OSCEOLA-LAKE CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Wetland & Grassland Restorations
Private Lands Wildlife Biologist - Gib King
(Gib has recently taken over the position
formerly held by
FISCAL YEAR 2002 ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT
A message from Gib
On
I will provide another report near the end of the calendar year, after all construction has ended.
In fiscal year 2002, we completed 34 wetland restoration projects totaling
162.5 acres (Table 1) at a total construction cost of approximately $53,000.
Work on projects is ongoing, and by the end of this construction season, in
late October, I expect to complete a number of additional wetland projects.
Other projects have been identified and will be evaluated for construction next
year. The most productive counties for restoration projects were
In the coming fiscal year, my goal is to work with you to identify and
complete more projects. I think there is the potential in all eight counties to
achieve restoration numbers like we have in
I am very pleased to be in this position and thank each of you for your
support. Together, we can make 2003 our most productive year for this
partnership! I look forward to working more closely with you in the future.
Please free feel to call me (office
Restoring Wildlife Habitat: Wetland
and Private Lands
The landscape of Michigan has been drastically altered since the
early pioneers settled. Before settlers arrived, one third of
How can you help to remedy the loss of wetlands? With much of our wildlands being parceled off for homes, management of private lands through landowner involvement is crucial to improving and maintaining quality wildlife habitat. Restoring natural areas, such as wetlands, on your property is a good way to get involved. If you have a drained or degraded wetland, you may be able to provide better, quality habitat by restoring it. A wetland restoration will not only benefit wildlife and the environment, but will also directly benefit you by providing wildlife viewing, hunting, educational, and even economic opportunities.
How do you know if you have a drained or degraded wetland? The presence of a wetland is generally determined by three factors: hydrology (presence of water: at least 2 weeks), hydric plants (water-loving: cattails, sedges, rushed), and hydric soils (generally heavier: clay loam, muck). Drained wetlands have an altered hydrology, as the natural water level is lowered by the presence of ditches or field tiles. Drained wetlands will often be very wet in the spring, but will tend to dry out very quickly. This altered water level in turn alters the plants that are able to grow in the area, and in most cases decreases its value to wildlife. Many times, the result is a semi-wet area in spring that houses mostly aggressive plants such as reed canary grass. Looking at the land characteristics of your property will help to determine if your wetland is degraded. If your property has any of the following: drainage ditches, field tiles, grassy waterways, or natural run-off areas, then a wetland restoration or enhancement may be possible.
How is a wetland restoration accomplished? Restoring a wetland basically involves putting the "wet" back into the wetland. Plugging existing ditches and waterways, or breaking field tiles can accomplish this. Earthen dam-like structures are often incorporated to help impound water back into the natural wetland area. The result of these actions is typically a shallow (less than 6' deep) water area that is closer to the unaltered wetland. Wetland plant seeds that were dormant in the soil due to poor growing conditions (lack of water) are then able to grow, creating better quality wildlife habitat. Results of a wetland restoration are often almost immediate as many wildlife species are quickly drawn to the site, and are one of the most rewarding wildlife management projects a landowner can accomplish.
What technical services are offered to help with wetland restorations? Currently, the West Michigan Wildlife Habitat Working Group (which consists of several local organizations such as the Osceola-Lake Conservation District) along with the US Fish & Wildlife Service, support a wildlife program that provides assistance to private landowners interested in wetland and associated grassland restoration projects on their properties. They have hired a Wildlife Biologist specializing in restorations to assist you by: visiting your property and determining the feasibility of a restoration; surveying and designing your restoration project; securing cost-share options for project completion; applying for any necessary permits, and overseeing project completion (including hiring a contractor). This program is overseen by Timberland Resource Conservation & Development Area Council which assists local communities, agencies, and organizations in working together to complete natural resource projects and programs.
What cost-share options are available for wetland restoration projects?
Currently, you can receive cost-share assistance from the Partners for Fish
& Wildlife Program through the US Fish & Wildlife Service to complete
wetland restoration projects. This program is run in
For more information on wetland restorations, or to have a biologist visit
your property, please contact the Osceola-Lake Conservation District or Gib
King at
Check out the following websites for more information:
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Division of Federal Program Activities
Resource Conservation
& Development
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