DNR Q/A Duck rehab

[JohnWester]

Q:The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently unveiled, and is accepting comments on, its draft plan for recovering duck populations in Minnesota, thereby improving duck hunting. What are the most important factors that will drive success and restore ducks?

A:The plan identifies challenges and suggests strategies that the DNR feels will move Minnesota in the right direction; however, any effort must be viewed as another step in what will be a long journey. High-quality habitat is essential to the success of any plan, but the most important factors differ by area of the state. For example, ducks, and hunters, in the prairie landscape will benefit most by the restoration and protection of wetland and grassland habitat complexes, including shallow lakes. In the forested areas, management of wild rice lakes, shoreland protection, and trees large enough to support cavity-nesting ducks are important. The entire draft plan is available at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/mgmtplans/mnduck/index.html. Public comments will be accepted until March 1, and can be e-mailed to waterfowl@dnr.state.mn.us