Ocean Lake Burn Reduced Cattails to Increase Open Water for Waterfowl
At the end of February, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S Forest Service) performed a prescribed burn on Ponds 1, 2 and 4 at Ocean Lake Wildlife Habitat Management Area (WHMA).
The purpose of the burn was to increase habitat quality for waterfowl and hunting opportunities for sportsmen. Ocean Lake WHMA is managed primarily for waterfowl production. Prescribed fire is part of a cattail management program that aims to increase wetland productivity and health. These burns improve waterfowl habitat by removing old vegetation, increasing plant diversity and providing nutrient rich forage for waterfowl and shorebirds.
Pond vegetation at Ocean Lake WHMA is composed almost entirely of cattails. Cattail encroachment has reduced open water available for waterfowl nesting and foraging. Following burning, cattail densities have been reduced resulting in increased open water, vegetative diversity and forage availability.
More pictures below:
The purpose of the burn was to increase habitat quality for waterfowl and hunting opportunities for sportsmen. Ocean Lake WHMA is managed primarily for waterfowl production. Prescribed fire is part of a cattail management program that aims to increase wetland productivity and health. These burns improve waterfowl habitat by removing old vegetation, increasing plant diversity and providing nutrient rich forage for waterfowl and shorebirds.
Pond vegetation at Ocean Lake WHMA is composed almost entirely of cattails. Cattail encroachment has reduced open water available for waterfowl nesting and foraging. Following burning, cattail densities have been reduced resulting in increased open water, vegetative diversity and forage availability.
More pictures below:
3073322688