Printed in The Othello Outlook on December 9, 2004

Written by Kathy Young

"Migratory Waterfowl Management"

Every winter the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge harbors numerous waterfowl species. Some such as the tundra swan and Canada goose use the refuge as part of their migration route, over-wintering here before returning north. To others such as the mallard and gadwall, the Refuge is home year-round. The presence and abundance of waterfowl in the area is no accident, they are encouraged by the active management practices of the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge.

Established in 1944, the Refuge presented a great opportunity to manage the more than 40 new water bodies, recently created by the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project, for migratory waterfowl. Not only was this new habitat ideal for waterfowl, the Refuge was also in a functional global location for migratory birds, situated along the Pacific Flyway.

The Columbia National Wildlife Refuge’s primary mission is still management for migratory birds. Refuge staff and partners actualize this mission in many ways including farming, controlling water levels and providing a sanctuary for the waterfowl. These practices are outlined in the most recent Refuge Management Plan and all support the Refuge’s waterfowl goals.

Some sections of the Refuge, specifically the Corfu area, are actively managed as cropland. In cooperation with the Refuge, local farmers plant corn or alfalfa and are allowed to harvest a percentage of the crop for themselves. The remaining percentage belongs to the Refuge and is left in the field, available as an important food source for waterfowl and other birds.

Three marsh units have been constructed; designed to allow for control of the water level in these important refuge habitats. For instance, though dry by summers end, the marsh units are flooded in the fall. This practice, called Moist Soil Management, encourages the growth of naturally occurring seed bearing plants. The rising water levels in fall cause the dropped seeds of marsh plants to float, making them available to arriving winter waterfowl. The marsh units are currently flooded and will remain this way through the winter months.

In addition to the farming and flooding that provides food, migratory waterfowl need a safe haven. Three of the four management units as well as other areas of the Refuge are closed to public access during the winter months to provide a sanctuary for the birds. These active management practices provide necessities for waterfowl, helping the Refuge achieve its goals.

All of these management activities are focused on a variety of waterfowl species and other birds. For example, the Refuge provides a wintering habitat for up to 100,000 ducks and geese. The two species most abundant during the winter months include the Canada goose and mallard. One of the best places to see large populations of waterfowl is from the Royal Lake parking area on the north side of Marsh Unit four. They will be abundant until spring when many of them will migrate back north for breeding.

Other waterfowl that are common in the winter include the tundra swan, green-winged teal and American wigeon. Although waterfowl management is a primary Refuge focus, other birds commonly found this time of year include the American kestrel, ring-necked pheasant and American coot. With continued management practices that provide food and sanctuary, waterfowl as well as other birds will keep on living and over-wintering at the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge.

For more information on waterfowl and for a map of the Refuge contact the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge office. Please direct any questions or comments about the column to Kathy Young at the office 488-2668.