DU Completes Rainwater Basin Project in Nebraska
August 16, 2016 •
1
min read
Ducks Unlimited has completed a wetland restoration project on the 640-acre Hansen Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) in Clay County, Nebraska. This project is one of the largest efforts undertaken by DU in the Rainwater Basin. DU's work on this project included filling several water-concentration pits and installing a pipeline to supply water for managed wetland habitat. DU also plugged two drainage ditches to restore a second large wetland on the tract.
This project was launched several years ago when DU acquired a 320-acre property adjoining the Hansen WPA. The land was eventually transferred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as an addition to the WPA. DU then removed a mile-long levee separating the two properties.
The Hanson WPA project will provide outstanding migration habitat for waterfowl and will be open to the public for hunting and other forms of outdoor recreation. DU is planning a formal project dedication on this site in March. The Nebraska Environmental Trust and the North American Wetlands Conservation Council contributed significant funding to this effort.
Colorado Project Uses Unique Water Infiltration System
Ducks Unlimited recently developed a pumping system in Colorado that will make it easier-and less expensive-to pump water into augmentation wetlands along the Platte River. DU staff installed a water infiltration pipe three feet below the river bed. The new system will deliver water to a sedimentation well, then into a clear well. Water will then be pumped into nearby wetlands during "free river" times, when the supply of water in the river exceeds demands of other water users.
This project was launched several years ago when DU acquired a 320-acre property adjoining the Hansen WPA. The land was eventually transferred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as an addition to the WPA. DU then removed a mile-long levee separating the two properties.
The Hanson WPA project will provide outstanding migration habitat for waterfowl and will be open to the public for hunting and other forms of outdoor recreation. DU is planning a formal project dedication on this site in March. The Nebraska Environmental Trust and the North American Wetlands Conservation Council contributed significant funding to this effort.
Colorado Project Uses Unique Water Infiltration System
Ducks Unlimited recently developed a pumping system in Colorado that will make it easier-and less expensive-to pump water into augmentation wetlands along the Platte River. DU staff installed a water infiltration pipe three feet below the river bed. The new system will deliver water to a sedimentation well, then into a clear well. Water will then be pumped into nearby wetlands during "free river" times, when the supply of water in the river exceeds demands of other water users.
