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Partners for Fish and Wildlife
2008 Federal Duck Stamp Contest Contact Address: 14000 West State Route 2
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Habitat 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 availiable in a given season. By rotating waterlevel patterns in a given year a variety of wildlife can be accomodated.
Exotic Invasive Plant Species Management
Staff and volunteers at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge work hard battling against exotic invasive plants. The following are control methods:
- mechanical (mowing, pulling, etc),
- chemical
- biological (galuracella beetles are released that feed on the exotic invasive plant, purple loosestrife)
- natural (fire, water, etc)
Exotic invasive plant species often have advantages over native plant communities allowing non-native plants to eliminate native plant communities. This results in loss of habitat that affects wildlife, endangered species, sport fishing, and other recreational activities and economics.
Contact the refuge office to learn more about Ottawa's invasive exotic pests or volunteer to help.
Prescribed FireOttawa National Wildlife Refuge conducts controlled burns to rejuvenate native prairies and marshes. Fire discourages shrubs and trees from establishing and helps warm season grasses to germinate. Fire is used in marshes to help manage a balance between open water and wetland plants. In addition, the controlled burns eliminate fuels from building up that would 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.
