DNR improving waterfowl habitat at Maple River State Game Area, thanks to hunter dollars
Contact: Holly Vaughn, 248-359-9063 or Don Avers, 517-641-4903, ext. 237 Agency: Natural ResourcesSept. 13, 2013
Visits to the Wetland Unit portion of the Maple River State Game Area in Gratiot County may be a bit noisier than usual this fall. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports that major construction projects are under way to improve wetland habitat and waterfowl hunting opportunities.
Construction of a new pumping station that will allow for more effective water control in units D and C began in mid-July. When this project is complete, work will then move to the demolition and replacement of an old pumping station in Unit B. Ducks Unlimited, which has partnered with the DNR on this project, is handling the engineering of the pump stations and will oversee construction.
In order to complete this construction, water drawdown has occurred in Unit B as well as a partial drawdown of Unit C. These drawdowns are temporary, and both units will be re-flooded as soon as construction allows. Waterfowl hunting will be possible in those areas when they are re-flooded.
Due to the construction projects and water drawdowns, it is anticipated that there will be no waterfowl hunting opportunities in Unit B in 2013. Flooding units X and Y will be delayed until the Unit C/D pump station is operational. Flooding the wildlife refuge units C and D will also be delayed by the pump station construction. Units A and F are not affected by the construction projects, and hunters should find conditions in those units similar to last hunting season. Waterfowl hunters are encouraged to scout the Maple River wetlands ahead of time and plan accordingly for the 2013 hunting season.
"These construction projects will result in short-term loss of hunting opportunity, especially in Unit B," said Don Avers, Wildlife Division project manager. "But long term, these pump stations will make water-level management of the Maple River wetland units far more efficient, and waterfowl hunters will benefit greatly with these new capabilities."
The Unit A/B pumping station is being funded through a North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant ($55,482), DNR Wildlife Division ($98,768), and Ducks Unlimited ($11,832) for a total project cost of $166,082.
The Unit C/D pumping station is being funded through a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) -- Joint Venture grant awarded to Ducks Unlimited from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ($197,599), DNR Wildlife Division grant match ($34,206), and Ducks Unlimited ($18,764) for a total project cost of $250,569.
Also during the summer of 2013, the Wildlife Division completed work to improve water-control in units X and Y, completed dike repairs in Unit F and repaired the Unit D spillway damaged in this spring's flood.
This is the fourth year of a five-year plan to revitalize the Maple River State Game Area wetland units, increasing wetland and wetland wildlife productivity.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
