|
2008 Federal Duck Stamp Contest Phone: 660-442-3187 |
Habitat Management
 |
 |
|
|
Drake and hen wood ducks resting on a managed wetland. Photo by Kenny Bahr. | |
Refuge staff at Squaw Creek manage habitat to benefit wildlife. Water levels in the refuge's wetlands are manipulated to provide optimal depths and vegetation for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds in the spring and fall and nesting marsh and water birds in the summer.
|
 |
|
|
Snow geese landing in a crop field to feed. Photo by Kenny Bahr. | |
|
 |
|
|
Fire fighter working on a controlled burn in the Loess Bluffs. Photo by Pete Sullivan. | |
The refuge's grasslands are managed using controlled burning, which deters woody vegetation and stimulates the growth of native species. Non-native vegetation, such as reed canarygrass and tall fescue, are removed through haying and chemical treatment and replaced with native grasses and wildflowers.
|
 |
|
|
Crew getting ready to plant trees in former cropland on an easment. Photo by Corey Kudrna. | |
The Squaw Creek Wildlife Management District is managed by the refuge and contains 1,570 acres of conservation easements and 910 acres of Service-owned lands in 11 counties of Northwest Missouri. The majority of these lands protect important streamside habitat. The Service protects the stream-side habitat through fencing; tree planting; and seeding former croplands to native grasses and wildflowers.
