Waseca County WMA Enhancements

The Waseca County WMA enhancement proposal will enhance 159 acres of permanently protected upland cover on Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). Scattered tree removal will significantly enhance the grassland complex and maximize production of pheasant, waterfowl, and other wildlife. The negatives associated with tree encroachment in grasslands are well documented contributing to higher levels of depredation and avoidance by area-sensitive grassland birds. Prescribed fire will also be completed to remove the duff layer and promote native forb expression. These grasslands are now required to function at a higher level than when first developed. To do this we need to periodically enhance these WMAs above and beyond normal management. By enhancing these grasslands we will maximize past investments in habitat protection and create a robust structure of productive and more resilient habitat for waterfowl and other grassland dependent species.