Ecological Factors Influencing Waterfowl Production on Three Impoundments in Central Wisconsin

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Date
1978-05Author
Nelson, Eric C.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources
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Show full item recordAbstract
Waterfowl productivity and breeding ecology were studied on three
publically-owned impoundments in southern Wood County, Wisconsin in 1975
and 1976. Production of near flight-aged young was less than one third
of that previously reported for Wisconsin's high production area (Horicon
Marsh) in the southeast section of the state. Low waterfowl production
is a.product of poor quality habitat on the study areas. Organic soils
are acidic, not well decomposed, and have low nutrient contents, except
for phosphorus which probably occurs in an unavailable form. Waters are
soft, slightly acidic, have low dissolved solid concentrations, and are
moderately fertile. Succession is advanced on all study areas and the
impoundments do not have sufficient interspersion of emergent vegetation
and open water. Surface and benthic aquatic invertebrate populations are
comparatively low throughout the breeding season and are probably
inadequate to meet the high protein requirements of more breeding hens
and developing ducklings. Potential upland nesting habitat is inadequate,
particularly for blue-winged teal (Anas discors), on all study areas.
Nest predator activity is not excessively high.
Duck production is higher on J-Flowage and WC-North, where a generally higher quality habitat prevails, than on WC-South. Water quality is better, plant succession is not as advanced, and invertebrate food
sources are greater on these areas than on WC-South. Emergent species
composition in WC-South is essentially a spikerush (Eleocharis palustris)
monotype; J-Flowage and WC-North contain suitable mixtures. Submergent
vegetation is sparse on WC-South; J-Flowage and WC-North have dense stands
of coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum) or water weed (Anacharis canadensis).
Differences in hydrologic characters of the wetlands account for
variation in quality. Habitat management practices are recommended.
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