McLeod County WMA Grassland

This project addresses the limiting factor for pheasants and other game and non-game grassland species; quality nesting and brood rearing cover. In the pheasant range of Minnesota, quality grassland habitat is the limiting factor for higher pheasant populations. The Long Range Pheasant Plan states " pheasant densities increase as the proportion of undisturbed grass in the landscape increases, up to a maximum of about 50% grass". In addition to creating and enhancing grassland habitat, this proposal also addresses a perception that Minnesotans need to manage the public land we have more effectively. It is well documented that wildlife responds better to well managed habitat. Scattered tree removal will significantly enhance the grassland complex on Deutsch East, Crow Wing II, Rich Valley Tract 1, Pebbles, and Kohl's Slough and maximize production of pheasant, waterfowl and other wildlife. These WMA's currently suffer from volunteer invasive woody cover invasion. Grasslands like these over time degrade naturally and periodic management is needed to keep them functioning properly. Each site contains scattered trees within or adjacent to the restored grasslands.