Fergus Falls WMD |
Habitat Management
Land management in the district focuses on diverse habitats. Waterfowl depend upon wetlands for feeding, resting, and brood rearing. Equally important, however, are areas of adjacent grassland vegetation. Upland grasses are the preferred nesting habitat for waterfowl and other ground nesting birds, like pheasants and songbirds.
The variety of habitats within the Fergus Falls District promotes a diversity and abundance of wildlife species that change with the seasons. The western portion of the District is part of the Northern Tallgrass Prairie Biome. As you move north and east through the district you cross though through oak savannah habitats and into the Northern Hardwood Forest. At the very northeastern edge of the district you enter the Northern Coniferous Forest. In just over 150 miles, you traverse through all three of the major ecoregions in Minnesota.
Over 293 species of birds have been observed, and about 170 species nest within the District. Remnant native grasslands in the western part of the District are good places to experience the tallgrass prairie community with its diverse assortment of plants and insects. These are also good places to observe greater prairie chickens, marbled godwits, and short-eared owls.
Approximately 45 pairs of bald eagles and nearly a dozen ospreys nest in the District. This avian diversity is complemented by at least 40 species of mammals and 25 species of reptiles and amphibians.
Land management on the District's nearly 45,000 acres focuses on the restoration, enhancement, and maintenance of wetlands and associated grasslands for the benefit of waterfowl and other migratory birds. Tools and techniques used include manipulation of water levels, seeding of upland nesting habitat, prescribed fire, waterfowl nesting structures, tree and brush removal, mowing, and haying.
Management Tools
