The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has drained the main waterbody in the Collins Marsh Wildlife Area by opening gates on the dam at Mud Creek, according to the agency. The periodic drawdown is designed to improve wildlife habitat.
Although the drawdown is temporary, it will affect fall hunting opportunities this year. The DNR said the drawdown will ultimately help produce quality hunting conditions in future years.
Periodic dry spells benefit wetlands by allowing the "seed bank" in the marsh bottom to be exposed to sunlight and germinate. Native aquatic vegetation will grow as a food source for water birds, waterfowl, and shore birds, the agency said.
The Collins Marsh Wildlife Area covers 4,200 acres about four miles south of Reedsville in Manitowoc County. The area is managed primarily as wetland habitat, with the main impoundment designed to provide waterfowl habitat during spring and fall migrations. The property also includes smaller wetland impoundments and fields of upland prairie grass that serve as nesting cover for ground-nesting waterfowl such as mallards and blue-winged teal.
After native vegetation becomes established, the marsh will be reflooded in early spring. Staff are also using the drawdown to replace the gates used to manage water levels, the DNR said. The new gates will allow greater flexibility in managing water levels for habitat management in the future.
The drawdown is expected to last through the winter of 2026-2027 to allow other habitat projects to be completed.