WMD Prairie Enhancement

This project is focused on controlling both woody and vegetative invasive species in tracts that are located in the best prairie areas of our District. A number of the sites have native prairie that is being encroached by invasives, other sites are restored prairie. These sites have been evaluated based on multiple models and are located in areas of western MN that can provide the best habitat for ground nesting game birds like waterfowl, pheasants and prairie chickens. These sites are nearly all in Agassiz Beachridge Prairie Plan Core area, so they have been identified to provide habitat for prairie specialists of all kinds, especially grassland nesting birds. Some of these sites have had previous tree and weed control completed on them, but the need to continue this enhancement work now could likely prevent these sites from diverting back to their previous state. We have also included a couple of high quality sites that have native and restored prairie that need tree work to make them more appealing for game birds and grassland obligates.