provided at the end.
