Goal: Long-term; to increase habitat for numerous wildlife species, while improving waterfowl and pheasant hunting opportunities for mid-Michigan hunters.

A photo of the Maple River State Game Area at the beginning of the project (click for a larger image in a new browser window).

Watch the change!

Click on the links below to see photos of the DNRE Wildlife Division's progress on the habitat improvement project:

• Drawing down the water in the game area
• Working the ground and planting corn in Unit D

Maple River State Game Area Wetland Wildlife Management Units map

• The DNRE Wildlife Division is committed to improving habitat at the Maple River State Game Area to benefit a variety of wildlife species.



• The Wildlife Division asks partners to understand that over the next two to three years, waterfowl hunting opportunities at Maple River may be limited, while habitat and waterfowl management plans are initiated; however, the long-term goal is to increase waterfowl abundance and improve hunting opportunities.



• Work has begun on Unit A, which is west of US-127, with a drawdown that will take one to two years. This will improve wetland productivity and allow our staff to make major and necessary dike repairs. As a result, the water level will be extremely low, with some areas reduced to mud flats or even dry ground. Waterfowl use and hunting opportunity is almost certain to decline. However, this wetland will be revitalized and more productive afterwards.



• Over the next two to three years, waterfowl hunting opportunities may be limited as the plan progresses.



• Units C and D, toward the eastern edge of the area, will be converted to a waterfowl refuge and will be off-limits to visitors from Sept. 1 to Dec 1. Ideally, the refuge will offer an undisturbed area for migrating waterfowl, designed to hold more birds in the area during hunting season.



• Once the water from the Maple River recedes, our staff will evaluate Unit D and develop plans to improve drainage so we can improve our agricultural program.



• Upland grasslands management has already begun. Wildlife Division staffers mowed multiple fields in February and March to set back encroaching shrubs and improve nesting cover. Wildlife Division personnel are evaluating opportunities to create better drainage and improve the agriculture program as well.



• Other improvements to the Game Area will include upgrading the wetland hunting/photography blind on the north side of Unit B this summer, adding new signs along highway 127 and in several parking lots, improving the Unit B parking lot, and improving the boat access ramps.