Native Prairie Tree Removal Phase 1

Removal of invasive trees from prairie grassland/wetland habitats. The project targets Basal Bark treatment of invasive trees on approximately 130 acres of remnant native prairie. Another 300 acres of adjacent tame warm season plantings will also be targeted. Nicholson WPA is ranked as the 5th highest quality property in Fergus Falls Wetland Management District, with Reger WPA ranking 7th and Bah lakes 8th. The USFWS Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA) targeted in the grant project have been invaded by invasive trees limiting the ecological benefits originally preserved, which is part of a much larger eco-system. The prairie upland habitats in the restoration projects are devoid of trees in their native pristine condition. The purpose of the project is to restore protected public prairie habitats through the removal of invasive trees that have taken over the prairie. Grasslands that breed migratory birds are the targeted beneficiaries of the restoration project.The program, however, positively impacts all native prairie life utilizing the Prairie Pothole Region Prairie. This area has experienced extensive wetland drainage and conversion of native grasslands to cropland. The remnant parcels of native prairie and other tame grasslands in this area on public and private land have been invaded by invasive grasses and woody species such as Russian olive, Green Ash, Cottonwood and Siberian elm and are in need of intensive management. Restoration of these habitats will benefit several species of concern. Species that could benefit from this project include: Waterfowl, American Bittern, Pygmy Shrew, Canadian toad, Northern Pintail, Arctic Shrew, Northern Prairie Skink, Northern Harrier, Plains pocket mouse, Smooth Green Snake, Richardsons ground squirrel, Western Hognose Snake, Greater Prairie-chicken, Willet, Upland Sandpiper, Marbled Godwit, Wilsons Phalarope, Short-eared Owl, Sedge Wren, Grasshopper Sparrow, Le Contes Sparrow, Nelsons Sharp-tailed Sparrow, Dickcissel, Bobolink as well as a myriad of water birds and other grassland nesting birds. Protected public prairie habitat should accurately represent the look of the habitat being protected. The habitat restoration program brings an elevated alertness to the prairies actual condition and has a very visually climactic before and after look. The change is almost immediate as species once forced away return to the restored treeless prairie.