Conservation organizations should put your financial support to work on habitat. If you are a member of a non-profit, like the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), then you expect your membership fees and additional donations to go towards the mission of the organization. In this case, habitat for wild turkeys. Down in Southwest Missouri, NWTF in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), just showed us how it’s done.
Grasslands are an imperiled habitat critical for turkey population success. Only fragments remain of the Midwest’s once ocean of native grasses and wildflowers. Grasslands are essential to the life cycle of many ground nesting birds, like the wild turkey. This crucial habitat is where turkeys nest and raise their poults.
Grasslands conservation has far reaching benefits. Not only for the wildlife calling the impacted acres home, but for all of us who appreciate clean air and water. Quality habitat supports healthy wildlife populations, which enhances hunting, hiking, bird watching and more. Native plant species contribute to a healthier ecosystem for wildlife and the world around us.
Fort Crowder Conservation Area is located near Neosho in southern Newton County. The property was part of Camp Crowder Army Base, used during World War II. Today, the Conservation Area covers 2,362 acres of mostly forested land with a couple of hundred acres of established native warm-season grasses, 100 acres of crop fields, and 600 acres of fields maintained in an early successional stage. A nice sized chunk of those 600 acres of fields just received an upgrade.
A special effort, called the Fort Crowder Conservation Area Grassland Restoration Project, is now complete. Conservation success has been delivered on 137 acres through the restoration of native warm-season grasses.
“This is the kind of work that we need to see more of if we want to seriously address the turkey decline. Creating more turkey factories like the one just completed at Fort Crowder Conservation Area is the proper response. Restoring quality nesting and brood rearing habitat is how you effectively make more turkeys. Without routine management, the “turkey factories” quickly transition into less productive areas becoming brushier and/or overwhelmed by invasive species, drastically reducing their value for wildlife and recreation.,” said John Burk, NWTF district biologist for Iowa, Illinois and Missouri.
To begin the natives restoration, the invasive trees, vines and woody encroachment had to be destroyed. Species like Japanese honeysuckle, autumn olive and Bradford pear were removed. Some natives had to be beat back a bit, too. Shrubs such as sumac, plum and buckbrush, though natural to the area were suppressing grassland structure.
Using a bull-hog forestry mulcher, MDC crews mowed down the undesirables and overgrown natives, to create space for native warm-season grasses and forbs to re-establish. Improving the grasslands habitat for wild turkeys, bobwhite quail, pollinators and many more native species. After aggressive herbicide was applied to control regrowth of invasives and woody sprouts.
With all the invasives floating around today, grasslands do require work to maintain their integrity. Moving forward, the grasslands will be maintained naturally with frequent applications of prescribed fire. The acres will be monitored for successful restoration of the desired native grasses and plants. Maintenance, such as overseeding, may be needed in the coming years to maintain and enhance these gains.
Habitat for wild turkeys is extremely important right now because we have been seeing a regional trend in population decline. There is more than one reason why. Lack of habitat is a huge issue. With every subdivision or strip mall development, we lose wildlife habitat. Pesticides kill bugs and bugs are food. Predators are also a problem. But the most critical aspect for healthy turkey population is healthy turkey habitat, and that means grasslands are a must.
Restoring native grasslands at Fort Crowder Conservation Area through the Grassland Restoration Project is a great example of a public/private partnership. ensures the area remains a crucial habitat for wildlife, a destination for outdoor recreation and a shining example of conservation in action. The Missouri NWTF State Chapter provided Super Fund dollars to assist with the cost of heavy machinery rental needed to do the work.
See you down the trail…
Brandon Butler
Pic: Native grass restoration begins with clearing fields, like this area soon to be restored to native plants and grasses.
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