USFWS Bah Lakes / Fedje WPA

The project sites are a large area that has been invaded long ago with invasive tree growth. The removal of invasive trees from prairie grassland/wetland habitats restores the native look to the landscape. The targeted sites originally were devoid of trees in its native pristine condition. 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 smooth bromegrass, Kentucky bluegrass and woody species such as the Russian olive and Siberian elm and are in need of intensive management. Restoration of these habitats will benefit several species of concern.