Wetland Restoration on Art Hawkins WPA

Wetlands provide many benefits to society some of which include: habitat for wildlife (waterfowl, birds, mammals, amphibians, and insects), improved water quality, ground water recharge, erosion control, flood protection, and recreation. Although wetlands have always provided many benefits, they have often been perceived as wastelands. As a result, the prairie pothole landscape has been drastically altered. Less than half of the 220 million wetland acres that once existed remain in the contiguous United States; Minnesota has lost about 52 percent of its wetlands. Even with outreach and education efforts, wetland drainage is continuing to occur at an alarming rate. Today, increasing crop prices, natural soil fertility of wetlands, and urban development have encouraged tiling, draining, ditching, and conversion of remaining wetlands into cropland. The continued loss of wetlands will not only affect wildlife, it will also impact water quality and outdoor recreation opportunities. The 370 acre Art Hawkins Waterfowl Production Area (WPA), located in Grant County, was purchased by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in 2010. Prior to its purchase, portions of the property were cropped and contained drained, ditched, or tiled wetlands. Upon USFWS ownership, the uplands were restored using a native forb and grass seed mix. Five wetland basins were restored, totaling approximately 13 acres, during the fall of 2013. Aside from the already completed wetland restorations, there are 3 additional basins in need of restoration; totaling approximately 4 acres. Tile checks are also needed in the southwest corner of the WPA to ensure there is no sub-surface drainage on the property. The Fergus Falls Fish and Game Club (FFF&GC) would like to partner with the USFWS to complete the wetland restorations on this property. Wetland restoration re-establishes hydrology to the area and provides an opportunity for the aquatic vegetative community to flourish. Art Hawkins WPA is a USFWS property, protected in perpetuity and will be open to public hunting and outdoor recreation.