Management

To help wildlife, refuge staff use a variety of habitat management techniques to maintain, recover, or enhance wildlife values in the shrub-steppe, as well as in other habitats. Refuge staff carefully consider any management techniques and employs them in varying degrees according to the situation. Controlled burning, mowing, experimental bio-control insect releases, and seeding are all techniques used to help native plants in the shrub-steppe recover. Willow and cottonwood saplings are planted to expand and strengthen wildlife values in the riparian zones. Water levels are carefully monitored and controlled to foster desired plant growth in seasonal wetlands. Sometimes, sensitive areas are closed to the public so that the land can recover more quickly.