By Bruce Ross, Executive Director bruceross@wi.rr.com
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s April, 2021 Newsletter edition.
Two years ago, WWA agreed to partner with the DNR at Mead Wildlife Area by providing some financial support for a project they were contemplating on the Little Birch Flowage in the Mead Wildlife area in central Wisconsin. In 2020, WWA’s partnership with the DNR, along with several others, helped secure a $100,000 NAWCA grant (North American Wetlands Conservation Act) that is funded through Federal Duck Stamp monies. And now, work is already underway: site preparation, detailed surveys, and permitting has been accomplished and this year the restoration work should move forward smartly.
George W. Mead Wildlife Area’s Little Birch Flowage, outlined in yellow.
The long-term goal of this project is to restore water level management capabilities within a 374-acre flowage located on the Mead. Restoring water level management capabilities will maximize the diversity and productivity of this wetland habitat. We expect this project will result in important birding, nesting, and brood rearing habitat for local waterfowl and ideal resting and foraging habitat for migrating waterfowl, waterbird, and shorebird species. The project should come to completion during late spring 2022.