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Contact Address: 14000 West State Route 2
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Habitat Management
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Water Level Management
Many of Ottawa's wetlands are surounded by a system of dikes to create what is called impoundments. Water levels can be raised or lowered in the impoundments through a system of ditches, pumps, and valves. The Refuge manages its impoundments so that a variety of water levels are available in a given season. By rotating waterlevel patterns in a given year a variety of wildlife can be accomodated. |
| Invasive Plant Control
Staff and volunteers at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge work hard battling against exotic invasive plants. If left uncontrolled, exotic invasive plants eliminate native plant communities. This results in loss of habitat that affects wildlife, endangered species, economics, sport fishing, and other recreational activities. The refuge uses the following methods for invasive plant control:
Contact the refuge office to learn more about Ottawa's invasive exotic pests or volunteer to help. |
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Prescribed Fire
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge conducts controlled burns to maintain native prairies and marshes. Fire discourages shrubs and trees from invading and helps warm season grasses to grow. Fire is used in marshes to help manage a balance between open water and wetland plants. In addition, controlled burns eliminate years of built up dead plants that could otherwise increase risks for wildfires. Detailed burn plans are written and reviewed by officials for each burn conducted on refuge property. Every measure is taken to ensure the safety of fire fighters and private property. |
