Habitat Management

Refuge topography consists of rolling forested hills interspersed with lakes, rivers, marshes, bogs and shrub swamps. The token of the refuge is the tamarack tree. This unusual tree is a deciduous conifer, turning a brilliant gold before losing its needles each fall.

Tamarac lies in the heart of one of the most diverse vegetative transition zones in North America, where northern hardwood forests, coniferous forests and the tall grass prairie converge. This diversity of habitat brings with it a wealth of wildlife, both woodland and prairie species.

Tamarac Refuge is in a "near pristine" state and encompasses three river systems which provide significant wild rice production. Some water management is possible and is aimed at sustaining healthy stands of wild rice for migrating waterfowl and brood cover. Banding of mallards and wood ducks is done annually.

The forests and waters of the refuge are home to a healthy bald eagle population. Nesting populations of trumpeter swans are now present following a reintroduction program that began in 1987. Biologists survey the nesting success of these and other species annually.

Tamarac Refuge strives to maintain the diverse forests. Prescribed burning, plantings and occasional timber harvests are designed to enhance habitat for neotropical migrants, ruffed grouse, wild turkey and more. Breeding bird surveys are conducted to monitor regional populations of songbirds.

Invasive species monitoring and control is a growing activity as the threat to the native vegetation increases.