2008 Federal Duck Stamp Contest Phone: 573-222-3589 |
Sixteen moist soil units totaling 704 acres are managed to produce food for migrating waterfowl, rails, and shorebirds. Moist soil units are former farm fields developed to impound water through construction of dikes and water control structures. Moist soil management entails manipulating water levels to encourage growth of plants occurring naturally in the seed bank. The plants produce seeds that are high energy food for migrating waterfowl.
Flooding of the moist soil units begins in October or November and proceeds in stages. Initially, one-third of each unit is flooded. Once waterfowl deplete the food supply an additional one-third is flooded, and finally the units are entirely flooded. Progressive flooding concentrates feeding waterfowl more fully utilizing moist soil foods. February through April waterfowl feed on invertebrates found in the units.
Draining begins in March and by April exposed mud flats attract migrating shorebirds which also feed on the available invertebrates. From March through July 31st , 80-90 acres of moist soil habitat may be held at a stable water level 1 to 6 inches deep to provide nesting habitat for King Rails. In addition, from April through August, 10-20 acres of moist soil habitat may be held at a stable water level 1 inch or less to encourage dense, low cover for nesting habitat for Black Rails. The remaining moist soil units remain dry throughout the growing season to produce food for the following year.
Moist soil units are maintained to limit tree encroachment and other undesirable plant growth. These areas are managed by periodic farming, mowing, disking, and water level manipulation.
