Conservation organizations donate funds for state wildlife area projects

DOVER (Dec. 15, 2010) – Two local chapters of private non-profit conservation organizations recently donated funds to the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife for wildlife management projects on four state-owned wildlife areas in Kent County. 

The Delmarva Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) has donated $1,390 to fund a wetland restoration project on 10 acres of forested wetland at Norman G. Wilder Wildlife Area near Viola. The original wetland was degraded by ditches for agricultural drainage. The project is expected to be completed this winter.

In addition to serving a water quality function, the restored wetland will provide valuable habitat for a variety of wildlife, including waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, aquatic invertebrates and many species of mammals. Additionally, the wetlands provide water at dry periods where previously little or none existed.

The RMEF also donated $1,750.50 to fund the purchase of herbicides that were used to control undesirable brush and invasive species on 50 acres of meadowlands (early successional stage) habitat at Norman G. Wilder Wildlife Area and Blackiston Wildlife Area near Kenton. The project was completed this fall.

The Delaware Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation has also donated $1,750.50 to fund purchase of herbicides for wildlife management on 50 acres of similar habitat at Woodland Beach Wildlife Area near Smyrna and Little Creek Wildlife Area near Dover. The application will take place in the fall of 2011. 

Meadowlands vegetation provides valuable brood and nesting habitat for wild turkeys and quail. Restoration of this habitat will also benefit cottontail rabbits, American woodcock, small mammals, many songbird species, butterflies, and many species of desirable insects.

All four wildlife areas are within the Delaware Estuary Watershed.

Vol. 40, No. 414