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2008 Federal Duck Stamp Contest Phone: 618-997-3344 |
About Us: Management
Wildlife and Fish Habitat
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Refuge biologists use various techniques to maintain and enhance wildlife habitat. They manipulate water levels in moist soil management units and seed tall grass prairie species to reestablish native grasslands. Silvicultural treatments such as thinning, regeneration cutting, and improvement cutting are used in forest habitats to alter species composition and increase growing space. Trees are also planted to reduce forest fragmentation. Biologists use prescribed fire in pine and hardwood forests and grasslands. |
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Biologists monitor wildlife populations and, in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources staff, monitor fish populations in the lakes and ponds, stock game and prey fish, and enhance fishing opportunities by placing discarded Christmas trees to increase underwater structure. Trapping nuisance beavers in the closed area is authorized by special use permit. Biologists monitor and apply treatments for control of invasive plants and animals. |
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Recreation
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The Refuge receives an estimated 1.1 million recreational visits annually. To accommodate the wide variety of recreational uses, the Refuge operates a visitor information center, environmental education sites, hiking trails, three campgrounds, five marinas, boat launch ramps, picnic areas, swimming beaches, auto tour route, and observation decks. The Refuge offers many opportunities for fishing, hunting, environmental education, interpretation, and wildlife observation and photography. In |
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addition, the Refuge permits camps under cooperative agreements to Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts of America, United Methodist Church and Southeastern Illinois Presbytery. Law enforcement officers provide safety and security for visitors and Refuge resources. |
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