Although the initial construction phase is complete, there is more work to be done at each of these sites. Both of these projects have up to five years of active maintenance that will be needed in order to hit performance standards that will ensure the sites are functional hydrologically and are supporting quality native wetland vegetation. Costs for these types of projects are on the higher end, but this includes five years of management and monitoring to assure a quality wetland is the result. I see the benefit in being that these are sites that will become quality habitat not degraded by the invasion of invasive species due to the long term maintenance and the funds allocated to that. Both of these sites are located near urban areas and are open to recreational use for the public (varies by site).
By Peter Ziegler, Project Director – habitat@wisducks.org
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s May, 2024 Newsletter edition.
