Cloverleaf Lake Waterfowl Improvement Project

The Cloverleaf Lake Impoundment is located in the northern portion of the Chippewa NF and was constructed in 1990. The Cloverleaf Impoundment original control structure and dike was paid for by Ducks Unlimited. The impoundment is located in the non-motorized portion of the Chippewa National Forest and is the most remote waterfowl impoundment in the area. This impoundment provides valuable nesting habitat for waterfowl and provides a unique opportunity for area duck hunters in the fall. In recent years, the control and drainage structure has experienced structual failures that will eventually lead to a total failure of the impoundment. This failure will lead to accelerated resource damage downstream and eliminate waterfowl nesting habitat in the Cloverleaf Lake impoundment. The USFS plans on incorporating a management plan to the Cloverleaf Lake impoundment soon after the improvements are completed. Management of this impoundment will consist of regular full and partial water level drawdowns of the impoundment to promote aguatic vegetation and habitat complexity. In addition, the USFS will work with the local MDNR office is possibly restoring wild rice and other native aquatic vegetation in and around the impoundment.