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Spike elk farm wetland restoration project completed

Submitted
13393318_web1_wetland-restoration

Submitted

A wildlife habitat improvement project involving the restoration of wetlands and upgrading of farmland was completed on a spike elk farm near Golden.

Sandhill cranes, great blue heron, and more than 80 waterfowl have already visited the site. Additionally, the project is expected to provide habitat for a variety of ducks, Canada geese, Columbia spotted frogs, and other native amphibians.

Seven shallow water wetlands totaling 2.47 hectares were built by the project. The wetlands were restored from areas that were drained by the digging of ditches and construction of dams in the 1970s. The wetlands were restored on land that was too wet to cut for hay.

The design of each wetland involved digging test holes with augers to measure soil texture and soil moisture, using a laser level to determine slope, and mapping using a GPS.

The wetlands were built so they would not require maintenance, and would naturally fill with water from rainfall and melting snow.

The soil removed from building the wetlands was used to improve 1.37 hectares of land so it could be managed for hay.

A diversity of plants was seeded in and around the restored wetlands to improve habitat for waterfowl, elk, deer, and pollinators including butterflies and bees. The plants growing in the restored wetlands will likely contain high amounts of sodium, a mineral critical for ungulate health.

Mosquito populations in the area will be reduced by animals living in and near the restored wetlands, including salamanders, toads, dragonflies, damselflies, aquatic beetles, bats, and swallows.

The wetlands will greatly increase wildlife viewing opportunities for people traveling the Trans-Canada Highway near the marsh in Moberly. Finally, the wetlands will add beauty to the landscape. They will contain flowering plants that will help songbirds and pollinators.

The wildlife habitat improvement project was designed by a team of wildlife biologists.

To learn more about restoring wetlands on land you own or manage,or for more information, please contact Tom Biebighauser 606-356-4569 or tombiebighauser@gmail.com.