Michigan Wetland Management District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Michigan Wetland Management District |
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IUCN Category Ib (Wilderness Area)
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 Michigan Wetland Management District
Location in the United States
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| Location | Portions of 14 counties of the southern Lower Peninsula of Michigan |
| Nearest city | East Lansing (management offices) |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Michigan Wetland Management District |
The Michigan Wetland Management District is a special area in Michigan. It helps protect important natural spaces. These spaces are mostly wetlands and grasslands. They are very important for many kinds of birds.
The district covers parts of 14 different counties in southern Lower Michigan. It includes several smaller, very important areas called waterfowl production areas.
Contents
Michigan's Wetland Wonders
The Michigan Wetland Management District is like a big nature preserve. It focuses on keeping wetlands and grasslands healthy. These habitats are crucial for waterfowl (like ducks and geese) and many songbirds. They provide safe places for birds to nest, find food, and raise their young.
What is a Wetland Management District?
A Wetland Management District is a group of protected lands. These lands are managed by the government. Their main goal is to conserve wetlands. Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year. They are often called "nature's sponges."
Special Places: Waterfowl Production Areas
Within the Michigan Wetland Management District, there are special spots called Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs). These are specific pieces of land set aside. They are managed to create the best possible homes for waterfowl. This helps these bird populations grow.
There are four main WPAs in Michigan:
- The Schlee WPA is about 160-acre (0.65 km2) big.
- The Mahan WPA is about 138-acre (0.56 km2) big.
Both the Schlee and Mahan WPAs are located in Jackson County.
- The Kinney WPA is about 77-acre (310,000 m2) big. It is found in Van Buren County.
- The Schoonover WPA is about 95-acre (380,000 m2) big. It is located in Lenawee County.
Why are Wetlands Important?
Wetlands are super important for many reasons. They act like natural filters, cleaning our water. They also help control floods by soaking up extra water. Most importantly, wetlands are home to a huge variety of plants and animals. Many birds, fish, insects, and mammals depend on wetlands to survive. Without healthy wetlands, these animals would lose their homes.
Who Manages These Areas?
Taking care of these natural areas is a big job. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is a government agency that protects wildlife. They work with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Division. Together, they make sure the wetlands and grasslands are well-managed. This partnership helps keep the habitats safe and healthy for all the animals that live there. The Schoonover WPA is managed by staff from the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge.
Animals You Might See
The Michigan Wetland Management District is a great place for wildlife watching. You might see many kinds of waterfowl, like different types of ducks and geese. These birds use the wetlands for nesting and raising their young. You can also spot many migratory songbirds. These birds stop in the grasslands and wetlands during their long journeys. Other animals like frogs, turtles, and various insects also call these protected areas home.
