DNR magazine offers key actions for improving duck habitat (2005-09-06)

Declining waterfowl numbers are tangible evidence of human impact on duck habitat - a mix of wetlands and grasslands, reports the Department of Natural Resources' September-October Minnesota Conservation Volunteer magazine.

The issue's cover story, "Wetland Complexity," shows how loss of quality wetlands in Minnesota has resulted in declining waterfowl numbers. It also outlines key actions needed for improving that habitat and recovering ducks, including steps citizens can take to save wetlands.

"The current problems in waterfowl and wetland management are not new; they are the result of some 150 years of environmental degradation," writes Ray Norrgard, wetland wildlife program consultant for the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife.

"What has changed is the intensity of land and water use. As the state's human population grows, the pressure people place on natural resources increases."

Norrgard describes these guiding principles as crucial to duck recovery efforts, including the DNR's revised duck recovery plan, due out in December:

- emphasize unfragmented wetland/grassland complexes, which attract more breeding ducks and produce more young than isolated wetlands,

- actively manage existing wildlife habitat, apply land-use regulations fairly and consistently,

- evaluate effectiveness of hunting regulations and apply them accordingly, protect shallow lakes and relatively large, deep wetlands, the mainstay of fall habitat for ducks,

- cultivate partnerships such as the Working Lands Initiative recently finalized by the DNR and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Readers will also find stories about the aerial surveys that have provided breeding waterfowl population estimates for the last 50 years, hunting etiquette on private lands, the varied forms and functions of fungi and highlights of Lac qui Parle State Park. The issue's Young Naturalists story focuses on animal vision.

Minnesota Conservation Volunteer is supported entirely by reader donations. Subscriptions are free to Minnesotans, $20 for out-of-state subscribers. To request a copy or subscribe, call (651) 296-6157 or toll free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367). To read the magazine or subscribe online, go to www.dnr.state.mn.us/magazine.

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