DNR Announces Drawdown For Grand River Marsh Wildlife Area

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced it will be conducting a full drawdown at Grand River Marsh Wildlife Area in Marquette and Green Lake counties. The drawdown will begin this spring, and water levels will be lowered slowly until full drawdown is achieved in early summer.

The drop in water levels is necessary to conduct cattail mowing within the marsh. By drawing down the water, DNR staff can access and mow select areas.

Drawdowns also mimic a natural part of the wetland cycle. Exposing underwater areas to sunlight allows many seed-producing plants to grow, providing an abundant food source for waterfowl, shorebirds and other wildlife.

“Since the reconstruction of the dam, the marsh has had an ever-increasing presence of cattails in areas that used to be open water,” says Grant Gagliardi, DNR wildlife biologist. “The drawdown will provide access for DNR equipment to mow select areas, creating an environment that promotes vegetation diversification and improves waterfowl habitat, hunting opportunity and user access. Cattail management can be extremely difficult due to its aggressive nature, but ongoing management techniques, like this drawdown and mowing, will improve the surrounding habitat and user experience on the marsh.”

Once the marsh is drawn down, mowing will occur during the summer months, prior to waterfowl season. Water levels will slowly be raised after mowing is complete to provide open water, cover and food for waterfowl and other wildlife during fall migration.